[barryg]

Hey, all,
My '02 was sitting for a month while I was in NZ. It was running great before I left.

The day after I came home, I started it up, and the battery, which I have had my doubts about since I got the bike, turned the motor over a couple of times, very sluggishly, then then fired it up. I ran it for about 10 minutes, revving it a bit when it warmed up, but didn't take it out on the road (it was late at night, my jet lag still had me out over the Pacific somewhere, riding it would not have been pretty ).

Anyway, tried to start it on the weekend, battery dead as a doornail (what does that mean anyway?).

I couldn't find my charger (of course) so bought a new BatteryTender and charged it overnight, fully charged the next day.

It now starts immediately, but runs like complete crap - fast idling, a bit of blue smoke out of the pipe, smells of gas, obviously running very rich (as if I had the choke open, if it had a choke), stalls easily if I give it a quick blip on the throttle.

Help!!!

Does the battery going flat, or being replaced, require a new tune? I can't believe it would.
Could the battery be dead anyway, even if it starts the bike well (and the speedo works now, which I think indicates a good charge as it was pretty inconsistent before)? I'm loathe to buy a new battery if this one is, in fact, OK.
Is there a 'reset' button somewhere ? (Excuse the question, but maybe bikes with FI have a 'safe' mode these days, I don't know).
Any ideas gratefully listened to.
Thanks
Cheers
Barry

 

[Devious2xs]

The ECU should hold the tune just fine, but voltage spikes from charging can corrupt parts of the file.

First thing I would check is bad gas, then look at the spark plugs, and make sure the stepper motor is working correctly and that it is working in the correct range.

 

[crashmasterd]

Incidentally idling your bike in the garage for 10 minutes, even with a few revs now and again, will probably not charge your battery enough to make a difference. Only a nice long ride (1/2 to an hour) with RPMs in the 3000 - 6000 range will bring back a really discharged battery. In fact, the simple act of starting your bike with a really flat battery could be enough to discharge and kill it.

Always use a battery charger in these circumstances if possible. Loading your charging system that way (including your starter) can cause problems down the road. Always replace an iffy battery as soon as practical.

I agree with Devious that your tune shouldn't be affected. Since it sat I would check the fuel and plugs first. Also, put a new battery in it ASAP and try again. Finally, I would take it in to have the codes read and a new map installed if necessary.

 

[barryg]

Thanks, guys, I guess I'll buy a new battery tomorrow, then.
Appreciate the help.
Cheers
Barry
Plus I want to have it put on the computer to make sure I have the tune for the TBR pipe, which should take care of everything, including the speedo glitch.

 

[barryg]

Thanks, I just came back from an hour on the bike, and it's back to normal. New battery = peace of mind.

It did idle pretty roughly again when I started it up, but after running for about 5 minutes, seemed to smooth out, and once I was on the road and put it under load and up to 8k or so, it idles fine and pulls fine.

The old battery, and I cannot tell how old it is (Yuasa) tests as holding 12.5V overnight, I tested the new one after the same charge overnight, and it's 13.8V. Not sure what these numbers mean, but think the lower is too low and the battery is stuffed, and the new one is just right, or closer to right, anyway. Anyone?

One other thing, what does a dealer normally charge to put the bike on their computer and check the tune or retune for TORS pipe? I'm just not sure if mine has the tune in for the TBR pipe I bought it with.

Cheers
Barry

 

[Devious2xs]

battery voltages:
After charging overnight, let the battery sit for 20-30 minutes to allow votage to stabilize and surface charge to settle. Under 12.6 volts - junk battery.


12.6 volts is dead (low charge).
12.8v is 80% charged.
13.15v+ is fully charged.

I hope this helps.

 

[crashmasterd]

My shop charges a 1/2 hour minimum for any work, which is what a diagnostic test usually runs. I think their shop rate is now $80 an hour, so figure $40 bucks. If you have them do any work at all they'll probably wave that fee for just checking the codes- say you have a tire put on or something. It really only takes them a couple of minutes.

I'm glad the battery solved your issue. I had a feeling it might.

Cheers.

 

[barryg]

Yep, all good now. I had the shop (Pure Triumph) put it on the computer today, and they've loaded in the tune for the TORS pipe, for my TBR slip-on. It feels like it runs smoother, before it felt a bit rich or fluffy in the mid-range. Result! Now all I need is some of Devious's go-juice :drink:
Another good visit to those blokes at Pure, they're keen on what they do, and it shows. Highly recommended.

Cheers
Barry