Won't Start, think I may have run battery down. Advice ASAP

[Nightsbane]

Have had my 2005 for about 2 months now and haven't had a single issue. I drove to a friends house tonight and when I attempted to leave the bike would not start. I had turned the key to turn on the power and then we got to talking and it was on for ten minutes, maybe 15. It would roll over, but slowly and quiter, and with each press of the ignition the roll over sound was quieter and slower. I am wondering if by this description you can tell me what has happened? My first thought was that I possibly ran the battery too far down sitting there with the light on. I have never had any problems with the battery, but I don't know how long they can sit like that with the power on. The previous owner also said he kept it on a trickle charge just in case, but hadn't had issues.

I was also due to get gas soon, but didn't think I was quite out. I flipped it over to reserve and tried to start to check, but it wouldn't start.

Let me know what you think. This is my only mode of transportation so I need to get this sorted asap. If I do need a charge what can I jump it with? How long should it run after? What kind of charger can I use? What volts/amps? Where do you access the battery terminals?

ANY and ALL help would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[blaine]

You just ran the battery down.You can boost it of a car as long as the car is NOT running.You can also charge it with a 2 amp trickle charger. You can also jump start it,and let it charge on it's own.You need to run for at least 20 mins for the battery to charge enough to start the bike.The battery is under the seat. :cool:

[alantf]

Originally Posted by blaine

You can also charge it with a 2 amp trickle charger.

No problem with that, but Suzuki recommend 0.7A for 5-10 hours.

Incidentally, the handbook tells you to start the bike as soon as you switch on, or the headlight will run the battery down sufficiently for it to not start. Jump starting the bike & letting it charge itself up is, really, a "bandaid" solution. You're much better charging the battery up first, as the GZ charging system is a bit weak. Once it's charged up, so long as you're using the bike regularly, it shouldn't need keeping hooked up to a charger, like the previous owner did. In the 4 years+ that I've had mine, the only time I've used the charger is if I've been on holiday for a few weeks, & not used the bike. Even then, it's been just a precaution. Also, on this small island, most of my rides are short, so The charging system has been doing all the charging, with no problems.

One more thing - Don't turn the key to the "P" position. This parks it with the rear light lit, & quickly runs down the battery. Just turn it to the "lock" position. :2tup:

[mrlmd1]

You can also push start the bike by popping the clutch in 1st or 2nd gear, or roll down a hill, it's easier.
Get yourself a trickle charger, they come with a short plug that attaches to the battery and hangs down somewhere under the bike, and you can just simply plug it in whenever you need it.
Lesson learned - don't leave the lights on with the bike not running. The headlight goes on with the key in the ON position,

[alantf]

Originally Posted by mrlmd1

they come with a short plug that attaches to the battery and hangs down somewhere under the bike,

I've routed mine to the "toolbox" under the saddle. That way, it keeps dry. Two seconds to unlock the saddle & plug the charger in. :2tup:

[Nightsbane]

thanks guys, what can I jump it off of? How long does it need to sit attached to a car if I hook it up to a car (when off)?

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Nightsbane

thanks guys, what can I jump it off of? How long does it need to sit attached to a car if I hook it up to a car (when off)?

You need to use the car battery to jump start the bike from a non-running car. The cables only need be connected long enough to start the bike. Remember, a jump start is only a way to start another run down vehicle. It does nothing for the bike's battery so you will still need to find a Battery Tender to charge up the bike battery properly. They are a great investment for battery health.