Battery Keeps Dying

[heydez]

I’m having an issue with my battery dying and only when it is below 70 degrees and then only in the mornings when it’s the coolest. I have been though 3 batteries in the past 3 years. I have taken my Rocket down to the dealership and they found nothing. I have taken my battery down and the battery is good, but dead. After re-charging the battery, it’s good until the next morning. I was told by an ex-triumph mechanic that it was because of the "battery discharge unit". I have never heard of anything like this before. Has anyone ever heard of a battery discharge unit or have any idea what the problem could be? I'm getting tired of jumping my bike everyday as this makes riding less pleasant.

Thanks,

Des

 

[Bobby K]

Something has to be wrong in the electrical system somewhere, either a not charging enough condition or a heavy drain when not running. It's not "normal" for a Rocket to do this. My original battery lasted 4 years and would still crank after several weeks of non-use in winter. Find another mechanic.

 

[heydez]

New Mech

Thanks, I was thinking about New Orleans Triumph shop.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[RocketDaryl]

Little bit of a drive, but not too far, but bring it to Pensacola. We have a good Triumph dealer here that has a great service department.

 

[KARTRAC]

I have an 07 (from northern Ohio) with original battery and the only problem I have is when it gets below 40 and I have not started it for a couple of weeks or put on trickle charger yet. Good luck finding the problem.

 

[HellFire]

This thread will walk you through everything you ever wanted to know about R3 battery problems, what battery works best, how to install and modify the tray for best results and the charger needed to make it all work. I did it all years ago and have never looked back.

http://www.r3owners.net/custom-mods/2768-battery-upgrade.html?highlight=pc+625+tray

Just know that there are no shortcuts to charging the Odyssey batteries, they require an Odyssey charger and that's that. But it's all worth every penny from the peace of mind alone.

 

[budman]

..the Odyssey 625 is overrated imo..try this instead..320 CCA versus 265 for the Odyssey..

Amazon.com: MBTX20U MotoBatt Quadflex AGM Battery. Replaces All YTX20 Series Batteries: Automotive: Reviews, Prices & more

..I'm currently using the Odyssey, and my bike still won't turn over enough to start it when the temps drop down to 45* or so and stay there..I think some of our bikes are more prone to this failure than others..an electric heater on the engine probably would be a big help..I'm trying the motobatt next..

 

[JoseyR3Wales]

I had discussed with another R3 rider the idea of putting a small electric blanket under the crankcase just to keep that large oil mass warm enough to spin freely when temps dip below 40ish or some sort of thermostatically controlled heating device to accomplish the same result as heat rises. Low wattage just to keep her free. I have an 06 with stock battery still in it and cranks like a charm with add ons attached. Get a knowledgeable electrical type (we can be found at the local bars) and download the wiring diagram from Triumph and go through the system looking for short circuits due to abraded wires, etc. These beasts do vibrate and the possibility of a hidden naked wire are greater than we care to admit. Lift the tank and look around the triple tree with a very bright light and check the looms.

Something is amiss, it should hold a charge.

 

[scot in exile]

Little bit of a drive, but not too far, but bring it to Pensacola. We have a good Triumph dealer here that has a great service department.

I second what Daryl said plus if you come over we will let you buy us lunch.

 

[HellFire]

I had discussed with another R3 rider the idea of putting a small electric blanket under the crankcase just to keep that large oil mass warm enough to spin freely when temps dip below 40ish or some sort of thermostatically controlled heating device to accomplish the same result as heat rises. Low wattage just to keep her free. I have an 06 with stock battery still in it and cranks like a charm with add ons attached. Get a knowledgeable electrical type (we can be found at the local bars) and download the wiring diagram from Triumph and go through the system looking for short circuits due to abraded wires, etc. These beasts do vibrate and the possibility of a hidden naked wire are greater than we care to admit. Lift the tank and look around the triple tree with a very bright light and check the looms.

Something is amiss, it should hold a charge.

The R3 doesn't have a "large mass of oil" in the case. It's a dry sump. The cold doesn't effect the engine like it would a bike with gears submerged in conventional heavy weight oil. You have the electrical system inefficiencies from the cold and the large displacement pistons with alot of cylinder wall contact area. Combine those with the overall rotating mass from the crank and counterbalance shaft, and it's like trying to start a car with a lawnmower battery.
The Odyssey and batteries like it use higher voltage delivered longer while under load to spin the starter/crankshaft faster for a longer time. That's why it requires the special charger, it juices the battery with higher voltage than a lead acid battery charger. Without it the Odyssey is never fully charged and will fail to start a bike in the cold for the same reason.
If you think the alternator isn't putting out like it should, get it checked. While you're at it get the starter draw measured for possible dragging or impending failure. But if you are still using a little lead acid battery, there is better equipment out there that does the job and is easier on the bike. Long crank times and low speeds are very hard on relays, starters and wiring while at the same time causing a weak spark.