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Strong battery

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by trekrider, Apr 14, 2009.

  1. trekrider

    trekrider Member

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    How much effect does having a strong new battery help in starting the cycle?
     
    trekrider, Apr 14, 2009
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  2. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    It is essential to have a fully charged battery to spin the starter motor and give a healthy spark.
     
    wizard, Apr 14, 2009
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  3. Ace_Frehley

    Ace_Frehley Member

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    A weak battery will cause most of the amperage to be diverted to the starter, and away from the coils. Thus, as the bike is turning over there is not enough spark to get it to catch. If you ever notice that as soon as you take your thumb off the button the bike will fire, then your battery is probably low.

    Like Wiz said a strong battery is one of the most important components you can have! A weak battery can even do damage to your charging system.
     
    Ace_Frehley, Apr 15, 2009
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  4. pictishusa

    pictishusa Member

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    Just a thought, i keep my battery on a trickle charger 1.5 amp i got from walmart for like 25 bucks has a quick connect to make it easy, its a schumacher, great for storing your bike or in the winter, keeps my battery fully charged wont overcharge.
     
    pictishusa, Apr 15, 2009
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  5. trekrider

    trekrider Member

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    I replaced my old battery with a new one, now the bike seems run nicer, smoother, not to mention starts easier.
    Does this make sense that the cycle would run and idle nicer with the new battery?? I would only think that it would make starting easier.
     
    trekrider, Apr 18, 2009
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  6. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    Yes, it does make sense, as the alternator doesn't provide much current at idle,... so, if the battery is weak, the colis may not be getting enough power at idle for strong spark.

    Computerized engine management systems actually adjust coil dwell time based on battery voltage, but I don't think the TCI unit is smart enough for that.
     
    SQLGuy, Apr 18, 2009
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  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Correct on both points. The TCI is "first generation" all it does is provide the ignition/advance; no fancy "computerization" there.
    Further, since the charging system isn't doing anything below 2 grand, it is up to the battery at low RPM.
     
    bigfitz52, Apr 19, 2009
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  8. switch263

    switch263 Member

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    I have one of these. It WILL overcharge your battery. Just wait until you go out to the garage one day and hear your battery trying to boil because the 'fully charged' circuit on the charger kicked on, but it didnt kick OFF the charging circuit.
     
    switch263, Apr 19, 2009
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  9. tylernt

    tylernt Member

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    Yeah, my Wal-Mart 1.5A charger boils my battery too. I first tried a solar cell in a window but just ended up with a dead battery.

    I'm thinking a trickle charger would have been a better choice.
     
    tylernt, Apr 19, 2009
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