First time posting on the forum for my 2022 AK 500 that I've had for about 18 months. Last year, when I was away for the first time and not riding for about 8-10 days the battery became low (below 9-10v) and the bike wouldn't start...no engine noise just clicking. I used the tender for the first time, and it started right up. Months later, this situation happened a 2nd time when gone 6-7 days and I did a tender charge again with no problem. Then a 3rd time just last month over Christmas with a 6-day absence and it started after a charge; I successfully turned it on/over (to test it) but did not actually ride. 6 days later (after that), it wouldn't start again. After putting it on the tender it still won't start. When I turn the power on, dash panel shows 12.4 v, but after I try starting it (with engine noise/power trying to turn and lights on) it drops to 11.7 v. Do I keep charging it on the tender more even though the light (on it) is green? Does it need a jump from a more powerful battery starter, say from a tow truck? Or does it need a completely new battery itself since I assume this is the original? Again, there is def. more power showing on the dash, voltage and sound than the first time when it was just 'clicking' but it's not starting up.
Also, for context, I have always turned it to the RIGHT side to shut off the engine after each ride thinking that was OK. Just learned from reading in the forum that apparently, I needed to turn off power to the LEFT to get the red ring light to completely shut it off. Perhaps this has contributed to the issue?? Appreciate feedback on what's going on and my options to remedy. Thanks.
Yes, Turning the knob only to the right will not fully shut down the AK. It is possible that
can cause the battery to run down faster than normal. Turning the knob to the right only turns off the engine and the lights but all other systems are still being powered. This is to ensure safety when refueling since that is the same direction to open the fuel door. I have sometimes turned the knob that way when stopping for a photo op while riding on a trip since it is just a very short stop. Never when going into a store though since the remote fob is not needed to turn the AK back on and ride away... which any thief can do if they are aware. Turning to the left ensures that the remote fob must be near to turn on the bike.
I tested my AK just after I bought it to see how long it would hold a charge if left properly shut off and not attached to any battery maintainer and found that it can go about 5-6 days, maybe 7 before the charge state of the battery is too low to start it. All modern vehicles have excess phantom loads that will run down a battery while the vehicle is just sitting. My 2017 Subaru Legacy would only go MAYBE 2 weeks and it would be too run down to start. My 2015 Rav4 will go 5-6 weeks before the battery is too run down. All while just sitting in the garage properly shut off.
What you describ could likely be that your battery has a bad cell. I've seen brand new batteries develop a bad cell when only days old. Normal battery life in any motorcycle is between 4-5 years at best IME. I have had one battery last over 7 years and another last only 3. How old is your AK battery?
A bad cell typically shows as the battery indicating full charge when at rest but as soon as any load is applied, such as starting the engine, the voltage drops dramatically and it is unable to start the engine. Sound familiar. I'd suggest you take the battery to a battery store and have them load test it. Most don't charge for this service.
It sounds like you don't always connect your Battery Tender when the AK is parked. Stop that. I
ALWAYS connect my Battery Tender Jr. (NOT a trickle charger or charger but a true maintainer) every time my AK is parked in the garage. A battery will last longer that way. I've done the same with all my other bikes I've owned since 2003.