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FYI Battery terminal bolts can come loose/bike can not start
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 7:42 am
by R1150Rclean
Turned the bike off at a light about a month ago and could not restart, had to get a jump from a car. Figured I had not charged it enough while ridding (15 min. commute to work) and had not put it on the charger recently. Then yesterday at work the bike would not turn over (but had just charged over night), got a volt meter and the battery was fine (13 V), but found that the POSITIVE terminal bolt was slightly loose. Pulled the tank and found that there was a lock washer on one side but not the other so locked both sides and tightened (NEG terminal has a captive bolt so only needed one lock washer). I replaced the battery 2 1/2 years ago (Westco dry cell) and the bolts were tight "then", but had not rechecked sine then until now. Fortunately the BMW tool kit has everything needed to take the tank off. Something to check if you have not.
Re: FYI Battery terminal bolts can come loose/bike can not s
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 8:37 am
by gaijin
R1150Rclean wrote: Then yesterday at work the bike would not turn over (but had just charged over night), Something to check if you have not.
It happened to me too.
After I completed Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course, Dark and it is time to go home. BIKE (Harley) NOT START, Push it, No Luck. I got so angry: I decided to slap at battery (has battery cover on it). The bike started. I rode home as fast as I can before it will act up, Park the bike.
I checked it the next day, Loose battery terminal.
AGREE WITH YOU. You need to check this simple thing.
Re: FYI Battery terminal bolts can come loose/bike can not s
Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 2:44 pm
by Dr. Strangelove
that happens on cars, too. Corrosion can get in there and mess up the connection.
"Percussive maintenance" can often get you started, or just grabbing the terminal and twisting.
I always put dielectric grease on the threads of the screw and so far so good.
John