Battery Charging Question

[arai_speed]

While doing my routine check to turn the bike on at least once a week (I haven't been riding her) the panel lights went on but the bike didn't start up.  I quickly put it on the battery tender and left it on overnight.  The next day she fired up as usual.

While on a ride this morning the bike died at a stop light.  It came back on after I hit the ignition and didn't show any problems the rest of the day.  I put the bike back on the tender when I got home and it quickly read that it was at 80% of charge and in about 20 mins the charger marked a solid green.

Is it time to replace the battery?  I wouldn't be giving this any thought if the bike had not died for no reason whatsoever, granted it only did it once.  I took the battery out to make sure all the connections are clear and free and left it on the battery tender for good measure.

I appreciate any feedback or opinions on this matter.

[erkishhorde]

Yo! Long time! We should ride soon before it starts raining a lot more!  What kind of battery do you have? Is it a maintenance free one? If it's not, I'd check the water levels if you haven't done that recently. I remember reading somewhere that the bikes with the newer, smaller battery don't like to sit for more than a couple weeks w/o running and will drain out and need a charge.

[Howie]

From your description it sounds like the cause of the stall was probably not battery related.  If your bike cranked well after the stall that is a sign of a good battery.  Want to be sure?  Get the battery load tested.  On the flip side, since your battery is four years old replacing it wouldn't be the worst idea as preventive maintenance, especially since it is fuel injected.   Still, I would want to load test it just so I know. 

[Turf]

Depending upon how long it's been sitting the battery drainage could have been you. The bike doesn't charge itself at idle. If you've been starting it every week, depending upon how long it sat the drain from starting it could have caused the battery to drop below the energy it needs to crank the engine over...since you charged it it should b good to go but i wouldn't start it every week just to check it.

[Howie]

Depending upon how long it's been sitting the battery drainage could have been you. The bike doesn't charge itself at idle. If you've been starting it every week, depending upon how long it sat the drain from starting it could have caused the battery to drop below the energy it needs to crank the engine over...since you charged it it should b good to go but i wouldn't start it every week just to check it.

Oh yeah, forgot that part.  Either ride it or let it sit.  Besides possibly running the battery down about all you are accomplishing is oil dilution and engine wear.

[bdub]

At what rpm does the alternator kick in and start to charge? I also start mine and let it idle at about 1500 - 2000. That's not good? I've often wondered if I was just kidding myself.

Thanks

[ducpainter]

Full output of the alternator is in the 2500-3500 rpm range.

You've been kidding yourself. Much more damage, than good, occurs from short periods of idling.

[arai_speed]

Wow - thanks for the insight!  I had  no idea I was the one doing the damage...crap....from now on no more starts unless I'm riding her.

Eric - we should definitely ride.  I will hit you up and try not to flake on you :-)