Battery Or Alternator?

Discussion in 'Speed Triple' started by DanielB, May 10, 2019.

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  1. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Hi all,

    After a week of no riding i find my battery is flat; is this likely the battery (not holding a charge) or it isn't being charged by the alternator?

    I can trickle charge the battery and it is fine - as in i can have a few weeks of hassle free riding. It seems only after the long inactivity there is an issue. I am not aware of having an alarm fitted! No lights or heated grips are left on from what I can see!

    I commute - about 15 mile round trip through town and also A roads...I ride with headlights on (not full beam).

    I have a volt meter. What are the values I should be seeing across the battery - when

    engine is off?
    at ignition?
    at idle?

    Will these values help ascertain if it is the battery or alternator?

    If it is the battery - I am assuming it is old...what should I be looking for in its replacement?

    Bike is 2002 Triple 955i - in beautiful, burly blue, if that matters :p

    Thanks good people!!
     
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  2. Sprinter

    Sprinter Kinigit

    Aug 17, 2014
    6,026
    1,000
    uk
    How old is the battery.
    Can you swap it out?
    Most likely the battery.
     
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  3. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    thanks sprinter - i do not have another, but i assume it is the battery...it looks old. i ve only had the bike a few months...
     
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  4. Sprinter

    Sprinter Kinigit

    Aug 17, 2014
    6,026
    1,000
    uk
    #4 Sprinter, May 10, 2019
    Last edited: May 12, 2019
    90% of these things, are the battery passing away.
     
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  5. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    Easy way to check is start her up. At tickover you should get 12.5-13v between battery terminals and up to 14.5v if you blip the throttle.

    That will verify alternator and rectifier/regulator unless the figures are wildly different.

    If your charging circuit is fine you are then looking at an ageing battery that will not hold its charge or some sort of parasitic drain from an accessory or short circuit. Any battery 3+ yrs old subject to infrequent use may well be getting tired.
     
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  6. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Marvellous - thank you, these are the figures I needed...I can get out my voltmeter and feel like I know what I'm doing now :cool:

    Any thoughts/recommendations on a battery for replacement?
     
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  7. freck

    freck Elite Member

    May 4, 2017
    1,719
    750
    Preston, Lancs, UK
    I’ve just bought a Motobatt after all the positive reviews I’ve read from other Triumph owners on other forums (fora? : unamused:)
     
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  8. freck

    freck Elite Member

    May 4, 2017
    1,719
    750
    Preston, Lancs, UK
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  9. Taff

    Taff Member

    Nov 27, 2018
    31
    18
    Cymru
    As above.
    Get a motobatt. They cost a bit more but they're worth every penny. Don’t waste your time on a cheap battery. It will give you a world of pain then you’ll buy a motobatt and tell everyone else to, like I’m doing.
    Atb
    Taff
     
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  10. Andymarksonline

    Andymarksonline Well-Known Member

    Aug 26, 2018
    238
    93
    Kent
    Yep. Motobatt all the way. Had one on my street.
     
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  11. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Ok, I'm happy with that battery linked to...but a couple of questions...

    My manual says 12v/12Ah... But you say get one with 14Ah... What is the difference? Will I 'blow' anything with more Ah?

    Also, the link is for 2001 955i; mines 2002. Does it matter ?
     
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  12. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire

    I see! Thank you for taking the time to clarify! I'll check the exact specs in the morning...and if I can just get my missuse to work some extra overtime...maybe I'll get the motobatt... :laughing:
     
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  13. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Just picking up on this; manual (Haynes) says:
    Capacity 12V, 12Ah
    Type GS GTX14-BS

    What does the 'type' mean or refer to and how does that relate to what you asked in your post?

    Just curious.

    And then, when buying new, what should I be looking for regarding the 'type'?
     
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  14. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    Photo attached.

    I'm assuming this isn't original.

    I do t mind NOT replacing like for like...just want to replace with a correct one.

    I am a little wary of blowing CPUs or anything sensitive...

    15576759104134531716046040469931.jpg
     
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  15. Sprinter

    Sprinter Kinigit

    Aug 17, 2014
    6,026
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    • Agree Agree x 1
  16. freck

    freck Elite Member

    May 4, 2017
    1,719
    750
    Preston, Lancs, UK
    That is a 14Ah, an upgrade from the original 12Ah so you can go ahead and get one the same spec.
    Don’t worry about blowing anything, as long as it’s a 12V battery you’ll be fine. As previously mentioned, the ‘12’ or ‘14’ denotes its capacity, as in how long it’ll last for a given load; 14 being more than 12 means it’s got more capacity.
    The battery will only give out what it’s being asked for by the bikes systems, so won’t fry anything.
     
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  17. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    17.3V at tick over
    18V when blipped...

    15576767175326592062079388543699.jpg
     
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  18. freck

    freck Elite Member

    May 4, 2017
    1,719
    750
    Preston, Lancs, UK
    Something not right there, you should only be getting about 14.5V max. Have a look @Callumity post on page 1
     
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  19. freck

    freck Elite Member

    May 4, 2017
    1,719
    750
    Preston, Lancs, UK
    I’d say you could be right there DD,
     
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  20. DanielB

    DanielB Noble Member

    Jan 13, 2019
    882
    393
    Abingdon, Oxfordshire
    I'm am grateful for all advice.

    If it seems something isn't right....I assume I could damage a new and expensive battery?

    What is the reg/rec....?
    How will I know if it is a bollock down
    How do I fix it!?
    Will my wife have to work even harder to pay for it!
     
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