Electrical Gremlin, or bad battery?

INSANE. I have a Westco battery that's about 2 months old. Last night, the bike started fine. I rode a mile, then ran in the store to grab something. I was in maybe 2 minutes. came back out, and no go. It acted like the battery was dead. I was able to bump start it (nice incline). I rode 25 miles, and parked it for a couple hours. Same result, bumped it off again (thanks Tekky). I pulled it into the garage, and plugged in the battery tender. This afternoon, same deal. I turn it on, and the dash goes dim. NOTHING. I put a multimeter on the battery, 13.3 volts, turn the bike on 2-3 volts. *** is going on?

[Assumer]

When I first purchased my S3 it did the same thing. Apparently they did not charge it properly. New battery and everything was fine.

[PaloAlto]

Skyler,

Basic question: have you confirmed that the negative terminal bolt is tight? For whatever reason, they tend to loosen up and cause gremlins.

[miker]

PaloAlto is right, check both terminals for tightness on the battery, but also check the battery leads. Mine broke at the negative terminal end and I had to solder a new terminal end on the lead.

I also have some trouble occasionally with the starter button on the bar, it doesn't activate the starter. To make it work I turn the bars, so there may be a bad connection in the button or in the wiring harness. Haven't bothered to trace it because it's so intermittent.

If you're riding the bike with a bad connection to the battery, you may damage the stator/regulator.

Mick

[realizations]

My harness ground bolt fell out. I trailered it to the dealer, where he pinpointed it pretty quick. Full voltage, but electric failure as soon as the start button is pressed.

Thanks for all the good info. I kept my old battery, and put it on the BatteryMinder overnight. The BatteryMinder was doing nothing for the nearly new Westco, but did wonders for the old battery. I dropped it in, & we were cooking just like that. I'm guessing I have a bad battery. Westco has a 1yr replacement, so we will see if they honor that. I can't give enough props to the BatteryMinder product. It's like a battery tender, but conditions by desulphating. Killer package compared to the battery tender.
BatteryMinder

I got mine here. There's a www rebate for a free on battery tester as well.
Northern

[gstar]

I too had the dreaded negative terminal gremlin... what a royal pain!!! thought my bike was dying... this was on my sprint mind you... but it's exactly the same terminal.. my alarm was going crazy!!

I've had the extact same issue with my 2005 triple. The dealer has it at present and says he can't find a fault. They say the drop/load tested the battery and it's fine. When I 1st got the bike I had the dealer fit a inforad GPS speed camera detector - the wired it direct to the battery so it flatterned it within a matter of days.

I'll mention the possible earth connection to them and make sure they have checked it.

MarkieUK

I have a power socket connected for external charging, accessories, or heated clothing. I thought that was the culprit, but the problem persited after a quick disconnect. The FINE people at Westco battery overnighted me a new battery yesterday, free of charge (no pun intended). That's what I call service.