I made some "battery" observations at the last two rallies that I attended that got me thinking. First, at the Polar Bear, one of the riders in my group had a weak battery that caused him problems when we had to wait for a straggler. It was kind of annoying. Second, at Devil's Creek this past weekend, one of the guys I led through the swamp was carrying a 'spensive battery jump/boost device. These two guys should ride together. 😊
This is the mico-start that Revzilla sells for $99.99. There are some cheaper and their are some more 'spensive....
...but, here's what I'm thinking. Why is it that riders aren't maintaining or replacing batteries before they encounter issues, to the point that some think they need to carry jump boxes like the Micro-Start or roll into a serious rally with a battery that's half alive?
Let's get a fact on the table before proceeding:
Batteries do not last forever.
Is there any question about that? Here in Florida, we are particularly sensitive to this fact because the climate wreaks havoc on our battery lives: motorcycle, cars, golf carts, riding lawn mowers, etc. etc. etc.
The normal lifespan of a battery is generally 4 to 6 years. Here in Florida, we can expect 50% of that (i.e. 2-3 years) and that all depends on how good of a battery we start with. Taking for granted that all batteries are going to go bad and at a much quicker rate than the rest of the world, we just go ahead and change the dang things before they go tit's up.
Interesting though...
....owners manuals do not have a replacement spec for batteries. There isn't a replacement spec in the owners (or service) manual for my 2019 KLX250, nor is there one in about any other owner's manual I have around here for whatever. As to the KLX, there's a replacement spec for fluids, filters of all types, hoses rubber parts, but nothing about batteries. All those things wear out and so do batteries.
Don't try to say there's no spec for tires or brake pads either because there is. Any tire you put on that bike has a replacement tread spec. All your brake pads had replacement thickness specs. Nothing...nothing for batteries.
Don't try to tell me that you keep an eye on your aftermarket volt meter, because that has everything to do with what you stator is throwing off and nothing to do with your battery health.
Now, there is something on batteries in the service manual of the KLX. Essentially, your dealer is supposed to be putting your battery on a battery tester when they do a service. Seriously though, I used to work in a PowerSports outfit and they don't do that.
I guess the point is that we're really not getting a lot of good support from the OEM's when it comes to our battery health. I think they just assume when the battery fails (enough times) the owner will replace it. True, but why let that happen out on the trails? Why let that happen anywhere?
Rather, why don't we just pick a period of time that we are comfortable with and replace the dang battery?
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