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Old 05-19-2011, 10:04 AM   #9
Weldangrind   Weldangrind is offline
 
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Sardis, BC, Canada
Posts: 25,977
You need a healthy battery to run a modern street bike, because the magneto can't provide enough power for spark and the always-on headlight. On my atv, I can run with a virtually dead battery, because I can switch the headlight off.

Many years ago, I had an XS650 Special, and I couldn't even kickstart it if the battery was dead. It needed close to nominal voltage in order to start. I regard the kickstart to be a backup in case the solenoid or starter fails, not in case the battery dies.
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Weldangrind

"I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer


 
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