Okay, i think there are some big no no's here but let me throw this out. i have mentioned how much i love my old 1983 Goldwing. The exhaust system needs work as well as some carb work. i 've had to keep in on a battery charger to get it started every time. Lately even that doesn't work and my buddy has used a car to jump start the old gal. I read that this was a no no so we stopped this practice however, now the old girl will not start no matter what method is used. We can push start it and it runs pretty well. However, i am concerned that now, even if a car is used, it isn't turn the engine over to start. also, once you drive it, the starter will turn over but VERY slowly and then it will give it up. Have we ruined the starter by using a car to start it the last few times or could this still be just a really dead battery? I also noticed that the positive cable that runs from the + side to the relay is pretty corroded even under the insulation. Thoughts?

I'd suggest replacing the cable(s), and possibly the batt. too. The fact that you can push-start means the batt has enough juice to run the ignition system, and if it doesn't die on you once you do get it started means the alternator is putting out enough to fire the ignition and stuff. Sooo....looks like it's down to bad connections/cables, or the starter. Cables are much easier to replace....and cheaper, than a starter. I'd go that route first. Sounds like they need replacing anyway, if you can see the green monster growing on them...
hth :)

check for corrosion on the battery cables and get a new battery. i jump start my bikes off the car or van every spring and have been doing it since the mid '70s. no different than jump starting another car and the same precautions should be taken

Hey guys,
i talked to a number of people here in my area and i am getting missed messages. The Honda place insist, of course, i have to get a HONDA battery from them...some of the motorcycle shops claim a battery is a battery and it doesn't matter. What are ya'lls thoughts and what would a decent battery cost?

i needed a battery for my 1200 last spring and wanted it right now. the dealer had one in stock so i got it and went riding. when i got my '79 cb750f it needed a battery and the carbs cleaned. i ordered a big crank battery from battery mart. it was at my door in three days, no different than any other battery just as it would be for a wing. as long as its the right size battery it will not matter where you get it from

I am of the "A battery is a battery" group. There are some brands that may be a little better quality, for sure, but buying it from Honda doesn't necessarily make it better.
Just as an automotive battery, as long as it is rated with the correct cranking amps, if it fits, it will work.
I myself, haven't bought a scooter battery ever, so I wouldn't know what kind of pricing there is on them.

I agree that any right-sized good battery is just fine. I found that a battery tender, especially in the winter, is a wise investment.

the dealer is just trying to make a buck off you as long as it is the right size for your wing it will work

Do you have the 83 GL1100 Gold Wing? If so there are 3 battery options available.

The first and cheapest is the Y50N18LA3. This battery has caps that can be removed and the water level must be maintained. It runs around $69.

The second battery available is the YTX24HL-BS(YTX18L-BS). This is a sealed Maintenance-FREE battery. It runs around $89.

The third battery is the Odyssey PC680, which is AMERICAN made, and AMERICAN quality. It is built to military grade specification with better heat and vibration resistance.
The Maintenance free and PC680 specifications can be viewed here:
http://www.bohannonbattery.com/html/motbat/18lbs.html

There are a few battery manufacturers and ALOT, I mean ALOT of brand labels.

The most important thing is get a battery that is fresh, not old stock.

I hope this helps.

okay, since i was last on, i replaced the postive cable, which was totally corroded through and today put in a new battery. i still don't get it to turn over...the starter sounds like it is dragging the little bit it turns over. after about 4 tries the relay just clicks and nothing happens...thoughts?

I have a 2008 and want to add an accessory outlet in the glove box, but want enough juice to run a small air compressor also.
Are there any reccomendations as whether to wire it to the accessory lead or go straight to the battery terminals???

Dave

Hi! There are a couple of things left to check, but it sounds like you are going down the new starter route. Make sure the new battery is charged 100%. Make sure the ground wire on the upper rear motor mount is clean and making good contact. Take a heavy screwdriver you don't care about (there probably will be a spark) and cross the two posts on top of the relay. If the starter functions, the relay is bad. If not the starter is bad. The starter can be rebuilt as long as the armature is not shorted. You can usually find aftermarket starters for $120 and up. Please use caution jumping the relay, make sure no fuel is in the area, just in case of a spark. Good luck.

Hey guys,
i talked to a number of people here in my area and i am getting missed messages. The Honda place insist, of course, i have to get a HONDA battery from them...some of the motorcycle shops claim a battery is a battery and it doesn't matter. What are ya'lls thoughts and what would a decent battery cost?

J.K.--- I have had four Wings and prefer myself either a YUASA or a Sears Diehard Battery. Both are
made by YUASA and do a great job. The new gel
cell batterys are really popular now. You can expect to give about $70.00 for a good battery.

Dave

Hi guys,

I used to be Parts Manager for a local Mercedes Benz dealership and to give you an example of markup and quality of goods i will tell you about brake pads for the old 307D vans that used to be on the go.

At the Mercedes dealership we sold Ferodo make brake pads in a Mercedes box for £35+ , I left there and went to work for a commercial parts motor factor and sold Ferodo make brake pads in a Ferodo box for the same 307D vans for £11 and was making a good profit out of the sale as well. :eek:

It just goes to show that although it might say mercedes on the box, you can buy the same quality parts for a whole lot less. You can also bet with the buying power of Mercedes they were buying a whole lot more than I was so were getting a better price than I was paying for them.:mad:

Go with what you want m8. If you want to buy from Honda then buy from Honda, if you want to save a few bucks then buy from wherever has what you want. Go for it one way or another as long as it gets you back on the road.:)

Y50N18LA3 I just purchased this battery at walmart yesterday for 49 bucks plus tax. They did recomment that i charge it overnight before installing it in the bike. I have a 85 wing, LE. I also seem to have a fuse problem, auxillery switch allows me to turn on an additional 46 lights, that might be the problem. lol