What could drain a motorcycle battery to the point it won't start?

Question

I rode it around for a while, then shut it off, went back to it later and it wouldn't start. I charged the battery and it started right up. After a half hour of riding i shut it off and again it wouldn't start back up...

Answer 1

wow more clueless answers.  

Ive had the same battery in my bike for 3 years now and it still has a 85% charge on it.

As for your question, first make sure all your fuses are good. This is a common and often overlooked problem in most sport bikes.  Make sure the correct size fuses are in there slots first. Next make sure the battery cables are tightly secured to the battery terminal. If one is loose it could be causing your battery to get "shocked" and there for killing your battery.  Make sure there is no loose or open wires near the battery ( like LED lights or other after market lighting stuff). If all that is good THEN try to follow all the wires to there location and make sure there is no cuts or open wires.

Answer 2

Sounds like the battery is next to dead. batteries are drained gradually even when you don't ride.

You cannot charge a dead battery so you need a new one. make sure your terminal are clean and connectors are good. if you're not going to be riding for a period of 2 weeks or more, disconnect the battery terminals.

Answer 3

Lots of things could do this. The battery may not be getting a charge from the bike's electrical system or the battery may not be holding onto the charge it is getting. There could be a short somewhere on the bike that is draining the battery, perhaps a circuit that should shut down when the bike is turned off is staying on and using power. Motorcycles vibrate and vibration kills batteries. I have always replaced mine every other year and have never had an electrical power problem. You need to talk to your bike mechanic.

Answer 4

well have you tried a new battery yet.....30buck or less can get one about anywhere now days....they dont last to long 3yrs would be a long time.... would be a cheap part to replace before a shop works on it....8yr ive had three

Answer 5

First, check your battery to see if it needs replaced.  It should hold a charge of 13 Volts.

Lots of times a battery won't charge because corrosion on the negative cable, especially where it is bolted to the engine.