[Elblanconaygro]

Hey I just bought a 2002 f4i with 7k miles and so far i love it. Cosmetically it isnt perfect but not too bad at all. I'm not new to 2 wheels been riding dirt bikes forever.

But I'm new to batteries. I left the key "on" for about 5 minutes without having the bike on and when i tried to start the bike it wouldnt. Is this normal, if not what is?

Thanks, DZ

[rschultz]

I have an '01 f4i - man are these 600's HARD to find in SoCal. With the $4.75/gallon gas, these are being picked up before they even hit the classifieds. Anyway, I went to Walmart and for about $16, I picked up their 12V battery tender. Same thing at an auto parts store anywhere from $50-$99. I removed the seat and hardwired the connector to the battery. Very easy install since the battery uses screws for the terminal connectors and the tender connector has a round-eye metal connection. I ran it out the right side and can tuck it under the "seat fairing" when not in use. This is a good way to keep the battery charged if you need to keep the power on for some reason.

[Roadrunner17]

I have a 02 F4i and had my battery go dead in 2007. I store it for the winter and leave it on a battery tender. When I started up in the spring I had no issues, but a few weeks later the battery died. I thought it was just because I hadn't riden in awhile so I charged it again. After that it started but only once. I ended up at a gas station and it wouldn't start so I had to jump it. From then on the battery wouldn't hold a charge and I had to replace it. I've never left it in the on position that long, but I would think that is too quick to kill a good battery. I'd try charging yours and if that doesn't seem any better it may be time to replace the battery. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[bonham]

5 minutes of on-time shouldn't kill your battery. I'd also check for stator and regulator/rectifier issues. Make sure your charging system is operating correctly when the engine is running.

Another couple of items specific to street bikes are to make sure that the bike isn't in gear with the kickstand down, and that the engine cut-off switch is in the proper position. Either one of those could cause a no-start situation.

Do the indicator lights dim when you try to start it?

[USMCSLB]

I cant find anyone to by my 2000 f4 in San Diego! I posted it twice and got 2 bites on craigslist and a bunch of low ballers but thats it. I am even including a helmet and offering 2 very nice jackets for a reasonable price. Let me know if you know anybody in socal that wants one.

[slickwill]

If it is the original battery it is most likely getting weak. I have an '02 with the original battery and it is getting noticeably weaker. I bought the bike with 691 miles on it and it's at 8800 now so I've been around for most of it's life and am aware of the history. I always take the battery out during the winter and store it inside on a tender. If I'm not riding it for awhile (a week or so) I plug it in also. I also have mine hard wired so I just pull the rear seat and plug it in. I had surgery yesterday so I probably should go plug it in right now.

If it does die on you they are really easy to push start. Just run along side it with it in 2nd gear, get it up to speed, then drop the clutch and give it a little throttle. It will fire right up. It doesn't take much to bump start a 600. I've done it plenty of time while wearing full leathers.

[rschultz]

USMC, did you try cycletrader?