Bike Died

I was having a great ride out, first one with the new tyres on and was building up the performance to get them nicely scrubbed in. Bike started on the button as usual, rode about 40 miles and stopped for fuel, another 10 miles and stopped for a cup of tea, set out again and about 30 miles later it happened

First of all I noticed the battery light had come on, then I noticed that it was popping and banging a bit more on the overrun than it ever has done before, then the FI light came on and about a mile later the bike started to really cough and splutter, very much like a fuel starvation issue (you know when an old carbed bike started to run low of fuel and you had to switch to reserve). I gave it a handful of throttle and it seemed to clear and run OK (fuel light on now as well) but about half a mile later it died completely. On trying to restart there's nothing at all, just a few clicks from the relay.

I'm guessing that there must be something wrong with the charging circuit somewhere.

The bike is in my garage and back on the optimate charger that it's been on all winter

I've checked all conections on and around the battery and they are all firm and clean. Once it's charged enough to start it, if it gets that far, then I'll test the output as suggested.

The optimate has the 'battery weak' light on now, which has never happened before. I'll be speaking to my local KTM dealer anyway, especially as the bike is only 11 months old, and trying to push for a new battery. Bet the local dealer is not cooperative though as I didn't buy the bike there!

It's been on charge for three hours now and that was enough to get it started. Battery warning light stayed on for a few seconds then went out.

I'll get the multimeter out in the morning and do some tests.

Hi,

I have been having similar problems with my 05 SD. I have not got an optimate/chargger and given the bike is almost 3 years old my first thoughts were the battery was shot. Got a new battery from the deaker, he told me the charge in it was a little low but above the KTM figure below which it should be charged before use. I fitted the battery and started the bike and brought it for a short spin. Few days later I went to take it for a run and the battery was dead, so I put it on charge and once I refitted the bike started again. Went to bring it for a good spin today and short way into it noticed change in engine on overun, indicators then were not working and getting funny warning lights. Battery gone flat agin. I just about nursed it home.

I reckon the bike is not charging. I will check all the connections in the morning to make sure they are ok. I will have to charge the battery for a while and start it and I will get a lone of a multimeter and chechk the reading.

Assuming connections are ok, whats it most likely to be and whats involved in fixing it??

Any comments/help would be greatly appreciated.

Physically check all connections again. I haven't heard of any dead reg/recs yet.

Chris, the exact same thing happened to me on my Triumph Tiger just last month. I replaced the battery and it went for only a short time before nothing again. Turned out the alternator stator had sorted out, a dead earth. Ended up getting it rewound. Maybe get the alternator tested for any earthing.

Done some tests this morning. Optimate light was on 'good' for battery condition, battery is showing as 13.4v with nothing switched on and bike started first time with no dashboard warning lights.

Nothing on - 13.4v
Ignition on - 12.5v
Engine idling - 12.4v
3000rpm - 12.4v
5000rpm - 12.4v
7000rpm - 12.4v

It would appear then to be a knackered generator, or a dodgy connection that I haven't found yet!