Trouble starting

[kerrfunk]

So here's a curiosity.

I haven't ridden my bike for a week or so, and it doesn't start up on the first try when I haven't started it much.
So this afternoon I was pushing the start button and after a while it stopped turning over and all the dash lights went out.
I had somewhere to go, so I hopped in the car, did my stuff, and came back.

Took the seat off and looked at the fuses, they're fine.

Took the side cover off and looked at the battery. One lead was loose. Not off, but a half turn of the screwdriver and then the dash lights came on and I was able to start the bike.

What the heck? How would a battery terminal bolt loosen itself a half turn?

Also I guess I should leave the trickle charger on when I don't ride for a week.

[Guest]

So here's a curiosity.

I haven't ridden my bike for a week or so, and it doesn't start up on the first try when I haven't started it much.
So this afternoon I was pushing the start button and after a while it stopped turning over and all the dash lights went out.
I had somewhere to go, so I hopped in the car, did my stuff, and came back.

Took the seat off and looked at the fuses, they're fine.

Took the side cover off and looked at the battery. One lead was loose. Not off, but a half turn of the screwdriver and then the dash lights came on and I was able to start the bike.

What the heck? How would a battery terminal bolt loosen itself a half turn?

Also I guess I should leave the trickle charger on when I don't ride for a week.

Heat and vibration, maybe. Did you use a 10mm wrench or socket to tighten them or a Phillips? Phillip screwdrivers never tighten them enough for my liking, use a wrench to get it good and tight.

[Steve]

If you have an AGM battery (that is a construction type, not a brand name), you could let it go just about all winter without charging, so a week or so should not be a problem.

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[Redman]

SOunds like the loose battery connection was your problem. Probably just was not tight enough to start with, and loosend up with temperature changes and vibration.

About "Leaving trickle charger on it".
DO you mean a 3/4 or 1 or 2 amp battery charger..... if so, no, don't leave that on for days at a time.
If it is a battery maintainer, that will turn itself off when fully charged, then, yah, go ahead and leave that on if you want.

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