QuestionIt seems that my 1500cc vL suzuki will only start with oem batteries. while there are a number of after market batteries that are reccomended, they don't seem to have enough cranking power to turn the engine fast enough to kick over? Is it the battery or something else? Also on a hot day after a hard ride, the bike seems to need to sit for 30 minutes or so before it will start.
AnswerHi Gary,
Q: "...It seems that my 1500cc vL suzuki will only start with oem batteries. while there are a number of after market batteries that are reccomended, they don't seem to have enough cranking power to turn the engine fast enough to kick over?"
A: Is this a question or a statement?
Q: "...Is it the battery or something else?
A: I suspect the batteries used are defective or not fully charged. This may be especially true if all batteries are purchased from the same vendor.
To determine the condition of a battery, check battery voltage with a multimeter. Check specific gravity of individual cells with a hydrometer designed for motorcycle batteries. Compare readings with service limits found in the Service Manual.
Buy a quality brand battery such as Yuasa (OEM), Decka, and Interstate. We get what we pay for.
Q: "...Also on a hot day after a hard ride, the bike seems to need to sit for 30 minutes or so before it will start."
A: This is not uncommon. I suspect two causes of this symptom:
1) The effects of heat on fuel and resulting fuel tank's efficiency to vent vapors from the fuel tanks,
2) The effects of heat and atomization of the air-fuel mixtures (fuel vapors) as they enter the combustion chambers.
Try and keep direct sunlight off the fuel tank. See if that helps.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
