Thanks to a Yamaha dealer in Sault Ste. Marie, MI

[KeithS]

At 6 a.m. on July 19th, my son-in-law Shane and I were mounting our beemers to start our ride from Glenview, IL, to circle Lake Superior. When Shane started his R1150R there was a slight hesitation but it started ok. I figured the hesitation was due to the battery being weak because the R is not ridden much. An hour or so of riding should charge the battery. We stopped in Milwaukee for breakfast. On start up afterwards there was the same hesitation. We looked at each other, shrugged with a little concern, and pressed on. When we had the same experience in Escanaba we decided we’d better get a battery. The local Honda dealer sold Yuasa batteries but did not have one to fit the R. They offered to have one overnighted. We asked if they knew of a dealer in Sault Ste. Marie, where we planned to be the next day. He called a Yamaha dealer in that city, Chippewa Motors, who agreed to have the right Yuasa battery overnighted. He’d have it by noon but would need to charge it. Our plan was to pick up the battery and press on. (Not a particularly smart idea.)

 

Upon reaching Sault Ste. Marie we stopped at a NAPA dealer for directions to Chippewa Motors. The R would not start. We called Dennis Hank, the service manager. He recommended someone who could tow the bike in. When we got to the shop the battery was being charged. We asked if they could install the battery. Dan Shumbarger, service tech, said he’d work it in. (Even though it was Friday afternoon, he probably recognized two riders who weren’t handy with a wrench). In addition to Dennis and Dan, Steve Lawson, the sales manager, went out of his way to make us feel welcome while we paced around the shop. We were riding again at 4 p.m. With their help we were able to keep our trip alive.

 

Any of you guys or gals who live up that way or anyone riding through stop in and say hi to those guys. Chippewa Motors deserves a shout out. Good guys for sure.

 

[Kathy R]

I sent them a thank you email. These are the kind of folks we want to keep in business.

 

CHIPPEWA MOTORS, INC.

3107 S M-129

Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783

Phone: (906) 632-6651

Fax: (906) 632-0002

Email: office@chippewamotors.com

 

I was riding a bike when the battery died. I didn't think motorcycle batteries charge when you ride? They aren't like car batteries, are they?

[KeithS]

I think they charge like cars. I know I bought a battery for my RT at a BMW dealer and I was told to ride for at least thirty minutes after I installed it to make sure it was charged.

 

Someone on this board will verify or correct. Of that I am sure.

[Paul Mihalka]

"I was riding a bike when the battery died. I didn't think motorcycle batteries charge when you ride? They aren't like car batteries, are they?"

 

When a battery is low on charge because leaving something on for too long or not using for a longer time, it can be charged with a charger or by riding charging with the motor. When a battery is dead-dead, it does not take charge at all.

 

[Downs]

Car batteries and motorcycle batteries (Shorai not included) are the same technology. The charging systems also function the same the bikes components and battery are just on a smaller scale.