696 Battery, need suggestions.

[pesto]

I have a '14 696 with 20k or so miles. It had the original battery. This morning it wouldn't start. Knocked really lucky but no ignition. Lights and console were on. I put it on a trickle charger for a few minutes and it kicked over and started right up. Could the battery be dying? Should I ride it up to the dealer so I don't get stranded? Maybe just keep a spare in the garage? Thanks!

[greenohawk69]

Load test the battery. Take it to Autozone and have them check it. Battery could be bad - had 2 that died after 6 and 12 months.

Take a multimeter and test the battery and see what the voltage is. I'd at least charge it overnight and check it in the AM.

[DarkMonster620]

if voltage, when doing the voltage drop test, drops, under 12V, you are not looking good . . . if you want to do a fast charging test, start bike and measure voltage at battery terminals, idling should be around 12.5~13 and at about 3500rpm, should be around 14.5V . . . if at idle voltage is higher, usually, please read, USUALLY, battery might have a cell not working properly and needs to be tested at a place where they have the correct equipment

[Howie]

As stated, fully charge, and have it load tested.  Fully charged open cell voltage on your AGM battery should be over 12.8 volts.  If less, just replace. 

[pesto]

Thank you! I will test it.