I just got my bike back from the repair shop where they installed a new water pump. I had taken off all of the tupperware to make their job easier (maybe cheaper?) and to prevent any damage by an impatient mechanic.
Since I've installed several electrical farkles, I had to remake all of the connections. As I finished up, I tested things out. The LED conspicuity lights that I added weren't working right. They were flashing off whenever I hit the turn signals. Uh, oh. I must have crimped a wire somewhere.
I checked all of the connections and even re-did some that I thought could have been done better. No change.
After about an hour, it occurred to me that maybe I needed the bike running because the voltage would be higher. I turned the bike on. Everything looked normal, but there was no neutral light. The back wheel spun free so I knew I was in neutral. Oh no, I must have really screwed something up.
Just to make sure I wasn't totally losing it, I pulled in the clutch and tried hitting the starter button anyway. Not only did nothing happen, but the headlights died.
And that was my "doh!" moment. The battery was dead! I jump started the bike and everything works fine. That's all it was, just a dead battery. I was able to start the bike when I picked it up, but I guess the short ride home wasn't enough to charge it back up. It is a bit curious though that the battery had enough juice to operate the turn signals, the brake lights, the headlight (probably dimly) and all of the dashboard lights, but not the neutral light.
I have it on a trickle charger now. If it takes a full charge, all is well. Worst case scenario is that I might need a new battery.
Since I've installed several electrical farkles, I had to remake all of the connections. As I finished up, I tested things out. The LED conspicuity lights that I added weren't working right. They were flashing off whenever I hit the turn signals. Uh, oh. I must have crimped a wire somewhere.
I checked all of the connections and even re-did some that I thought could have been done better. No change.
After about an hour, it occurred to me that maybe I needed the bike running because the voltage would be higher. I turned the bike on. Everything looked normal, but there was no neutral light. The back wheel spun free so I knew I was in neutral. Oh no, I must have really screwed something up.
Just to make sure I wasn't totally losing it, I pulled in the clutch and tried hitting the starter button anyway. Not only did nothing happen, but the headlights died.
And that was my "doh!" moment. The battery was dead! I jump started the bike and everything works fine. That's all it was, just a dead battery. I was able to start the bike when I picked it up, but I guess the short ride home wasn't enough to charge it back up. It is a bit curious though that the battery had enough juice to operate the turn signals, the brake lights, the headlight (probably dimly) and all of the dashboard lights, but not the neutral light.
I have it on a trickle charger now. If it takes a full charge, all is well. Worst case scenario is that I might need a new battery.