I was just about to buy an 04 CBR 600 and I kind of got scared away. I test drove it and it started fine and everything, upon return from the ride i started it again, let it idle for 4 minutes, shut it off, started it again, shut it off, and then it would not start again. Is it my fault for killing the battery or possible charging system problem? I hear CBR's in general have problems with the charge system. He also had another person there look at it right before me so he also could have drained some battery. Owner claims he replaced the battery last September. Any help?

 

Its possible if the guy before you did the same type of thing. the batteries in these bikes only have so many starts in them and if you and the other guy did not give the battery enough time to recharge, it could be the issue.

I would go back with a volt meter and measure the volts at the battery. with it running, you should see around 14 volts. They might be slightly less at idles, so raise the rpms up to about 4000 while checking the volts again, then again around 7000. The voltage should stay around 14 the entire time. If the volts drop as the rpms go up, the bike probably has a bad stator, or possilbe rectifier issue.

If it turns out you have an issue with the stator. I wouldnt write the bike off. If its a good deal, use it to talk the guy down more on price. Stators are fairly easy to change and really don't cost that much money. The same goes for the rectifier. Both are can be changed by just about anyone with a little mechanical ability.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. I would have done that except he sold the bike to the guy who looked at it before me. I offered $4300 for the 04 CBR600RR with 7600 miles and it needed a new rear tire right away and an oil change. He agreed to that price but I was skeptical to go ahead without knowing more about the battery.