[no bs]

symptoms: upon turning key to on position, fuel pump energizes, fuel pump icon goes out as normal. starting, fuel pump icon illuminates briefly then out as normal. I think the factory exide has lost it's inspiration(2011 g5 deluxe purchased on 8 apr 2012). frankly, has lasted about as long as I would expect for a one lunger. still kick starts, was slow cranking.

[gashousegorilla]

  Sure sounds like it.  My Exide lasted three years.... using a tender to compensate for the ..ah... charging system       I'm on my second battery since 09'.  I had a good sealed battery on a bike last six years... and sold the bike with it.  Used a battery tender on that one too.

[gremlin]

Amplifying what GHG has implied about the charging system.

The UCE alternator is not really up to the task of a slow reving engine with electric start and "allways-on" headlight.

Either keep your battery charged, or, watch it die from sulfate suffocation.

[no bs]

well, i ride it almost every day at 70 mph indicated to work and back. i think it has just gone south.

[Ducati Scotty]

You could try a trickle charger to see if it revives but it sounds done to me.

Scott.

[barenekd]

The staock batteries are noted for short lives. Replace it with a  good AGM, I used a Deka. No charging problems with a 55-60 H4 bulb. Actually never any charging problems. I did have the jumper removed so I could turn off the headlight when not necessary. Even rode around occasionally with it off. Never had any problems with cops. They probably just thought it was an antique and left it alone!
Bare

[gremlin]

well, i ride it almost every day at 70 mph indicated to work and back. i think it has just gone south.

Fair enough.  Under those conditions I would expect the charging system to be adequate.

[Ducati Scotty]

+1.  Also, if you've been riding the same way every day and never had a problem why would you now?

And +1 to AGM.

Scott

[no bs]

even get an indicated 80 mph on occasion to avoid the cagers. did not leave me stranded, so that's good.

[Craig McClure]

Over the years I've found doddering batteries to finally fail during a FULL MOON. WE'VE BEEN HAVING A BEAUTY LATELY, if you've noticed. Anyone else noted this phenomenon?
**Do yourself a favor get an AGM battery. You will like it!

[gashousegorilla]

i think it has just gone south.

   And I need to follow it !    To the magical land of warm Batteries, sunny skies, riding season eveyday, open roads, no taffic, no charging issues.......   No feckin' Snow.... No feckin' 10 degree's.     


  At least my snow blower has a 120v E start !.....  Ah.... I'll let a few more inches fall before I get into it.

[no bs]

no rain in the near forecast for northern california. every day is a good one to ride. but not if you are thirsty or like to bathe(beer costs too much to bathe in).

[gashousegorilla]

no rain in the near forecast for northern california. every day is a good one to ride. but not if you are thirsty or like to bathe(beer costs too much to bathe in).

  I could get into some Bathing in beer in the Magical riding land ....   


  BUT NOT WHILE RIDING !  Or before and such.... You know

[no bs]

I took it to work today, no problems. the check engine light is still illuminating briefly after start up. I have measured 13v at the battery with nothing on. tomorrow i'll put the fluke inductive ammeter on while running. what should the charging out put read? at what rpm? I realize it's not going to be a whole lot, but is there a value stated somewhere?

[Ducati Scotty]

Should be 13.5-14.5V at cruising RPM.