Brand new Blade , Should my battery sound this flat ?

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by dan.1moore1, Apr 30, 2011.

  1. dan.1moore1

    dan.1moore1 Senior Member

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    Hi guys,

    Question to 08+ owners

    My Battery sounds flat when i start my bike. It always starts but sounds like it is struggling.

    The dealer warned me that it is just how the new blades are as they have a very small battery.

    Is this true with everyone elses bike? Is there a way to resolve this? More powerful battery maybe?
     
    #1 dan.1moore1, Apr 30, 2011
  2. JM1

    JM1 Active Member

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    Yeah everyone is shocked when they first hear it.
    The battery is small but, in my experience, works fine as long as you keep it maintained with a tricke charger.
    Honda regreared the starter motor to work with that battery.
    You could buy one of those LifePo4 (or whatever it is) batteries if it bothers you.
     
    #2 JM1, Apr 30, 2011
  3. dan.1moore1

    dan.1moore1 Senior Member

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    Thats ok then. Thought i better check.. It doesnt really bother me as long as it starts ha
     
    #3 dan.1moore1, Apr 30, 2011
  4. Bikeracer1098

    Bikeracer1098 Active Member

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    Try starting a Ducati 1098R with Pistol high compression race pistons and blue printed engine if you think the CBR1000RR struggles to start!!!! LOL !!!!
     
    #4 Bikeracer1098, Apr 30, 2011
  5. Remal

    Remal It's ME
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    I use my Optimate a day or so before using my blade just in case. Went out yesterday and put it on change the Thurs. Going away tomorrow for the night so no need.

    but worth checking before going out
     
    #5 Remal, Apr 30, 2011
  6. stu-pendus

    stu-pendus Active Member

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    Tractor always need bigger batteries M8.....................
     
    #6 stu-pendus, Apr 30, 2011
  7. JM1

    JM1 Active Member

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    OK I will do. When can I have a loan of it to try this out then? ;)
     
    #7 JM1, May 1, 2011
  8. DangerMouse

    DangerMouse Active Member

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    If we're handing 1098R's about like they're Oyster cards I'll take it for a quick giggle around the North Circular :D
     
    #8 DangerMouse, May 12, 2011
  9. Hondo

    Hondo Active Member

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    There was one of these holding up the traffic on the A15 the other night. :Banane16::pleasantry:
     
    #9 Hondo, May 13, 2011
  10. slowr1der

    slowr1der Active Member

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    Got to say i thought the same when i started the blade earlier was almost like the 848 i test rode
     
    #10 slowr1der, May 13, 2011
  11. Bats

    Bats Active Member

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    Thats good to hear just bought a 2011 model and thought hmmm cranking a bit sluggish so on goes the optimate and still the same bloddy technology ;)
     
    #11 Bats, Jun 2, 2011
  12. zeepony

    zeepony Active Member

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    I've left it for a couple of weeks before and she always sparks up - if not, just bump it!
     
    #12 zeepony, Jun 3, 2011
  13. dan.1moore1

    dan.1moore1 Senior Member

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    Iv had the blade for 2 months now and im used to it cranking slow now. as long as it works
     
    #13 dan.1moore1, Jun 3, 2011
  14. bladebhoy

    bladebhoy Active Member

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    has anyone replaced their battery and if so with what, i am not impressed with the standard battery. has anyone had experience with lightweight batterys on calsport.
     
    #14 bladebhoy, Jul 6, 2011
  15. BladeRR8

    BladeRR8 Active Member

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    Would be interested to hear feedback on these myself.

    Regards the slow cranking just as others have said it did concern me a little at first but I knew Honda had fitted a smaller battery and altered the starter motor gearing accordingly so just accepted it and got used to it now and its always started every time, touch wood !!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.
     
    #15 BladeRR8, Jul 7, 2011
  16. Speedytwin

    Speedytwin Active Member

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    I did replace my battery in my 08 Blade but only because the cold winter killed it. But even them it starts so easy on a push I'd near let my 10 year old do it.
    I went for the standard battery again as said above with slow cranker and all that. But having an alarm on it and leaving it for a few weeks at a time while I ride the thumper (SP1) it needs a little push again but after a half hour of riding it's all good again.
     
    #16 Speedytwin, Jul 7, 2011
  17. dan.1moore1

    dan.1moore1 Senior Member

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    Iv heard you can get a stronger battery but it doesn't improve cranking speed much. Mine starts first time every time so im happy as it is. Its a shock at first but Honda must have done it for a reason and you do get used to it
     
    #17 dan.1moore1, Jul 7, 2011
  18. Nutty Tart

    Nutty Tart Well-Known Member

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    My riding bud always takes the weewee when I start up ... "one of these days etc" ... but after all "they all do that sir/madam"
     
    #18 Nutty Tart, Jul 11, 2011

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