Ok guys im trying to get my sisters 1998 Sportster 883 started the other day and found out that the battery is dead, she had the bike running about 3weeks ago and now it wont start. So first I used a 6amp charger overnight and that only brought up the voltage up to around 7volts, how long should it take to fully charge the battery with a 6amp charger? Also I forgot to mention that the battery Diehard is two years old. What should the voltage be while its running?
Thanks ~Gage~

 

sounds like its time for a new battery....a 6 amp should do it in a few hours.

 

Make sure the battery terminals are tight. I had some weird issues that turned out to be the ground terminal. Seemed tight but the way its cramped in there bumps can loosen it up pretty quick if it is not lined up right.


RAL

 

Battery is toast. In the future throw it on a tender when it won't be in use for long periods of time. As for charging, maybe go with a 2amp charger if this occurs in the future, in order to preserve the battery.

 

6 amp overnight shoulda done it. You should have 12.7 or so volts not running and just over 14 running. Is it a sealed maintenance free battery? If not it may need water added then charged.

 

Thanks for the fast replies everyone, ya it a sealed maintenance free battery, Im going to tell her to buy another one from Sears, how about Walmart batteries?
~Gage~

 

Walmarts around here only sell the battery's you have to fill with acid and then charge. Around $45 bucks. They work but I prefer a sealed battery in my bikes. Harley battery's are good battery's, over priced but they last. Sears may be your best bet for less money for a sealed unit.Does Sears sell AGM battery's?

 

Just get the Harley battery. It is not that expensive and it will fit in that tiny hole correctly.


RAL

 

Well I just wanted to say thanks guys for all the help once again. It was the battery like you said and I installed a new one, the one I got you have to fill with acid and then charge for I think it was 9hrs and than install it, it fired right up and its showing a little over 14volt running.
~Gage~

 

Just for future reference, the bike has a 12 Amp Hour battery.
A 6 amp charger should charge it in 2 hours.
A 6 amp charger, left on overnight, will cook the battery. If the battery wasn't shot before you hooked up the charger, it will be the next morning.