So last friday I drove in to work and everything was fine. I tried to drive home in the afternoon and the bike wouldn't start, the gauge was flickering, the fuel pump didn't whine, etc.

So I changed the battery last night, and now the gauge doesn't flicker and the fuel pump primes. I haven't started it yet because it is actually sitting in my basement.


Anywho, three questions:

First, should I be concerned about a dead alternator? Or is it common for a battery to die after 5 years and 7k miles?

Second, if it is the alternator, how long will it take for the battery to die again?

Third, I couldn't get the positive cable attached to the new battery using the thick washer that was on it originally, so I just used a few standard washers I had laying around. I know this is a dumb question, but is there any reason this could be problematic?

 

bikes have a stator instead of an alternator, and it has static magnets. 5 years out of a battery is pretty good really. Next time you start your bike, if you're worried about the stator, get a multi-meter out and see what kind of voltage you're getting. at idle you may only get a little over 12v, but at 2000 rpm you should be getting at least 13.5. This will tell you if your good to go. If you're not getting above 12v, don't worry too much, because it's more likely that your voltage regulator is bad, which is on the front of the frame. There's a method to testing it as well, but you'll need a service manual to test it. As far as the washers go, I don't have any on mine, so I'll let someone else chime in on that.

 

1 five years for a battery is about my average.
2 in 25 yrs of riding I've never had an alternator go bad, but I've heard on XL's they some times die at around 25k. I'm at about 23 now and my 08 is doing fine.

 

3 I forgot the last?
No worries on the washer.

 

1). 5yr lifecycle is normal...
2). What guitarman said, but your bike's charging system is probably fine...just dead battery
3). As long as you coat washers w/grease (dielectric, or normal) you should be good.

 

Thanks all!

Is the grease just to prevent corrosion?

 

you betcha