M50 Dead battery - options

[Percyboy:R.I.P MJ !]

Hello,
After three weeks past my last ride, my battery went dead. I removed the battery and it doesnt read absolutely any voltage.
The batt says distributed by American Suzuki COrp so im guessing that batt is the OEM and is probably dead because its life time is over.

What are my options:

Can i recharge it?
Kragen said most places wont have a trickle charger, i could buy one from kragen and try recharging it myself.

Will it work if recharged, cos it doesn't read any voltage at all its probably dead.

In the worst case, i will get a new battery (options where i can buy them?)

but i plan to leave it disconn for another 30 days, cos its winter. DO i have to follow any precautions or is there a problem leaving the batt out?

Thanks
anand

[The Human Brain]

most trickle charges are more for maintaining a charge. Just watch what you buy. I use to have one battery charger that was electronically controlled and it would not charge a battery if it didn't have a certain amount of voltage. Likewise, if it isn't showing any voltage it may be at the end of it's life cycle. Cold weather is hard on batteries

[scorpion71166]

Extreme cold is hard on batteries. A healthy battery in the "cold" where he is would be very happy though. Heat is actually harder on batteries than a little cold. Most folks in California don't know what real cold IS.....unless they go up into the mountains to ski !! :mrgreen:

You probably should have a small charger, just on general principles but when a battery reads 0 volts it is done for; get a new one.

[doakpersoncat]

I would go ahead and replace the battery.

Wal-Mart's here in Texas carry motorcycle and ATV batteries.

[Dianne A]

I can go to walmart and get the batt, i was wondering what kind of batt i need. Are they universal for bikes?
I have a 2006 Suzuki M50.

Thx

Anand

[Clinb Zxuio]

yes they are.

You only need to know the configuration of the terminals.

all things being equal, I would look around for a(n) AGM battery.

Yes, the Adsorbed glass matt battery is more expensive, but they last a very long time.

Mine will be 8 years old in June.

[Rkc.]

I had a similar problem and bought a trickle charger here locally for 40 bucks. It's got an automatic cycle that moves to maintenance charge once the battery is full, so it only keeps the battery at a full charge rather than overcharging it.
It's an ATV/marine/motorcycle charger that does 6 and 12 volt batteries.

[miss.barboza]

Mmmmm.....not really. In addition to having different terminal configurations, there are at least a half dozen different overall physical sizes. You need to match that too; too small, not enough capacity; too large, won't fit.

Get the "model" number off the existing battery or consult your owner's manual. :bluethum:

[Admis S]

Can you post the type of batt so i can check if walmart has it?
My batt says FTX-12BS on it.

Thx

[Bruno]

I'm still using my stock 2002 battery here in Minnesota. Don't go wasting money and adding trash to the world for no reason. Add a small charger to your garage and go riding.