I recently bought a 2002 used CBR600F4i and have had a few problems I am hoping to get some help with. The first problem is my battery keeps dying on me. I replaced it with a new one, fully charged it before using it, and now it goes dead after a few starts, even after I've ridden the bike for periods of 30 minutes or more. I noticed the headlight brightens and dims as I rev the throttle, which makes me think it may be an alternator related problem. Secondly, when at slow speeds 0-10mph such as when turning around, the bike occassionally stalls, but I can immediately restart it. With this too, I am thinking it is an electrical short or something of the sort. Any help or ideas?

 

Charge up the new battery again and when you start the bike check the voltage at the battery. Should be steady around 12-13 volts at idle. Now rev up to 5000rpms and hold it and check voltage. Should be from 14-15 volts. If it's hanging around 11 volts all the time then you have stator issues. Another possibility is that you have a drain on the battery when it's not running. Do you have any electric gadgets that could be sucking power with the switch off? You can easily check for this also. Connect a fully charged battery and check the voltage. Leave it for 4-5 hrs and then check it again. Shouldn't be any real change (maybe .05 or so). The head light will brighten on most bikes when you rev it so that's normal.

The stalling can be an idle related symptom so make sure it's idling over 1150rpms.

 

Excellent. Thank you for the info. I will try what you suggest and post any results. P.S. The idle was set at approximately 500 but I have adjusted it since reading your post.

 

I tried as you suggested and it appears the battery (for some strange reason) is maintaining the charge and recharging according to my OHMs meter. As for the stalling, I adjusted the idel rpms and that problem too has dissapeared. Thanks for your help!

 

Good deal. Hope it stays running right. Nothing worse than a bike with electrical gremlins -- ask Neon[8D]. I'd still do some test rides close to home to make sure you don't get stranded far away.

 

speaking of which, does AAA cover motorcycles?