Motorcycle Repair: Honda PC800 - electrical, honda pc800, spare batteries

Question
My 1998 Honda PC800 shows loss of electrical power -occasionally misfiring while traveling and showing less power to the directional lights when switched on.
I've charged the battery and it's still fullly charged -indicator tells.
Still, once I turn the ignition key "ON" the dash-lights are low or very low in power and the starter doesn't start.
I checked again the battery but it seems fine -although over a year old now.

Could it be that the battery itself needs to be replaced?

Thank you,
Giampaolo
5giampaolo@sbcglobal.net

Answer
Hi Giampaolo,

It may be a weak or defective battery. I would need to test the battery's specific gravity to be certain, although I suspect this is the problem.

Try another 12vdc battery and see if the problem still exists. Easy for me to say...I keep spare batteries and cables for such purpose. : )

Otherwise, check electrical connectors and chasis grounds for loose connections. Use dielectric grease on all connectors that you can access to help prevent corrosion and water shorting.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively