Suzuki Burgman USA Forum banner

I think I need a new battery....

1.8K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  Derek  
#1 ·
I have an '06 B400 Type S. It had problems starting so I cleaned the air filter, changed the oil, and replaced the plug and that solved the problem. Now it's having problems starting again. I thought it was the battery so I charged it for a few hours with the trickle charger and it started right up. The next day it wouldn't start. It sounds like it is turning over much slower than other bikes that I hear being started. I think I'm going to replace the battery to see if that fixes the problem. Any particular battery better than the others? Any recommendations? I can't see the brand that is in it now but I'm assuming it's the stock one. Thanks, Derek
 
#2 ·
Brand is not near as important as is the type, & the size.
The original battery is an FT12A-BS.....that is NOT a wet-cell
type battery. I believe it is called a AGM...Absorbed Gas Mat
This type is considered a 'Sealed-No Service' battery.
The 12A is the rating, & the BS also helps indicate physical size.
A 12A-BS battery is not at high/tall as a 12A battery, so
read the battery packaging carefully.

If your batterycharger has a 'float' circuit built-in,
don't be afraid to leave it on overnight.
On the other hand, if your charger does NOT have
this feature, then you will need to consider one that
does..such as a Battery Tender. They come with a
pig-tail wire lead that you leave attached to the
battery, & just plug into the charger cord when needed.
 
#3 ·
I bought a replacement from batteries plus :

viewtopic.php?p=257591#p257591

It's also possible that the brushes on the starter are wearing out. It'll cause the same dragging of the starter like a low battery.
 
#5 ·
NormanB said:
Derek - I think you are unlucky to need a new battery after two years.

Have you been subjecting it to a harsh life (short trips)?
My ride to work is only about 7 miles. Also, it's an 06 and when I bought it this summer it only had 1200 miles so it did sit for quite a while. I hope it is just the battery and not something expensive to fix. I am disapointed in my burg so far, it's left me stranded at work twice.

billmeek said:
It's also possible that the brushes on the starter are wearing out. It'll cause the same dragging of the starter like a low battery.
After only 2300 miles, I hope not.
 
#7 ·
If you have access to a volt meter, it is very easy to verify the condition of a battery.
1. Place in on the charger until you are sure it has full charge. This may take a day,
2. Take it off the charger and use the volt meter to check how much voltage the battery produces. Should be upwards of 12.3V but not in excess of 14V
3. Come back a day later and check the battery again. It should not have dropped below 12V and probably should be around 12.3 V. If the voltage shows a lower reading, it means there is enough sulphation to prevent retaining a charge and unfortuantely its time for a replacement.