63 honda 305, low and terrible voltage

[bloodweiser]

Getting ready to tackle my electrical issues and wanted some input first.

I found my battery dead one afternoon, after a full hour charge we were back up to 11.56v off, 11.07v running w/o the headlight and 10.55v w/. Got a nice ride in a parked it like I normally do. I should note, I run with the headlight off because I have the original rectifier.

A few days later, I had a dead battery again. Charged again, this time 11.50v off, but when I turned the key my voltage dropped to a measly 6.something. Damn.
Would start with a jumper box, but would die as soon as I removed it.

Cheapo walmart battery, that had been working for a few months with no issues.
All grounds are tight and clean.
I don't know where to start.

My electrical know how is pathetic; besides checking for loose wires, I'm never certain which direction to go. I'm contemplating rewiring the beast, but hopefully there's some glaringly obvious issue at hand here in which a more experienced dreamer could easily point out for me.

thanks.

[brewsky]

Start with a battery you can charge to 12.5 + volts before blaming the bike, then take it from there.

You may have charging issues, or it may just be a bad battery. You should be able to get 13+ volts while running at mid rpms, but that is starting with a good charged up battery.

[davomoto]

Bloodwiser,

Charge the battery, leave the cables unhooked from the bike, and see if it still dies in a couple days. Either that, or take it to someone that can load test it for you. Buy a good battery, not a cheapo Wallymart battery!

Replace the old rectifier with a solid state unit.

You can run with the headlight switch on, but the bar switch in the middle, so you get extra voltage to the battery.

Davo

[LOUD MOUSE]

Your battery is Shot!
Get a new one and connect the Positive Wires/cable then (with the key OFF) contact the frame and the Negative side of the New Battery with a voltage meter.
You should not read voltage.
If ya do ya have a wiring problem. .......lm

Getting ready to tackle my electrical issues and wanted some input first.

I found my battery dead one afternoon, after a full hour charge we were back up to 11.56v off, 11.07v running w/o the headlight and 10.55v w/. Got a nice ride in a parked it like I normally do. I should note, I run with the headlight off because I have the original rectifier.

A few days later, I had a dead battery again. Charged again, this time 11.50v off, but when I turned the key my voltage dropped to a measly 6.something. Damn.
Would start with a jumper box, but would die as soon as I removed it.

Cheapo walmart battery, that had been working for a few months with no issues.
All grounds are tight and clean.
I don't know where to start.

My electrical know how is pathetic; besides checking for loose wires, I'm never certain which direction to go. I'm contemplating rewiring the beast, but hopefully there's some glaringly obvious issue at hand here in which a more experienced dreamer could easily point out for me.

thanks.

[bloodweiser]

I knew when I bought the WM battery that I'd be replacing it with a decent unit, I just didn't expect it to be <6 months.

you guys are terrific, thanks for the help.

[Goodysnap]

A battery that is filled and charged need to be maintained. Our Battery suppliers rotate stock on prefilled charged batteries on a regular basis to ensure a fresh battery. A dry battery that you fill and slow charge yourself if the best alternative. Your WM battery spent most of it's usable life on the store shelf.

[bloodweiser]

The WM battery was bought dry. They are sold with a side of acid, filled and charged by yours truly.