SV stored since last summer, doesnt start please help

1847 Views 23 Replies 15 Participants Last post by eteach01, Feb 11, 2009

ironguy

Discussion Starter · Feb 9, 2009

I'm a beginner rider, just bought an used SV from a private seller who had it stored since last summer.

It doesn't start from cold, he said the battery doesn't hold the charge. He used a portable jumper to start the bike and it works. Now again it doesn't start. How do I know if the battery is dead or weak? What do I need to buy -- trickle charger (how many amps) or battery tender/charger?

Also I used a flashligh to peek into the gas tank and the fuel looks old.
Do I need a fuel system flush before starting, will it hurt the engine if I burn dark old fuel?

Is there anything else I need to be concerned about if a bike had been stored for long?
Fellow SV riders please help me get my ride on...

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

maleman876

· #2 · Feb 9, 2009

sounds like the battery is dead-dead. just take it to any auto parts place and they should be able to test it and sell you a new one.

i would drain the tank and put in fresh gas, maybe do a seafoam treatment.

check the tires for dryrot, check the chain, check all the hoses for cracks and stuff. airfilter while you're at it.

BombDigs

· #3 · Feb 9, 2009

If he said the battery doesn't hold a charge when he sold it to you I'm sure he wasn't lying. Buy a new battery and a trickle charger, charge up the battery, install it, and go form there. You will have an easier time diagnosing any other potential problems once you can cross the battery off the list. Congrats on the new bike. NOW GO FIRE THAT SH1T UP

Lost1888

· #4 · Feb 9, 2009

Just get a new battery. Change the oil and filter. Check the air filter to see if anyone has made it their home. Maybe bleed the brakes.

ironguy

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 9, 2009

thanks...I have noted these in my list of things to do...

about the battery...whats the cost of a stock suzuki battery?

and whats is the difference between a trickle charger and a regular battery charger/tender? which is cheaper...I'm a student and cant afford to spend much.

kmziegelbauer

· #6 · Feb 9, 2009

A decent charger should have a switch to change it from standard to trickle

kmziegelbauer

· #7 · Feb 9, 2009

Try to siphon most of the gas out of the tank then fill it up with premium, that will dilute the old gas, only run premium if you can, that is all I put in my tank

kaxford

· #8 · Feb 9, 2009

Not that I like to support big box stores, but if you're on a budget... hit up walmart. They will typically carry all the items you need. oil filters, oil, (I recommend a fully synthetic to help it shift cleanly) battery, and charger. All specifically for motorcycles. don't forget th oil filter wrench. Enjoy the new ride. PS. if you pick up the Hayne's service manual, that is the best money you will spend.

Lost1888

· #9 · Feb 9, 2009

kmziegelbauer said:
Try to siphon most of the gas out of the tank then fill it up with premium, that will dilute the old gas, only run premium if you can, that is all I put in my tank

I'm not trying to be a ***** but running premium is really just a waste of money. The manual calls for 87 and that's all you really need. I do run 89 once a month just for the hell of it but it also really isn't necessary.

Whatever you do it's your money and bike!;D

Zach

· #10 · Feb 9, 2009

kmziegelbauer said:
Try to siphon most of the gas out of the tank then fill it up with premium, that will dilute the old gas, only run premium if you can, that is all I put in my tank

this is worthless advice. actually it's worse than that- premium costs more than regular, so this poor advice would actually cost you money. The SV needs NO MORE than 87 octane.

yes, get as much of the old gas out as possible and fill it up with fresh gas.

kaxford said:
Not that I like to support big box stores, but if you're on a budget... hit up walmart. They will typically carry all the items you need. oil filters, oil, (I recommend a fully synthetic to help it shift cleanly) battery, and charger. All specifically for motorcycles. don't forget th oil filter wrench. Enjoy the new ride. PS. if you pick up the Hayne's service manual, that is the best money you will spend.

Walmart will have a lot of the things that you need for a good price. Including a battery tender for around $20 or $30.

kmziegelbauer

· #11 · Feb 9, 2009

I still would rather run premium because of all the ethanol that is put into the gas, I am an auto tech and it is proven that higher octane gives you better gas mileage and burns cleaner than lower octane.

GeorgeZboy

· #12 · Feb 9, 2009

ironguy said:
thanks...I have noted these in my list of things to do...

about the battery...whats the cost of a stock suzuki battery?

and whats is the difference between a trickle charger and a regular battery charger/tender? which is cheaper...I'm a student and cant afford to spend much.

$57 at Batterystuff.com

Unless you're storing the bike quite a bit (not riding), you won't need a charger at all. If you do, get the little electronic unit at Sears: item# 02871219000 Mfr. model# 71219 for $30.00

SV_WantABe

· #13 · Feb 9, 2009

The battery dies easily - it MUST be kept on a trickle charger if not used for a coupel months or longer (I learned the hard way). I'm happy with the one that I replaced it with - you mighy be able to find the old thread. YUSA I belive is the best brand, I got their generic battery. It was shipped right from YUSA in PA, but it's made in China or Taiwan. I wonder if the non-generac version is made in USA.

SV_WantABe

· #14 · Feb 9, 2009

Newenough.com sells a nice trickle charger (battery tender).

eclark53520

· #15 · Feb 9, 2009

kmziegelbauer said:
I still would rather run premium because of all the ethanol that is put into the gas, I am an auto tech and it is proven that higher octane gives you better gas mileage and burns cleaner than lower octane.

Show me the numbers buddy....and not a high performance engine that needs 93 octane run on 87 either....

Thank god you are not the tech working on my vehicles.

ironguy

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 9, 2009

Does the SV650 have a 6 volt or 12 volt battery?

Jiaguy

· #17 · Feb 9, 2009

12 volt... +1 walmart the batts are like 30 bucks versus 100 at the dealership

ThomaSV

· #18 · Feb 9, 2009

kmziegelbauer said:
I still would rather run premium because of all the ethanol that is put into the gas, I am an auto tech and it is proven that higher octane gives you better gas mileage and burns cleaner than lower octane.

I am sorry to hop on board with mr Clark but I too know a thing or two about engines and I know that in the middle of all those classes you took on being an auto tech that you were probably not taught why engines are engineered to run specific gasoline octanes.... here is the thing the lower octane has more ethonol is serious Bull**** because it is to the distributors preference and tests... also an engine is designed to run on a certain octane due to its flashpoint and length of burn.... 87 having the lowest flashpoint and shorter burning time most engines that rev higher than about 8 grand need this setting with some occasions varying... it is this way because if you run high octane long enough you will cause pre detonation and I am sure you have ran into that a time or two judging by your ego of "Im an Auto tech I know all attitude." you must be trying to make up for something.... but in all reality run whatever fuel you want because somedays (depending on the fuel distributors) 87 will be the same as 93/94 and visa versa.... so next time humble yourself and dont act out like you know it all it really is distasteful...

Thomas

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sdobbs20

· #19 · Feb 9, 2009

like everyone has said, you can pick up a trickle charger for pretty cheap. they are super nice for the off seasons. i'd drain/syphon the tank out. put fresh gas in it (not gonna bother with the octane dispute, just don't go with diesel!). ride it for a month and then change the oil as it has been sitting for awhile. make sure tires are good too.

kmziegelbauer

· #20 · Feb 10, 2009

ThomaSV said:
so next time humble yourself and dont act out like you know it all it really is distasteful...

Thomas

take your own advice and use it

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

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