rexmanno
Newbie
I went to start my 2011 VK III and my battery was flat dead, no life at all. The temp has been around - 10 - 20 C for the last week.
Started her with the pull rope and drove her from the little shed to my shop, took the battery out and found it frozen, extremely low on liquid, let it warm up on it's own, checked the electrolytes which was all very low around 1,115 - 1,200 on all cells, voltage at 12,26V, added distilled water, not to the top, just enough to start a charge, figured I would top her off when she was charged, put her on charge and that didn't give any lift in the electrolyte at all, so I figure she is done.
I would expect a longer life then 2,5 years, this is the original battery from Yamaha, which is sad to say, it's manufactured in Thailand, I was very disapointed, spoke with my friend that owns a 2007 VK and his battery lasted him 5 years.
Anybody has any recomandations on different brand batteries?
Started her with the pull rope and drove her from the little shed to my shop, took the battery out and found it frozen, extremely low on liquid, let it warm up on it's own, checked the electrolytes which was all very low around 1,115 - 1,200 on all cells, voltage at 12,26V, added distilled water, not to the top, just enough to start a charge, figured I would top her off when she was charged, put her on charge and that didn't give any lift in the electrolyte at all, so I figure she is done.
I would expect a longer life then 2,5 years, this is the original battery from Yamaha, which is sad to say, it's manufactured in Thailand, I was very disapointed, spoke with my friend that owns a 2007 VK and his battery lasted him 5 years.
Anybody has any recomandations on different brand batteries?
stewartb
Expert
I never had battery issues in my 2-stroke VKs. My 4-stroke is sensitive to a cold battery. If the starter doesn't turn fast enough it won't start. It has to do with the battery more than a cold engine. I'll replace my stock battery with an EarthX before the season goes much further. Full power output when cold soaked. I've got to try that.
