It started !

[Francois_Dumas]

Yes, riding season.

But, more importantly, my RT !

 

I didn't expect it to start. First time since I have it that I didn't run it for three consecutive months while it stood patiently out in the freezing cold and snow all that time.

 

Of course I don't have a trickle loader (never needed one), nor a garage (it is my office), so I was pretty much prepared to see nothing happening when I turned the key.

 

Lo and behold.... the lights came on, and so did the engine on the second try. Runs like it never stopped.....

 

...... more news when I return from my first ride in 2010.

[Kathy R]

No more virtual riding!!!

[tallman]

Francois,

Good news, but, how old is the battery?

It may behoove you to have it load tested if it's a couple seasons or so as there is a posible total failure just waiting for an inopportune moment to leave you stranded.

Best wishes.

[Francois_Dumas]

6 years in June, still the original battery ! I'll have it tested next month with the general yearly maintenance!

[tallman]

Francois,

IMO, don't bother.

Replace it.

You've gotten more than your Euoro's worth.

5 years is excellent lifespan.

If you are going 6 w/long winter hibernation and no trickle/float charge, it is going to fail sooner rather than later.

But, for giggles, don't replace it and see just how long it really will last.

Best wishes.

[Kathy R]

I was on a bike battery that quit at 3am in the not so nice part of town. Not fun.

[tallman]

What's a nice girl like you doing, oh never mind...

Kathy is right, it happens w/out warning, often at a time and place where we would not wish to be immobilized.

[Francois_Dumas]

 

Alright, I'll have it replaced :-)

[Knifemaker]

Peer pressure strikes again....but good advice....change it....

[Boone60]

My RT is still sitting in the garage, plugged in but unmoved since November.

 

I'm thinking it will start as usual on the first crank.

[Haynes]

Food lasts a lot longer in the freezer. Why not batteries?

Enjoy riding.

[Boone60]

After the first start prediction I was hoping I didn't jinx my RT. Unplugged, oil checked, key on, choke on full, clutch lever in, and starter button in for a couple seconds and she fires right up! Awesome.

[Little_Brit]

Francois,

 

We live in different countries but not so far apart!

 

This awful winter has been my longest lay-off from riding since I started riding in 1971. Admittedly my threshold limits have changed over the years too - I tend not to go out unless the temperature is at least approaching double digits (10 C) now whereas a few years ago it just had to be above zero!

 

And this week when the weather has at last broken I've been down with a dose of what is lovingly called "the winter vomitting virus". The name tells you all you need to know...

 

Maybe this weekend?

 

Derek

[Francois_Dumas]

Same here Derek, never stopped riding in winter yet until now. And now it is raining... again !!! But my gear sits on the chair next to my desk and as soon as I see some green stuff on the rain radar (i.e. LAND), I'll be out and away !