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chuckie
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« on: September 19, 2011, 01:59:18 PM » |
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I just installed a (battery Bug). Wanted something to warn of charge rate. Well this little dude goes
off like all hell breaking loose ( warning Will Robinson) as soon as I start the Bike. Battery read 12.7 volts. at rest. but dropped to 9 volts at start. Charge indicated 14.4-14.7, but health reading 0. It has several warning indicators. All scream replace battery. I think I will do as suggested. Not sure but it may be original battery 03. Start has been odd lately Turning ok but not starting as good or easily as I would expect. Seems like bug helped me dodge a bullet.
We'll see how the new battery performs. and If the bug likes it!!!!
Chuckie
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da prez
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« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2011, 02:27:05 PM » |
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Even if the battery is old, clean the terminals and also the battery frame ground. If you have high resistance , it will give you funky readings. I have saved many people the cost of a battery just by doing the maintenance on the cables . If you need a battery. then so be it, but I never install a new battery without doing these steps. The last bike I had went 12 years on the same battery.
Dirty connections cause high resistance.
da prez
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2011, 03:24:58 PM » |
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chuckie
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« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2011, 08:53:08 AM » |
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Yep that's the one. I mounted it on the triple t just above the main chrome nut. fits perfectly. Ran the wire behind the speedo and down and back to the battery. Have to lean forward a bit to read it.
I'm only a little guy. No light, however I can live without it. Does show charge rate, but I think best of all it shows condition of battery and starting voltage drop. It appears that it will monitor the rate of decay over time, as battery ages. I'm liking it so far. Did clean battery terminals at installation.
Battery was still starting bike, but pretty much exhausted.
Chuckie
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chuckie
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« Reply #4 on: September 22, 2011, 12:25:03 PM » |
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new battery installed. Wow turns like crazy, and starts right away. Bug reads 50% good. Up from 38% already. Charge rate is 14.2-14.4. I think I'm liking it.( the bug)
Chuckie
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #5 on: September 22, 2011, 02:16:09 PM » |
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Why wouldn't the Bug display a better figure for a new battery. 50% seems like the device is all hype and little substance.
A volt meter might be a better and more accurate device.
Jus sayin'
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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sandy
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« Reply #6 on: September 22, 2011, 08:14:04 PM » |
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I've got one on order for my Wing. Stu Oltman who writes for numerous MC mags has tested it on several bikes. He recommends them very highly. Stu is a master technician on motorcycles.
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chuckie
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« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2011, 06:13:39 AM » |
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Ricky d I know you can use a volt meter to measure charge rate, starting voltage drop, and battery charge. Just dont wish to get down to battery to check it out on a regular basis. You have to read the literature, as it explains battery condition ( good by %) as relates to your bike. I don't have any
particular involvement with this manufacturer, Simply passing along info on a neat product. I find it useful as a warning against imminent failure, which a volt meter does not offer.
Cheers to all Chuckie
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rmrc51
Member
Posts: 1087
Freyja. Queen of the Valkyries
Palmyra, Virginia
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« Reply #8 on: September 23, 2011, 09:37:37 AM » |
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I had thought I was finished adding gauges after having every Motosen gauge they offer. But I have to admit, I like this Battery Bug! Guess I'll just have to "FORCE" myself to order one!   |
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VRCC # 30041
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PhredValk
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« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2011, 10:33:44 PM » |
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I got a voltmeter that plugs into a cig lighter from Walmart for around $15. Digital readout, should look good on the faring somewhere. I haven't mounted it yet, but occasional testing should show me problems before they're critical.
fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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theredark
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« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2011, 05:26:48 AM » |
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My .02
I installed one of these last tuesday on a fully charged battery which wouldn't start the bike a couple weeks ago after two weeks of just sitting. I assumed it was just self discharge as i was lazy and didn't put battery tender on it. After having the battery on the charger for 24 hours I hooked this unit up. The bike started right up but the unit started showing a warning for a replace battery and a start voltage of 15%. I figured it was a bad unit, shut the bike off and tried to start it again. It turned over for about 5 sec then wound down to just clicks. 90.00 later I installed an OEM Yuasa as I was leaving Sat for a 500 mile trip and couldn't wait for mail delivery. After initial charge of battery to full strength I installed and it reads 49%. I did not have any problems on the trip and it showed a consistent 49% for the whole trip. The voltage on the meter was the same as that with my DVM which read 12.8 V after sitting and 13.1-14.2 while riding (idle to cruising) Overall was pleased with unit although I guess the constancy of the percent reading is more accurate than the value itself.
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2000 Black/Red Interstate
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BF
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« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2011, 07:56:27 AM » |
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My .02
I installed one of these last tuesday on a fully charged battery which wouldn't start the bike a couple weeks ago after two weeks of just sitting. I assumed it was just self discharge as i was lazy and didn't put battery tender on it. After having the battery on the charger for 24 hours I hooked this unit up. The bike started right up but the unit started showing a warning for a replace battery and a start voltage of 15%. I figured it was a bad unit, shut the bike off and tried to start it again. It turned over for about 5 sec then wound down to just clicks. 90.00 later I installed an OEM Yuasa as I was leaving Sat for a 500 mile trip and couldn't wait for mail delivery. After initial charge of battery to full strength I installed and it reads 49%. I did not have any problems on the trip and it showed a consistent 49% for the whole trip. The voltage on the meter was the same as that with my DVM which read 12.8 V after sitting and 13.1-14.2 while riding (idle to cruising) Overall was pleased with unit although I guess the constancy of the percent reading is more accurate than the value itself.
Thanks for the report on the bug. After riding with it for awhile, would you recommend buying it? |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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theredark
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« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2011, 04:49:58 PM » |
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Yes, I would recommend it. Like others have said, you can measure voltage drop with a voltmeter but you have to watch it while you're also starting the bike and remember to do it, etc. This is a lazy check but a constant one, and it's waterproof. At around 50.00 it's not the cheapest solution but it works for me and it kept me from getting stranded in the green mountains this weekend!
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2000 Black/Red Interstate
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