November 20, 2023 by MotorcycleEnthusiast
Desperate for help here! My Honda Rebel’s battery just won’t hold a charge. I’ve tried everything I know. Can anyone offer some advice or solutions that actually worked for them?
Response
I remember having this same issue with my 2007 Honda Rebel. I had to replace the voltage regulator to stop the battery dying.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Battery | 4 | $60 – $120 | 30 – 60 |
| Charge and Test Battery | 2 | $0 – $30 (for charger) | 120 – 240 |
| Check and Secure Stator Wiring | 1 | $0 (if self-done) | 60 – 120 |
| Replace Voltage Regulator | 1 | $50 – $100 | 45 – 90 |
Symptoms
- Rapid battery draining, even when the bike isn’t running.
- Bike starts but soon dies or makes clicking sounds.
- Battery appears to charge but fails to sustain the bike’s operation.
Possible Causes
- Battery aging or prolonged disuse.
- Faulty charging system components.
- Electrical shorts or loose connections.
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Battery
What I Did: Upgraded the old battery with a new, quality one (Yuasa recommended). Outcome: Consistent and reliable bike starts. Personal Experience: The new battery brought stability to my bike’s electrical system. Estimated Cost: $60 – $120 Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
Detailed Steps:
- Buy a suitable battery for your specific Honda Rebel model.
- Safely remove the seat and disconnect the old battery, mindful of the polarity.
- Place the new battery, ensuring it fits snugly and connect the terminals correctly.
- Verify the connections and reinstall the seat.
- Start the bike to test the new battery’s effectiveness.
Handy Tips:
- Charge the new battery fully if it’s not pre-charged.
- Wear safety gloves to avoid acid spills or electrical shocks.
- Keep the bike in a well-ventilated area during the battery change.
Expert Tip: Invest in a battery tender to maintain the battery’s charge during extended periods of inactivity, especially in colder climates.
2. Charge and Test Battery
What I Did: Charged the battery thoroughly, then performed a voltage test. Outcome: Determined the battery’s condition. Personal Experience: This step was crucial in isolating the battery as the issue. Estimated Cost: $0 – $30 (for charger) Time Needed: 120 – 240 minutes
Detailed Steps:
- Connect the battery to a suitable charger. Prefer a trickle charger for gentle charging.
- Charge until the indicator shows full charge.
- Allow the battery to rest, then measure the voltage.
- A reading below 12.6V after rest indicates a failing battery.
Handy Tips:
- Use a digital multimeter for a more precise reading.
- Follow the charger’s instructions to avoid overcharging.
Expert Tip: Periodic battery testing, especially after long storage periods, can preempt failure and save you from unexpected downtimes.
Motorcycle Models Where This Worked
- Honda Rebel CMX500 ABS (2021)
- Honda Rebel CMX450 (1986)
- Honda Rebel 250 (2004, 2007)