And that one is dead, too.
"OMG, Jim - what are you talking about?" Everyone is OK - I'm talking about bikes. It has been over a month since I've been out on one of the bikes, other than a short trip in the neighborhood on the Burgman.
I don't know why. But, today, I planned to get out on the CTX. I geared up, hit the starter and... a click. The battery was dead. Now, to be fair, the CTX needs a lot of electrical juice - the dual clutch transmission is all electric.
I figured I'd put the Battery Tender (a trickle charger) on it, and take the Burgman out. I turned the key to make sure it was OK... yep, then when I hit the starter... click. Really? Both of them?
Joan helped me find the battery charger, I opened up the floorboard of the Burgman (yes, that's where the battery is on that bike), connected the charger... and the Burgman fired right up. Options: leave it on the battery charger, or take it out and let the alternator do the job of charging it up. Yeah, I opted for the ride.
Seems like I have had other stuff going on, but I have no idea why I haven't made the time to ride. Maybe it is the weather: last year when the heat rolled in (like it is now doing), I got out early for a ride most mornings. I need to get back into that routine.
The ride was a breath of fresh air. Literally. It was into the 80s by the time I got back, the predicted high in the mid-90s. I put the Burgman away; the Battery Tender on the CTX had a couple hours to work... I turned the key and it fired right up. Yep, time to take this one out, too. Different route: I went to the Loop 202 to put some highway miles on the bike to get a good charge on it. After doing the highway riding, I turned off and went through a couple neighborhoods I've only seen from the highway... wedged between the south side of South Mountain (on the other side of the mountain from us) and the Loop 202. I thought we were kind of in the boonies (as far as big city living), but this community is really isolated.
Did I mention: the riding was good!
2 comments:
Leave them on the Battery Tender all the time. I do that with my boat (four batteries) and my two spare cars, which rarely get driven. I have one on my truck, as it stays parked for a long time between towing the trailer. The Battery Tender is smart; it won't overcharge the battery. I bet I am preaching to the choir.
Hi Jeff - not the choir, but preaching to the soloist... well, the solo rider. I didn't plan on taking that time away from riding, it just kinda snuck up on me. I will make it a point to get out more often - good for the bikes and definitely good for my well-being. Good to hear from you!
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