Bike sounds bad

Bike sounds bad

by ashley d
(Illinois)

I recently got my bike out of winter storage. Started right up and sounded great (cobra exhaust). All I did was change out the rear taillight. Still sounded great. 2 days later I fired her up and it sounded like an old lawn mower and the turn signals flickered. Is this from a low battery or bad spark plug??? Not sure why it all of a sudden started sounding this way. I checked the battery and it was about half low. ???? Please help!!!

Comments for
Bike sounds bad

Click here to add your own comments

May 13, 2008

storing bike
by: Lauren

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/motorcyclemaintenanc1/ss/Winter_Storage.htm

If you stored it properly, just et it run about 30 min to see that all the oil circulates, and coats each and every moving part.

Feb 29, 2008

Battery Problems!
by: Anonymous

If you don't have a sealed battery (and it sounds like you don't) allowing the electrolyte (water) level to get to low kills MC batteries FAST. The exposed surface gets sulfated and if any cell is bad in the battery, it's a goner.

You should buy a trickle charger such as a Battery Tender or other brand, and keep the battery on it during the winter months. Make sure the electrolyte is kept topped off between the lines and only use clean distilled water, NO tap water.

This should eliminate future issues like what you're experiencing. I'd bet my next OT check that what your current problem is.

Next bit of advice: buy a manual and really
learn you bike and the basics like
changing oil, cleaning air filter, etc.
You can save money and know EXACTLY what's
been done to your bike when it needs
servicing, rather than paying for someone
claiming to do stuff they hadn't. That's
how I started wrenching, and I do most of
the stuff at home. Can't rebuild
crankshafts, nor bore cylinders but do most
everything else.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask (or answer) a Question