My turn for

[njloco]

The electric gremlins ! Took the 08 uly out for my maiden run this morning. Got some really good coffee, then went to start her, she kicked over very slow but that seemed normal to me since I got her two weeks ago. I put the plates and insurance on her yesterday, changed the oils for the engine and primery, hence the maiden voyage today.

1- Initially turned over slow, before taking the ride.
2- Would not turn over when I tried to start her up at the coffee place, just got the clicking noise.
3- Got a jump with one of those little jumper boxes, started right up.
4- Rode about mile, then it started running real rough and coughing.
5- Died !
6- Charging battery as I type this.
7- I'll let you know what I find once I get her home, could just be a low batt.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Sounds like you're battery might be the issue all together. I'm pretty sure everyone with an Buell will tell you they are hard on batteries. If I remember correctly our bikes require a minimum 220CCA.
Check your terminals and grounds while you have the bike charging. Make sure they are clean and tight. I had loose terminals once and the bike acted like it had a dead battery. I now use lock washer on my terminals.

Also might want to check the connector behind your left scoop. I believe it's the #77 connector. They have been known to cause charging issues if not in pristine condition.
I think I got the location of your connector correct. My bike is an 07 and I know mines behind the front pulley cover. Pretty sure 08 and up bikes are behind left scoop.

Go to www.buellmods.com and check the service manual to be sure.

Good luck

 

[njloco]

Thanks man, I just got back with the uly, I put the fully charged battery back in and she started right up, going to do some electrical checks now including your recommendation of the infamous 77 connector. It did sit for a couple of weeks, I only had it out twice, and started it a couple of times and charged it once but, I don't think I fully charged it.

Here is an update, keep in mind I'm a relative novice when it comes to electrical problems, oh yeah give me something from the 60's and 70's and I could rebuild it mechanically speaking.

I just juiced up the batt fully, then took the batt to where I had to leave the bike, reinstalled it and rode home, maybe a 5 minute ride. The battery shows 12 1\2 volts, when I start it, it goes up to 13 1\2 volts, if I rev it up to over 3000 rpm, it goes up to 14 volts. This is on a good but old ohms meter with a needle and has to be held steady to get a good reading.

The only connection I can see behind the left air scoop is a thick covered wire and a plug. I will the manual and see what it says.

Since the bike was sitting, probably over the winter in a heated garage and I purchased it before the season really started, I'm guessing that the batter needed a good charge, so for now I'll keep checking the batt and see if it holds the charge before getting into anything else. I hate taking stuff apart before I know for sure what it might be. I'll be riding it quite a bit this week if the batt holds up. I'll also review the electric gremlins already posted up.

Thanks.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

08+ do not have the 77 connector issues fornthe Billionth time. Damnit chickn, I know you know that

 

[Cooter]

The test shows the charging system is ok. It's a safe bet to get a new, quality battery.

 

[njloco]

No 77 connector, that has to be a good thing !
I checked the battery last night, about 8:45 PM, that means it was sitting for a little over 24 hours, the meter showed 12 volts, that's a loss of 1\2 volt in that period of time, that is if the meter is accurate, I'll check it again tonight. If it shows good, I'll take the uly to work tomorrow, it's a 50+ mile ride, that will be a good workout for her.

 

[njloco]

O.k., I'm getting a new battery, it showed 12 1\2 volts again last night but wouldn't start this morning. It must have a dead cell, oh well !

I tried doing a search under the title, best battery, lots of info listed but nothing definitive, any recommendations ?

Thanks

 

[rchuff]

the battery should be LOAD TESTED. it might read 12v but under load be 10 or 11 v or have a dead cell in it. bottom line I would put a new battery in it. Battery Mart.com - Big crank battery 220 cca they have the best price and free shipping.

 

[njloco]

Thanks brother ! I'll give them a call.

 

[njloco]

Thanks brother ! I just ordered it.

 

[rchuff]

You are welcome glad to be some help. You are in Jersey so it should come pretty quick.

 

[njloco]

Good, I forgot to see where they were located and was just about to do that.

Seems like a lot of buellers are out in PA, if you guys ever have a get together, I'd like to attend.

It would be cool to have a bunch buellers go up to americade and give a nice representation, I'm going to try to attend.

 

[njloco]

I fell like an idiot, I ordered the big crank from battery mart ( great service ! ) I do have the correct battery, it will not fit into the battery box. Everything is stock with the exception of the ecm location. Am I supposed to start bending metal ?

Update, though the battery box is stock, it would appear that it was bent slightly for some unknown reason. The only thing I could come up with is the ecm has been moved from it's original position, it seems the ecm was pivoted slightly or turned to a 45 degree from it's original place, one original bolt being used and the other mounting hole being made through the plastic cover for the shock. I'm guessing this was done to try and keep the seat from breaking it or, to keep it cooler ? Anyhow, the battery is in, now I'll see if everything else goes back with no interference.

Thanks

 

[user_deleted]

I fell like an idiot, I ordered the big crank from battery mart ( great service ! ) I do have the correct battery, it will not fit into the battery box. Everything is stock with the exception of the ecm location. Am I supposed to start bending metal ?

Update, though the battery box is stock, it would appear that it was bent slightly for some unknown reason. The only thing I could come up with is the ecm has been moved from it's original position, it seems the ecm was pivoted slightly or turned to a 45 degree from it's original place, one original bolt being used and the other mounting hole being made through the plastic cover for the shock. I'm guessing this was done to try and keep the seat from breaking it or, to keep it cooler ? Anyhow, the battery is in, now I'll see if everything else goes back with no interference.

Thanks

what you ran into is this:
1-the stock ecm location for all ulysses is slightly forward of the battery and battery tray. it in fact is turned at a 45 degree angle...and held in place with 2 long allen bolts. the front bolt goes thru a plastic block and into a nut held captive by the plastic shield underneat the ecm. the block is oem to keep seat from striking the ecm.
2-the battery you ordered is correct but is approx. 1/8th inch too tall which means it strikes both the top strap bracket as well as bottom floor of tray. just get a large pliers and tweak those pieces till battery drops into place. it's SOP on ulysses.
NOTE: be damn sure to use the 2 gold colored spacers included with the big crank battery. they go between the terminals and the cable end. not using them is catastrophic.

 

[njloco]

Ah oh, I just installed it and couldn't figure out what the hell those brass washers ( spacers ) were for, I'll go and install the washers, it would nice if they mention this, no install instruction at all. Not that one needs that for installing a battery. Or is it too late, did I already break it ? I guess I'll find out now.

Thanks.

Update, o.k. I see what the brass spacers are for, easy to miss though. Doesn't seem to be any damage, still haven't tried starting the bike, I'll know in about an hour or so.

Later !

Sorry not to get back sooner, everything seems to be good, took the uly out for a ride, ran great ! I also got the exhaust valve to open up, very interesting, felt similar to when a turbo kicks in but not as dramatic, does that sound about right ? Everyone at the bike shop got a real kick at seeing the uly , oddly enough, one of the guys had his Buell there also getting, guess what, a new battery ! It was an older model, Comet I think ? Looked very much like a Sportster, he loved my uly.

 

[user_deleted]

h oh, I just installed it and couldn't figure out what the hell those brass washers ( spacers ) were for, I'll go and install the washers, it would nice if they mention this, no install instruction at all. Not that one needs that for installing a battery. Or is it too late, did I already break it ? I guess I'll find out now.

Thanks.

again.....the deka/pro-start/big crank batteries have a unique terminal design that is both extremely robust as well as buell-specific in how the cables mount to the FRONT of the terminals....NOT the top of the terminals. there is only one correct installation method and it is: battery installed....brass washer installed between front of terminal and cable end WITH FLAT PORTION OF SPACER FACING DOWN. deviate from this in the slightest and you'll crack the top of the battery case and/or snap the cable ends.

 

[njloco]

That's how I redid it, everything seems o.k.

Thanks