Died at 65 MPH

[bassguitarbubba]

Hi all,
I think I may be stating the obvious but I'd like some opinions from those who may know more than I. I've read the stickys and could not find one particular to my concern.

I have a 2005 1500 Vulcan Classic that I bought new. I keep up on routine services and it currently has about 35,000 miles. Over the past five months, I've used the bike exclusively as a commuter and of the 35,000 total miles, 9,000 has been put on during the last five months (90 miles per day, five days per week). The battery is original and about two years ago I bought a trickle charger. The last service was two weeks ago (oil change and front brake pad replacement and brake fluid change).

Now for my question...I pulled off the freeway and shut off the engine using the handle bar kill switch. I neglected to turn off the key so my headlamp was illuminated for about 15 minutes. I tried to start the bike but the battery was dead. No clicking, nothing. I got a jump start and got back onto the freeway. About five miles later at 60MPH, the bike stalled. I could not restart it by either the electronic starter or by downshfting and trying to "pop" start it. I ended up coasting to the right shoulder and getting towed home. After several hours, I tested the battey using a volt meter and it read 12.6 volts.

Would a 7 year old battey cause this? I'm looking for the most obvious, cost effective solution.

[sheldonbourgeoi]

Sounds like your battery is dead. I got 8 years out of my last one, which I'm replacing today, and people are surprised. I guess 3 years is the average.

My battery shows the same as yours, 12.6 volts, but just doesn't turn the engine over as it did last year " it drained completely over the winter" so I think that finished it off. Plus when the bike was warm it wouldn't turn the engine over , I had to wait a few minutes.

I know with my bike if the battery is dead or close, you can't jump start it. You need a strong battery to do so.

[bassguitarbubba]

Sounds like your battery is dead. I got 8 years out of my last one, which I'm replacing today, and people are surprised. I guess 3 years is the average.

My battery shows the same as yours, 12.6 volts, but just doesn't turn the engine over as it did last year " it drained completely over the winter" so I think that finished it off. Plus when the bike was warm it wouldn't turn the engine over , I had to wait a few minutes.

I know with my bike if the battery is dead or close, you can't jump start it. You need a strong battery to do so.

Thanks! I had a feeling seven years was pushing the battery life cycle!

[Naptown Pete]

So how did the new battery work out for you?

[bassguitarbubba]

The new batery worked out great! No problems since I installed it!