Riding Without a Battery

[Fun4me]

I've had my little red donkey for three years now and discovered something new about it. Just wondering if others were aware of this.

My battery started giving me problems so a few days ago I replaced it. I was sent the wrong size battery but didn't realize it was 1/2" too tall until I tried to install it. After reordering the correct size, I thought I'd just ride without a battery for a few days awaiting the FedEx delivery.

I knew the Trail would run without a battery, but I discovered that a few things wouldn't operate as normal. The first thing I found out was the turn signals didn't work. The ABS light also blinked continuously. The taillight wouldn't come on. The brake light didn't work when using the rear brake pedal, but it did work when using the front brake lever.

I put the old battery back in while waiting for the new one to arrive and everything worked fine.

I wasn't aware of these issues and wanted to let others know what to expect if operating our trusty Trails without a battery installed.

 

[Markbxr400]

Interesting. My Montesa 300RR and 4RT both have fuel injection, an ECU and no battery at all. But they do not have a fuel pump that ramps up like the CT125 does when you turn the key on. I guess the magneto also starts to run the fuel pump and ECU as you kick it and get it started just like the Montesa. Doesn't surprise me that lights, etc do all kinds of weird things. Honda is pretty slick with their little ECU and fuel injection. Pretty well on every bike they make now except the CRF50.

 

[TrailBoss]

I was aware of the ABS light flashing since I had to kick start when my battery went dead from sitting for a while. I didn't pick up on the other gremlins though.

 

[Fun4me]

I wouldn't ride the Trail around for an extended time without a battery, especially on the road now that I know the things that don't work without it. It's nice to know you could operate without a battery if you had to.

I was aware of the ABS light flashing since I had to kick start when my battery went dead from sitting for a while. I didn't pick up on the other gremlins though.

Kind of surprised me too. No biggie but now I know.