Battery Or Alternator?

DanielB · May 10, 2019

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

Thanks good people!!

Sprinter · May 10, 2019

How old is the battery.
Can you swap it out?
Most likely the battery.

DanielB · May 10, 2019

Sprinter said: ↑

How old is the battery.
Can you swap it out?
Most likely the battery.
Click to expand...

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...

Sprinter · May 10, 2019

90% of these things, are the battery passing away.

Callumity · May 10, 2019

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.

DanielB · May 10, 2019

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

Any thoughts/recommendations on a battery for replacement?

freck · May 10, 2019

I’ve just bought a Motobatt after all the positive reviews I’ve read from other Triumph owners on other forums (fora? )

freck · May 10, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

These are hard to beat for the price...
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/251437709290
Check that your current battery has "14" somewhere in its name? If it's the 12 Ah version not 14? The battery will be a fair bit cheaper.
Click to expand...

The Motobatt I bought is a 16Ah and fits ok. A good upgrade in capacity and CCA

Taff · May 10, 2019

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

Andymarksonline · May 10, 2019

freck said: ↑

I’ve just bought a Motobatt after all the positive reviews I’ve read from other Triumph owners on other forums (fora? )
Click to expand...

Yep. Motobatt all the way. Had one on my street.

DanielB · May 10, 2019

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 ?

DanielB · May 10, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

Does your manual suggest a YTX12BS? (or equivalent)
If so, the same brand/model I suggested in that spec is just under £33 inc p+p.

The motobatt batteries that a lot of the guys are raving about are a lot better but more money.

Think of a 14Ah V's a 12Ah as having a bigger storage cupboard. It still only delivers 12v but it'll do so for longer. I put a 75Ah battery in my bike engined kit car. I think the recommend battery is a 12Ah?

If the dimensions of the 14Ah are the same as the 12Ah? For a couple of quid more I'd have the 14Ah.
Click to expand...

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...

DanielB · May 12, 2019

Dozers Dad said: ↑

Does your manual suggest a YTX12BS? (or equivalent)
If so, the same brand/model I suggested in that spec is just under £33 inc p+p.

The motobatt batteries that a lot of the guys are raving about are a lot better but more money.

Think of a 14Ah V's a 12Ah as having a bigger storage cupboard. It still only delivers 12v but it'll do so for longer. I put a 75Ah battery in my bike engined kit car. I think the recommend battery is a 12Ah?

If the dimensions of the 14Ah are the same as the 12Ah? For a couple of quid more I'd have the 14Ah.
Click to expand...

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'?

DanielB · May 12, 2019

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...

Sprinter · May 12, 2019

They are not a great battery.
Phone wemoto and ask then to suggest an upgrade.

https://www.wemoto.com/bikes/triumph/speed_triple_955_t509_efi/02-03

freck · May 12, 2019

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.

DanielB · May 12, 2019

17.3V at tick over
18V when blipped...

freck · May 12, 2019

Something not right there, you should only be getting about 14.5V max. Have a look @Callumity post on page 1

freck · May 12, 2019

I’d say you could be right there DD,

DanielB · May 12, 2019

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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