washed bike, now battery is draining

[busa_bill]

Washed the Busa Sunday. Went to start it Tuesday AM and no juice at all. Figured I may have accidently left my heated grips switched on, so swapped the battery out of the kids Busa last night at 9:30. The bike started fine.
Went to ride at 6:00 this morning, and no juice. No lights - nothing.
So, I'm starting to think I did something to the electrical system when I hosed her off.
Anybody else had this problem, or can tell me where to start looking?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[sageronin]

Yep ... sounds like you've got a "short" somewhere. You're going to need a multi-meter and a lot of patience. Maybe you can switch it off and start somewhere close to the fuse panel to find the problem quicker?

 

[Rhythm]

Check your fuses !

 

[busa_bill]

(sageronin @ Feb. 07 2007,08:17) Yep ... sounds like you've got a "short" somewhere. You're going to need a multi-meter and a lot of patience. Maybe you can switch it off and start somewhere close to the fuse panel to find the problem quicker?

So I guess getting water up by the gauges is a no-no?

The bike is still under warranty. Maybe I should just take it in.

 

[runeight]

(busa_bill @ Feb. 07 2007,09:19)

(sageronin @ Feb. 07 2007,08:17) Yep ... sounds like you've got a "short" somewhere. You're going to need a multi-meter and a lot of patience. Maybe you can switch it off and start somewhere close to the fuse panel to find the problem quicker?

So I guess getting water up by the gauges is a no-no?

The bike is still under warranty. Maybe I should just take it in.

 

[rockadaous]

what was the last thing you worked on?

 

[busa_bill]

(rockadaous @ Feb. 07 2007,08

) what was the last thing you worked on?

I've had the heat grips on for probably three months. I did front brakes over the weekend.
Will disconnect the grips from the battery and see if it still draws down.
These small battery's don't have much reserve, but it should still take a decent size ground to completely drain the battery in under 10 hours.

I guess my main Q was about keeping the gage cluster dry. The bike is built to be driven in the rain, so I saw no reason to keep it dry.
Maybe a live & learn deal for Busa_Bill???

 

[rockadaous]

I'd say it was the heated grips. check your wire'n. have you had your gauge cluster off lately? I've washed mine with no probs

 

[BA BUSA]

Might just need to use some air to "blow dry" the beast...then a nice long ride to finish the drying process and charge your system.

 

[heavybusa]

(BA BUSA @ Feb. 07 2007,14:00) Might just need to use some air to "blow dry" the beast...then a nice long ride to finish the drying process and charge your system.

+1 a smal drop of water can complete a connection.

I use fast wast to clean up there and wash her from the seat down.

 

[tinmann840]

I've also gotten my gauge cluster wet with no problems. Maybe the battery is toast. You said you'd left the heated grips on .

 

[ike]

Water on your heated grip switch could do it depending on how you wired it. Make sure the connection is dry.

 

[dadofthree]

Water can also cause rust, which can create a path to ground/negative. Not really a grounded system. Good Luck. I'd start with grips. Then take it to shop under warranty.

 

[GSXTacy]

This may sound stupid, but if you lock your bars, you can easily leave the parking lights on and kill your battery. I have done it!

 

[dmrowe]

(GSXTacy @ Feb. 07 2007,16:56) This may sound stupid, but if you lock your bars, you can easily leave the parking lights on and kill your battery. I have done it!

Hey, glad I am not the only one who has done this!

 

[Over_Easy]

Never used a hose out of concern about having water settle somewhere it shouldn't be.

I use a mild soap bucket w/ sponge, another bucket with soft rag and water only, a drying towel, WD-40 for the wheels and other metal areas w/ grease and Honda Polish to finish.

 

[300Busa]

never had a problem getting my guage cluster wet.