First time in 8 years...
 

Pulled the bike out today to get things started for spring.

For the first time ever, the battery wasn't strong enough to start the engine (and I've never used a battery tender). Not bad for an 8 year old battery, though. Hooked up a charger for an hour and she fired right up.

I put the bike up on the center stand and threw it in gear and noticed that the chain and back wheel are pretty jerky at idle; I don't normally put the bike in gear while it's on the center stand. Does anyone else's bike (those of you with chain drives) do that?

It seems a bit loose so I'm thinking that's the cause but figured I'd throw it out there.

Can't complain about that battery. Keep an eye on it though. Mine reached the point where it was fine if it started first try. If it didn't it became very iffy.

Clean, lube, and set proper tension on the chain. If it and the wheel are still jerky you may have a tight spot.

8 years on a batt is solid. But why wouldn't you use a Tender? It's smart money, kid.

He's Particle Man
He charges everything just standing next to it.

Smart!

Might be loose, but it might just be due to having a twin. My aprilia does that a bit more on the stand than my previous I-4 bike.

Shit - it better not, there's less than 1,000 miles on that chain and sprocket set. :eek:

I have one - just never needed it. I'm going to replace the sucker anyhow just as preventative maintenence. I was pretty impressed that it lasted that long, though.

Damn skippy! :rockwoot:

If I give it some throttle the jerkyness goes away so I was wondering that. Either way, it's loose so I'll properly tension and adjust it just in time to throw new tires on it :lol:

My SV does the same.
My Buell does not.

Just by posting in a Particle Man thread charged the battery in the CBR.
Its been sitting since October and today fired right up without touching a tender.

You're welcome

coulld you come over and zap some particles in my futuras batter then too. Been on the charger most of the winter. I may try to fire it up this week after I get the steering bearrings done.

Sure:lol:

My battery sat all winter with everything connected and started no problem. I'm feeling lucky this year.

of course I have plenty of good beer :)

Naturally

Your chain will snug up little when the suspension compresses under the weight of the bike. I wouldn't use the tension while on the center stand to gauge anything.