My 98 gsxr won't turn over, does it sound like a battery issue?

Question

The battery is only 4 yrs old has probably 200 miles on it. The lights and everything turn on, but when I hit the ign switch the bike doesn't turn over it seems like there's not enough juice but the lights are still on. I'm not sure if it's the battery because I charged it overnight at the local autozone and I can still successfully jump start the bike and it'll run but when I turn it off I need to jump start it again.

Answer 1

It's dead! The battery still drains even when you don't ride. You can't charge a dead battery. I have to be emptied and refilled with fresh battery acid, then charged. Or just get a new battery.

Answer 2

the problem is that with only 200 miles in four years...has the bike even ran long enough to keep the battery charged? Make sure its full and try to charge it then if it doesn't work it must be another problem. Some people dont like to, but did you try to bump start it just to see if it runs? If it doesn't run then you have to start checking the ignition sequence to find the problem. hope this helps! good luck!

Answer 3

The miles doesn't matter - but the 4 years does.  Have you checked the cells and are they full.  At 4 years old, I would replace the batter and then have the charging system checked to be sure.

Answer 4

Harry its a yes, the battery is shot, I'm surprised it isn't a puddle after attempted recharge. Do you have pack rats where you are? Here in the SW the little baxxxtards will eat the insulation off your wiring and this results in major problems the least of which is not starting.

Answer 5

I agree with Remo

A 4 year old battery that hasn't been run at all just needs to be replaced.

If you have a volt meter, you can test what the battery is putting out. I bet if you keep the leads there when you hit the starter, the battery is going down to like 2 volts or something. Thats usually what happens. Your lights and everything turn on, but as soon has you hit the starter and put a load on the battery, it just caves.