I read a few threads and still not confident an approximation on how long a battery should hold a charge while idle in cold weather (its been about average 0 degrees celsius for the past 2 weeks). I think the last time i rode my bike was about 3 weeks ago. I tried to start it up today and the bike would turn, but not enough to start. Essentially, IM trying to find out whether i should go buy a battery now because i have a rare opportunity to ride tomorrow as the forecast is a balmy 10 degrees celsius. Temps will drop immediately thereafter. I have it on the tender of course, but if the battery discharged too quickly, Id rather just buy a battery today before the shop closes. having said its been about 3 weeks since i started my 2014 48 only has 660 kms on it. Should the battery held its charge? thanks

 

My 2014 Battery just died a couple of weeks ago. Dealer replaced it under warranty.
Since the weather will be good tomorrow buy a cheap charger and charge it overnight.
If it doesn't hold the charge after a couple of days get it replaced under warranty.

 

Last winter I had my battery on one of those $35 Princess Auto battery tenders. It worked like a charm. I'd suggest you get one of these even if you end up getting a new battery. It apparently, (I have no amount of personal experience in this), lengthens the service life of your battery.

 

thanks. i have 3 trickle chargers from my race bikes and Ive never had any of those batteries ever failed me. it started after being on the charger for 2 hrs, but i just wondered how long it should last. i didn't know my warranty covered the battery, but good to know. my warranty is good tiil fall 2015. i may extent but its pretty expensive i think (thats a whole other story and maybe a good post to explore). thanks

 

Use a tender, just as you do for your racers. It's easiest to simply buy another one, plug it in and forget it, alternatively connect one up every couple of weeks.

 

Set up a quick disconnect on your battery if your not riding put it on a tender. Always do it and youll battery ill last longer

 

yup, have the quick connect on the racers and my 48. I put all my bikes on the tender during winter. i was just wondering how long a 48 keeps its charge. ill be using my tender on my 48 all year round

 

Search around the forum. There is at least one fairly lengthy and, occasionally animated, debate about extended warranties. I'll make a couple of points here. Some seem to think the EW is for maintenance, "do my own wrenching", its not. Some think its a warranty, its not. Its insurance, a bet against your bike remaining trouble free for 5 more years.

 

A 2014 battery should hold it's charge a month if it's fully charged. Key is was it fully charged. In that kind of weather, would not hurt to keep it on the low amp maintenance charger.

 

^^^Yes^^^

Depending on the temp too...batteries should retain enough juice, but a month's pushing it. Put it on a tender and you never have to worry...