had to be recovered

[Wanaron]

Hi again,
             well new battery fitted yesterday, as expected it fired straight up. As before healthy multimeter readings engine off, and around 14 volts when running.
put her away for the day, went back this morning, again fired straight up.
So due to work and the time of year , it wont be out till next weekend. Plan is to leave it, not connected to the optimate, and see if plays ball .
on the old battery it would have been totally flat after a week( if not on optimate of course).
so as some of you have said maybe the optimate was masking the problem.
Cheers
W

[Art]

Happy days

[Wanaron]

well cold n frosty week.
but stood all week ( no optimate)
fired straight up like a good un.
Happy Days indeed.
Just need decent day temperature wise tomorrow.

not to

[Rick]

During the winter when I dont use the bike, I take the battery out now and keep it in the house. Without any extra charging it keeps its full charge and when I do start the bike, only every 6 weeks or so, it quickly fires up. I run it until the fan kicks in and whilst still a little warm seal up the exhaust with cling film covered plugs to keep the damp air out, small drain holes as well. Never had any issues with starting

[Wanaron]

can honestly say ive never heard of anyone doing that Rick, but that doesnt mean there is anything wrong with it.
if it works then there is a lot to be said for it..All anyone who rides is for it to start when we want it to and get us to where we want to go, and back again.
 

[Art]

Originally Posted by Rick

During the winter when I dont use the bike, I take the battery out now and keep it in the house. Without any extra charging it keeps its full charge and when I do start the bike, only every 6 weeks or so, it quickly fires up. I run it until the fan kicks in and whilst still a little warm seal up the exhaust with cling film covered plugs to keep the damp air out, small drain holes as well. Never had any issues with starting

If that works for you and you're happy with it, its better than nothing or is it? All those unnecessarily cold starts can cause premature wear and tear of the engine internals, especially if carried out with stale, corrosive engine oil.

How long are you laying the motorcycle up for? If you really want to go OTT better would be to coincide the lay up with an Annual Service...

Fill the petrol tank to the brim.
Replace the engine oil and filter, run the engine up to operating temperature, check for leaks and leave well alone.
Thoroughly wash and clean.
Lubricate cables, pivots, linkages etc.
Treat all exposed metal parts with a maintenance spray such as Triple QX, GT85 or WD40 to protect from condensation, wintry damp etc.
Fully charge the battery.
Maybe get the tyres off the ground or on carpet and cover with a dust sheet/blanket or fit a motorcycle cover or both.

Whether you remove the battery or leave it in situ is a personal choice but be sure to check the battery's level of charge every 6 to 8 weeks to be sure the battery is holding charge and there is no untoward current drain. There is nothing more to do until recommissioning which should coincide with an interim 4,000 mile service including fluids check, air filter inspection and bleeding the brake & clutch systems.