Battery problem Triumph 650

[joe90]

I have a 1970 Triumph TR6P 650, completed renovation about 18 months ago.  Virtually the last thing I bought was a new battery - a cheap lead acid traditional type - which has now had it - it won't keep a charge.  The bikes electrics are standard, points not electronic ignition, except I have a modern rectifier.  I am ashamed to say that I have only covered about 1500 miles but I keep the battery charged over winter.

When the bike is running and with a volt meter across the battery terminals it reads over 12v and goes up when reved, so I think the alternator is ok and charging properly.  The bike runs fine, did a 90mile round trip last week, although I never use it at night.

Is this likely to have been a duff battery? is there a better one/type I should get?  I want to add indicators so there will be greater drain soon.  Should I look at LED bulbs for low current draw?  Is a halogen headlight lower current?  I would be grateful for advice or to hear any experience.

[Justin_Faithfull]

It does sound as though your battery has had it. The problem with the traditional lead acid type we have been using for years is that they like to be used gently rather than left standing. The best way to look after them over the winter is to discharge them slowly & completely, then immediately charge them up slowly to full charge (never leave them discharged) & put them on the shelf. Check them every 3/4 weeks & give them a top up charge as required.

If you want a better type, a lot of people go for sealed batteries such as Cyclon, try link below.
http://www.strikalite.co.uk/prodcat_type/5/ALL/0/Sealed_Lead_Acid_batteries.html

L.E.D. bulbs are now very good as they do draw much less power, are much more resistant to vibration failure (very useful on a Triumph) & have a much longer life span than an ordinary bulb. Halogen bulbs give more light for the same amount of power consumption as an ordinary bulb.
Hope this help a little.

[L.A.B.]

Virtually the last thing I bought was a new battery - a cheap lead acid traditional type - which has now had it - it won't keep a charge.

Cheap lead acid batteries don't seem to last long on Triumph twins!

[52t-bird]

Hi, Before you throw the battery check the zenor diode isnt leaking.If you have a meter you can check the zenor with that if not just try disconnecting the battery over a couple of days and see if it still goes flat. It most likely will still be a duff battery as they are hardly 'long life' these days but it is annoying if you buy a new one and it still goes flat because it is the duff zenor! regards David

[joe90]

Justin - thanks for the info, I'll try a sealed battery this time

52t-bird - All bikes I've ever had, I've fitted a kill switch under the seat, just along from the fuse to completely isolate the battery (and as a crude anti theft device).  Also not using the zennor diode as I have a modern regulator and I'm sure the instructions said disconnect it.  I think it must have been a duff battery or its been shaken to bits.