Gettin too old to push

[1tonn]

Looked to be fine morning for a breakfast ride and off the wife and I went. Stopped 80mi. from home , ate breakfast and then geared up. CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICK CLICKCLICK OH CRAP. No go. Well the wife wasn't happy when I asked her to push me
She tried but couldn't get to speed. Luckily some good samaritans gave me a push. VroomVroomVroomVroom.
Now I find out I have to keep the RPM's above 3K or she stalls and I needed another push. Once under way, hoping to make it home , Iam dealing with it not running good but still 80 mi. from home. The ABS, TC, and Check Engine light on the whole way. Actually the last stop light 2mi. from home it stalled at the light. Once again some one offered me a push . Pulled into the garage and there she stalls.
I had thought the battery was questionable fo some time, 2012 Tenere 7,000 mi. Do you think it harmed the engine running so poorly for 80mi. and miss firing some of the time coming home? Thanks for any input.

 

[Curt]

First check that the battery connection hasn't come loose. At any rate, I think everything will be fine once you replace the battery. With a new battery installed, make sure the charging voltage at 5000 RPM is at least 14.0 V so you know the generator and regulator are OK.

 

[hojo in sc]

May I recommend

http://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/mini_led_digital_voltmeter/4231

 

[markjenn]

Anything is possible, but a bad battery usually manifests itself on the first start of the day, rather than mid-trip. And the fact the bike won't continue running properly even after starting is more suspicious of a charging system problem than a battery problem.

Nevertheless, you certainly want to check the battery connections and if the battery is original, replace it and go from there. But if the new battery runs down you know you have a charging system issue, not a battery issue.

Assuming it starts again Okay with the electrical system fixed, I wouldn't think you'd done the engine any harm.

- Mark

 

[djm_ct]

You said you're getting too old to push asked your wife to push.
Guess you must have a young wife. Either way, good for you and good for her. ::008::
My wife would be a trooper and give it a go if I asked her. I know so many of my friends whose wives would never in a million years entertain such a thought as push starting a motorcycle. Lots of prima donnas.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Many vehicles I've come across over the years require at least ten volts in-system for everything to stay lit up. If your battery shorted a cell, anything below 3000 rpm is not enough for the charging system to over come the short. LOL, and battery connections have come up a few times.

 

[1tonn]

You said you're getting too old to push asked your wife to push.
Guess you must have a young wife. Either way, good for you and good for her. ::008::
My wife would be a trooper and give it a go if I asked her. I know so many of my friends whose wives would never in a million years entertain such a thought as push starting a motorcycle. Lots of prima donnas.

Yep, 11 years younger. She gave it a good go but she said she was afraid of doing a face plant once it fired up. ;D
Plan on getting a new battery this week. All connections looked good. I felt it was borderline early this year but since I am cheap I didn't want to spend the money. But some friends and I are planning a trip in Sept. to Estes Park, CO its makes sense to get her in shape. (the bike not the wife) ::26:: ::26::

 

[Donk]

FWIW We had the same thing happen to a friends bike. Rode about 70 miles to breakfast and hs bike started, coughed, stalled and then wouldn't start. Just to be clear it was not anS10. Checked the battery cables and one was just ever so slightly loose. Tightened the cable and problem solved. As far as doing any long term harm to your bike they are pretty bullet proof, don't sweat it.

 

[Siseneg]

I use this guy: http://www.amazon.com/Stinger-Digital-Voltage-Meter-Charger/dp/B007Q2HOYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404347042&sr=8-1&keywords=Stinger+SGP12

It's not waterproof so I toss it in the tank bad between rides.