Battery Dies faster than Memory

[Boomer]

Ah Ok, this is the 2nd time in a year that I have killed the engine on my Valk Interstate by pulling up and putting the kickstand down, walked away for 30 minutes, came back and battery dead.  Luckily both times was in a position where I could coast enough to kick start....(my Harley buds are so amazed)...

I put a set of Fog lights on the bike several years ago that came from Auto Supply, they work great, but I am sure are sucking the life right outta her. 

I am probably going to try to re-wire the bike so the fog lights go out soon as you kill the engine.  Both times this happened the Fog lights were on, head/running lights, and radio, thus 30 minutes was probably good, but one of these days, I won't have a hill, and that'll suck even more.....

Is there anything else you can think of that may help?  (short of brain overhaul that wife says is next)

[Momz]

Rewire your lights/accesories through a switched relay. It will also save your starter button/relay from failure.

Then replace your battery made by DEKA. These are deep cycle gel cells with double terminals to help keep your wiring to a safe minimum. I recently paid $85.00 for mine but I've since seen that same battery sell for $65.00. They come with a 5 year warranty.

[Capt. Morgan]

O.K. Stupid question. When you say you kill the enging by putting down the kickstand. Do you then turn off the key? If not there is your problem.

[sugerbear]

retrain your muscle memory. stop using the kill switch and use the key.

do it a few times and it will become second nature.

i know were old dogs but we can learn new tricks

it's kinda like using the rear brake every time you use the front one, we used to have to but now.............................................good luck

[Robert]

Attach the keys to your pants with a chain or cord or retractable key chain. Disable the kick stand switch.

[Boomer]

Thanks MOMZ,

This is what I was looking for.  I'm not much on electrical, but the switched relay makes perfect sense.  I'll figure the installation out.  And the stronger battery brand recommendation is great as well.  Thx.


To Capn Morgan, LMAO....Yes, turning the key off is a perfect solution  

SB:  I don't use the kill switch.  On occasion I'll pull up to a site, put the kickstand down, (when the Valk is in gear, and you put the ks down, the engine automatically stops.) At which time you can walk away from the bike in a sideways direction not knowing that the fog lights, tail lights, head lights, and if the radio is on with the sound turned down, it only takes about 30-40 minutes to zap a good battery.  So far, pushing the Valk  about 5 mph popping the clutch in first gear (with the key on) cranks a Valk, but be ready to jump forward about 15 ft!!!But don't try pushing the Valk and jumping on by yourself....that might leave a mark on you or the Valk

Thanks to all

[¿spoom]

As mentioned, re-train yourself away from a bad habit. There's nothing wrong (electrically) with stopping the bike with the kill switch or kickstand, but why would anyone walk away from their bike with it turned on? Get in the habit of turning off your key and sticking it in your pocket when you get off the bike. You know what's worse than a dead battery? A missing bike.

[Chrisj CMA]

+1 on getting used to using the key....just like in the car.....I park bikes at Daytona Beach during Biketoberfest and Bikeweek........it happenes EVERY year just like you said you did.......at least one person does it every trip...sorta takes away the cool factor of popping the stand down and jumping off

[Spirited-6]

Boomer, several things; why would leave the "key" in your IS ? Why would you leave your IS in gear ? Short of parking on a hill. Go to nutural when ever you stop and you will have to use key.