Battery light

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  • Reverend
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Battery light

    I recently placed my 83 GS1100ES for sale on the Classified Forum. While the bike is solid mechanically, I noticed the other day that the battery light remains on after I start it. The battery is new. I'm not sure what the cause is. Does anybody have any ideas? Thanks!!
  • posplayr
    Forum LongTimer
    GSResource Superstar
    Past Site Supporter
    • Dec 2007
    • 23673
    • Tucson Az

    #2
    There is a sensor in the battery. G/Bl wire . Pull the wire high using a switched 12V signal. Brake light switch works (O/G).
    Last edited by posplayr; 08-31-2016, 03:21 PM.

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    • geol

      #3
      This issue comes up on a number of bike forums for bikes where there is a battery sensor that fits into the battery. From what I gather, there is a paucity of selection of batteries with the extra hole for this sensor. A lot of Yamahas also have the sensor... such as the early Ventures.

      Comment

      • Steve
        GS Whisperer
        • Jun 2005
        • 35924
        • southwest oHIo

        #4
        Yep. The battery with the sensor hole does exist, but not everybody carries it.

        Since you apparently did not get one of those, take the wire that is supposed to go to the battery sensor and connect it to a switched power source. Posplayr suggested the brake circuit, I agree. Just in case something shorts out, you only lose your brake light, turn signals and horn. Personally, I would rather not lose the headlight or the ignition while negotiating a curve at night, the brake light is a much easier loss to handle.

        .
        sigpic
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        #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
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        • posplayr
          Forum LongTimer
          GSResource Superstar
          Past Site Supporter
          • Dec 2007
          • 23673
          • Tucson Az

          #5
          Originally posted by Steve
          Yep. The battery with the sensor hole does exist, but not everybody carries it.

          Since you apparently did not get one of those, take the wire that is supposed to go to the battery sensor and connect it to a switched power source. Posplayr suggested the brake circuit, I agree. Just in case something shorts out, you only lose your brake light, turn signals and horn. Personally, I would rather not lose the headlight or the ignition while negotiating a curve at night, the brake light is a much easier loss to handle.

          .
          With that type of concern you can put a 10K ohm resistor in series. I measured the relationship between current draw and the resistor value at one point but do not recall the values at the moment.

          The 10K ohm resistor shoudl stop any potential for a short.

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          • Redman
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Mar 2004
            • 13717
            • Michigan, west Michigan

            #6
            Originally posted by posplayr
            .

            The 10K ohm resistor shoudl stop any potential for a short.
            Is That a pun ... ?

            .
            http://webpages.charter.net/ddvrnr/GS850_1100_Emblems.jpg
            Had 850G for 14 years. Now have GK since 2005.
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            • Steve
              GS Whisperer
              • Jun 2005
              • 35924
              • southwest oHIo

              #7
              Originally posted by Redman
              Is That a pun ... ?

              .
              It comes pretty close.

              The resisitor will greatly REDUCE the potential (voltage), but won't stop it completely.

              .
              sigpic
              mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
              hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
              #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
              #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
              Family Portrait
              Siblings and Spouses
              Mom's first ride
              Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
              (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

              Comment

              • posplayr
                Forum LongTimer
                GSResource Superstar
                Past Site Supporter
                • Dec 2007
                • 23673
                • Tucson Az

                #8
                Actually the resistor does not limit any potential or voltage it limits current.

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