[Bomstad]

I have a 2016 T120 with 15k miles on it. Yesterday it started up fine after sitting for a while (wrist surgery) but when I stopped for gas it wouldn’t start again. Bump starting didn’t work, although I guess you’re supposed to hit the start button while doing this with an EFI bike, which I didn’t know/do. Jumping it didn’t work. The battery was reading like 11.8V at this point. I put it on the battery tender overnight at it read 12.8V initially this morning, and then 12.6V after resting two hours off the tender. I put the battery back in the bike and it read 14.5V at idle and also at 3000 rpm. It started and ran fine. I did a couple laps around the block, turned it off, and it started again fine. I thought the issue was solved until I went on the highway and it died going 60mph. Now the lights and dash don’t even come on, but they did yesterday. The battery might be original to the bike (I bought the bike like 3 years ago with 7k miles) but has never given me trouble until yesterday. Is the issue the battery, stator, rectifier, or something else? Thanks in advance.

 

[Felony]

You should first have the battery load tested when it's fully charged. It's a free service at auto parts stores and the easiest to eliminate. It's possible the battery can't maintain a charge. It the battery is good, then onto the other charging components.

 

[SportsterDoc]

Check BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables
Check the harness ground

 

[Terry Colley]

Bump starting didn’t work, although I guess you’re supposed to hit the start button while doing this with an EFI bike, which I didn’t know/do.

Don't know where you got that idea from, certainly not necessary. Just have the ignition on and make sure kill switch is set to run.

..............put the battery back in the bike and it read 14.5V at idle and also at 3000 rpm. It started and ran fine.

If you're getting 14.5v at idle then your charging system is fine. Should drop a little as you rev the engine. Sounds like the battery may be on it's last legs.

Make sure the battery connections are tight.

 

[tsmgguy]

I'd just replace the battery before doing much else. Like you said, it may be the original, and you have no idea how it's been treated since new. Replacing it rules out the battery, which may be the entire problem.

I was very careful with the OE battery on my 2016 T120, always keeping it on a float charger when not being ridden. It lasted for four and 1/2 years. That's an excellent time in service for a lead/acid battery. I had the same symptoms.

 

[Bomstad]

After changing the battery and riding like five hours last weekend, I'm happy to report no more issues (fingers crossed). I feel a little silly for creating a post about this, but I've never had a battery start great after sitting for a long time, then die after/during riding. Usually it's the other way around. Thanks for the advice.

 

[oinkoink]

I have a 2016 T120 with 15k miles on it. Yesterday it started up fine after sitting for a while (wrist surgery) but when I stopped for gas it wouldn’t start again. Bump starting didn’t work, although I guess you’re supposed to hit the start button while doing this with an EFI bike, which I didn’t know/do. Jumping it didn’t work. The battery was reading like 11.8V at this point. I put it on the battery tender overnight at it read 12.8V initially this morning, and then 12.6V after resting two hours off the tender. I put the battery back in the bike and it read 14.5V at idle and also at 3000 rpm. It started and ran fine. I did a couple laps around the block, turned it off, and it started again fine. I thought the issue was solved until I went on the highway and it died going 60mph. Now the lights and dash don’t even come on, but they did yesterday. The battery might be original to the bike (I bought the bike like 3 years ago with 7k miles) but has never given me trouble until yesterday. Is the issue the battery, stator, rectifier, or something else? Thanks in advance.

Agree with replace the battery first. But sounds like my issue. I replaced the Reg/Rectifier 3 times and still having charging issues. Something blowing out the R/R. Next is a stator replacement.

 

[Ashman]

2016 so that 7 years and you had it for 3 years, if it's the original battery then you done well, but if the original had been replaced at some time before you bought it and 3 years later you are still doing pretty good, some batteries last longer than others anything over 3 years from a battery is pretty good and even worst when they sit.
I brought my 2016 Thruxton S new in 2018 my battery is now 5 years old and starting to show signs time for a new battery, I let it sit for 3 weeks and not enough to put a fire in the starter but charged up ok but before winter I will replace it as I get my batteries for 1/2 price as my daughter works at a auto accessory store, staff discounts are great.