Starting Problems

[roostingu]

I am having starting problems the starter seems to want more amperage than normal to crank, I am in process of cleaning the battery connection to the starter. But I am wondering if I made a mistake by running a Yuasa 8amp battery for a season and on top of that I have one of those led tailight turn signal rear combo that has a boatload of led's and I don't know but I think it draws more than the stock setup. I replaced the rectifier about a year ago before this battery it was used mainly because it was here and free bought for a CBR-600 brand new and worked fine for about 8months but when it got cold and everything was thick it didn't have the amps to do the job. The battery tests 13volts but is killed quickly when trying to start but when running(it will start with the assistance of a jump)the voltage @ 2000 rpm is 14.5 more rpm less voltage down to 13.5 @ 5000rpm so is think the finned rectifier is ok is there anything besides an underamped battery or bad connection at the starter that comes into play? I was thinking of going to a 14amp battery or at least the 12amp stock is , any suggestions for battery replacement?
Jeff 1998 VTR 1000 33,000 miles

[sirch345]

Hi Jeff

My advice would be to get a correct amp hour battery first, then see if you still have a problem. All that you have posted (apart from the small amp hour battery) sounds to be fine.

I looked into fitting a bigger amp hour battery myself, but found the more amps the bigger the size. I looked at a Varadero battery, it seems that one is the same width and depth but 15mm higher.

I also would recommend getting another Yuasa battery, I made the mistake of going for a cheaper after market item only to find it lasting just 17mths. My old original Yuasa battery lasted 7yrs.

Cheers,

Chris.

PS. Oh and Welcome to the site

[Pete.L]

HI Jeff
Welcome Aboard
Sounds like you definitely need a bigger battery. Problem is as the weather gets colder the battery becomes less efficient ( and the oil is thicker and it's harder to turn the engine over) so you need more power to compensate. Your little 8 amp battery was probably fine through the summer but now you're going to need an up grade or move to Florida

Pete.l

[roostingu]

went with a ytx14bs instead of the ytx12bs because size was the same except the heighth was 5.75 instead of 5.125 measured the battery box it will fit easily it is slightly heavier 3 oz and was only $5 more and 200cca instead of 180 of the ytx12bs and 2 to 4 amps more can't understand the specs here but more is better I hope. I wonder if the led tailight does draw more than stock as it has so many led's and turn signals incorperated should be OK .
IF any one knows why I should not do this speak now or forever hold your peace.

Thanks Jeff

[Seeker 77]

Welcome mate, just for info the led lights use a massive amount less power than normal bulbs so don't worry about them. It is more than likely that the power in the battery is just insufficient to turn it over.

Cheers

[roostingu]

I am sure you are correct. I have put 28,000 miles on this bike and still don't want anything else for the pavement.
I am picking up my new offroad ride in Feb a KTM 530 EXC-R looking forward to doing some thumping, I have a 05 250 exc now and have been riding enduro's in northern Michigan going to ride Baja with the 530

Jeff

[Stratman]

I have put 28,000 miles on this bike and still don't want anything else for the pavement.

Isn't the American language quaint?

I'd take a rubber to that word and change it if I were you