I took the Vulcan 500 on the highway and it did great. After parking it for a few hours, I had difficulty starting it. The lights turned on but it wouldn't make any cranking sound (didn't even sound like electricity buzzing). After 3 tries, I took a break and then tried again, when the bike started up. I was able to ride home.
I know the battery connections were all good. However, I noticed my battery doesn't have anything to secure it on top. The parts diagram shows a battery cover and a band that secures it to the case. Do you guys have these installed and have a photo of them? And are they necessary?
It doesn't seem like the battery has much room to move in the battery case, but it's kinda worrisome to not be able to start the bike.
Mine didn't have anything either when I got it. I just grabbed an elastic strap and a couple of d-rings and made my own. Check the battery cables, (and the sticky on this subject,) they like to wiggle around and eventually break or come loose.
I was sure it couldn't be a loose battery connection since I had tightened everything but it was a loose connection on the side to the brass adapter (like the sticky). Also, began seeing a bit of white powdery buildup around the connection.
Will re-read the sticky and see if there is something I should do. I'm guessing I should go ahead and get the cover and strap as well.
I just put loctite on the 4 battery terminal threads so I should be good. Went for a test ride an hour later and everything seems fine.
I adjusted the A/F mix screws and it seems to be running right. Closed it up slowly until I noticed a very silght slowing of the idle, then opened up about half a turn where the idle seemed fast again and steady. Couldn't smell any gasoline odors from the exhaust, no popping or backfiring issues, everything seems to be working fine!
I added the Marine Stabil 360 that you recommended and will continue using that each fill up.
Going forward...always a good idea to calculate and monitor your fuel consumption at fill ups....establish a pattern...a sudden variation or major drop in MPG obviously indicating a fault.
Your 500 should yield somewhere in the high 40's- mid 50's, depending upon your personal riding habits (throttle use)
You do realize that I am carrying pretty much Max vehicle weight and a very Large fairing, right? :grin2: And Hidalgo has almost never gotten fuel economy as good as most other Vulcan 500s. At interstate speeds she used to get mid-upper 30's but lately even that has been unattainable. Take a look at the 'Highest Miles on Vulcan 500' thread and you will see some of my troubleshooting to regain some of that lost fuel economy.
SoH got mid 30's during her first road trip, but there were some fuel issues along the way. Time will tell if things will be different with it.
rileyyh, YOu can get the battery strap from ronayers.com part no, 9072-006 description-BAND BATTERY, if you don't have a kawasaki dealer near you. A lot of times if the dealer does not have the item in stock, they will have to order it. I simply ordered mine from ronayers.com to make things easier for me. I got the part # from bikerbill.
It's funny how the fuel economy of various Vulcans is basically the same. I get 42-45mpg (depending on riding conditions) on my 1700cc Vulcan. Though right now, with trailer in tow; I'm only getting 37!
Definitely make sure those connections are clean and tight; and get the battery load tested while you're at it.
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