| Author | Message | ||
     Prof_stack |
Today when I started up my '03 XB9S the starter motor chugged at first (like the Harley big twins (used to) do). Then the motor started up and the speedo and tach went up to max and back down. I didn't think it was normal and noticed that the clock had reset to 01:00 and both trip meters reset to 0.0 miles. The odometer still read 10,500+ miles. I set the clock and it worked as normal after that on the ride. Questions: (1) original battery not strong enough and should be replaced (I use a Battery Tender all the time)? (2) stator showing signs of failing? (3) electrical glitch that will be hard to pin down? Thanks for any help! | ||
| Blake |
Sounds like a waning battery. If that is the original battery, it's definitely well past its prime and it would be prudent to replace it asap.  If the stator were caput, you'd not get far before the bike would die. | ||
| Sparky |
Prof, my 039R started doing the very same thing once, then twice, then a few more times, and it's almost always on a Tender. Then one morning, just like I predicted, it didn't start. I pressed my luck too far. One thing I did was check & clean the battery cable connections. They were OK but didn't help the 4 yr old battery retain its state of charge. So, a new battery was installed. Problem solved. | ||
| Prof_stack |
Thanks Blake and Sparky! I concur with your opinions and will get a new battery this week to replace my nearly 4-year old battery. I'll probably go with Yuasa at the nearby cycle shop unless someone here convinces me that the Buell version is better. I'm sure the prices are similar with the Buell battery perhaps higher. And I will ask about the date stamp. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If the Yuasa is dry cell or absorbed glass matt, then it is probably as good or better then the Harley battery. If not, I would be more inclined to go with stock. A loose battery connection could mirror the same symptoms. 4 years is a very long life for a general motorcycle battery, but these Harley batteries seem to go that long or longer pretty frequently. | ||
| CJXB |
I had the very same thing happen on more than one occasion, tried all the clean connectors, check this and that route. Got a new battery and have been good to go since, I have the same bike you do except a low version !! CJ | ||
| Prof_stack |
How about these quotes? HD/buell dealer: $75 (July fill) Local cycle store: Interstate brand $100. (2 weeks filled) 3-year warranty Wow, the dealer costs less. Amazing. | ||
| Reepicheep |
It surprised me as well, both the quality (outstanding) and price (very reasonable) of the battery. They make up for it with the stator though... quality seems OK at best, and the price is $50 more then the aftermarket  | ||
| Prof_stack |
Bought the battery from the HD/buell dealership. Bottom date stamped 06/06, which is new enough. But, Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr  to the designer of the battery strap. How much strength should one be required to have to get the strap clipped back on? That sucker took way too long to get on. Then I zapped the battery tender cable fuse when I (stupidly) tried to clean the contact. So I bought a new battery-tender wire for the new battery. I always lose my patience (and temper) when simple 5-minute jobs turn into hour-long vocabulary enhancers! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Now that you mention it, that strap has resulted in some choice words the couple times I have had it off for one reason or another... |
