Battery, not charging...

[bruceybigguns]

It reads 11.4 volts when not started and it wont start. Battery has been moved as per pic. Question:

Do I need a new battery or should it fire her up with 11.4?

Cheers,
Bruce.

[bruceybigguns]

Where is the best place to move a battery?

[bruceybigguns]

Because it looks crap here

[hairygit]

Has it been used regularly, or left standing for ages? If it's not been used for a while, try charging the battery, off the bike after checking the acid levels. once fully charged, check the voltage again, if no improvement then a new battery is needed

[bruceybigguns]

Cheers hairy git I will have a crack at that

[Lobo]

Brucey,

Have you considered a sealed type battery? The lead acid in my M/Guzzi is canted 45 degs: the LiFePo's in my 2 Hondas can be installed at any angle - ie lay it on its side to help hide it? The LiPos aren't bloody cheap though....

http://w.carrotcycles.co.uk/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=217

Cheers,
Lobo

[bruceybigguns]

Lobo,

Will defiantly have a look into it, which one would I need for a cb 550? (Please don't say the most expensive!!)

Cheers

[matthewmosse]

Will it turn over? If not is there a click sound from the starter solinoid. I often find shorting the 2  terminals on the solinoid will sus out a lot of issues, and of course check the battery terminals are tight and the starter lead. I nearly jumped to buying a  new battery for my 125 only to find the starter lead was loose and it had a fouled plug making starting an issue. 5 minuites testing saved me the cost of a battery and the time to fit and then repair what was wrong anyway. Set up right a 500 or 550 should start with a well toasted battery by use of the kick starter.

[bruceybigguns]

I have fully charged the battery and it seems to have sorted the problem.... For now anyway but will need to check all the connections as you've mentioned.
Cheers fellas