Green & Stupid ... Post-Winterizing Non-Start

[dhend912]

had been planning on getting a bike eventually, but couldn't pass up a deal on an 09 xb12r ... i don't know a thing about bikes except i'm really impressed with the firebolt, having done a fair amount of research, and i've learned a lot from this forum already ... anyway -
bought it new, had it delivered to a cold garage, hooked up a battery tender, started it every few weeks, and today - went to start it, wouldn't turn over, backfired, then just clicked after that -
is this a big deal? still too cold is all and i should wait for fair weather?
i probably shouldn't post anything here until i have a clue, but this a great resource

 

[dustin_usmc1]

Check your Battery connection, my XB12S does the same thing every now and again. Has always turned out to be the battery connection itself.

May be fouled plugs as well.

 

[dustin_usmc1]

Oh yeah, forgot to welcome you to the Buell family.

 

[BennyGca]

You may need to change the plugs... My '09 XB12Ss eats plugs like they're candy!

Especially if you start it to warm it up without actually riding it.

 

[Stevenc150]

bought it new, had it delivered to a cold garage, hooked up a battery tender, started it every few weeks, and today - went to start it, wouldn't turn over, backfired, then just clicked after that

No need to start it to run a few minutes, just plug up the tender every week or so. I found when I leave mine plugged constantly on the tender, it tends "drain" back out somehow. I just plug up the tender every week or so, instead of leaving plugged up full-time, and now have no problems with post-winter startups.

 

[cap44]

you can't leave the battery in the bike and out in the cold. I don't care what the Battery Tender folks claim.It's gotta come out and come into the house. I did the same thing on my brand new SV and had to buy a new battery, there was no way around it. It measured 13 volts when charged but lost the cranking amps to turn the bike over and fire the ignition. You can try a proper battery charger and trickle charge it for a couple of days but you are probably looking at buying a new battery

 

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

dont leave on any concrete or any cold floor either sit on a baord or something, cold floor will suck the life out of it, like if sitting on ice..
+1 on what steven said, thats what i do also.
the cold and heat are your batteries enemies.

 

[dhend912]

thx, all