[Kiwi]

A few years back I bought a 2007 CRF150F dirt bike for my wife, family, or friends to ride. 2007 was the first year for the electric start (2006-earlier 150Fs had a kick start). The bike has no electric sucking items (such as headlight, turn signals, horn, or such) other than the electric starter.

So here is the problem ... when you park the bike, if you do not turn the key from "run" to "off", the next morning the battery will be dead. Why is this?

Although it would seem simple enough to switch the key to "off", all too often such does not occur and I am left with a dead bike. Furthermore, if the battery remains dead for an extended period of time, it will not take a charge and I have to buy a new battery (this has happened twice and it's getting aggravating). Of course, if the battery is dead on a ride, I have to get off my 450X to push-start the 150F each time the engine dies. During these times I sooooo wish the bike had a kick starter (for example, my 450X has a kick starter and an electric starter).

Again, why does this freaking bike kill the battery if the key is left in/on?!

[Aussiecrf230]

The 230F will do the same thing.

Off is Off so don't forget.

No I haven't looked at the wiring diagram but I am sure it would reveal all. Most likely it powers the ignition module so it will start when you hit the button.
If you have a discharge problem when it is switched off then there is a wiring or charging fault or a sad battery.

I get 6 years or so out of a Yuasa when ridden regularly, or on a trickle charger.

[dsrpilot]

Noticed the same thing on a 150f and 230f although it normally takes a week or two of the key being 'on' for a dead battery on my bikes.

Never did figure out 'why'. Just the way it is.

Do yourself a favor and spend the $ on a Shorai battery. Holds a charge much longer than a lead acid. I've put them on all my battery laden bikes (except the 'spare' 150f). Makes a huge difference. I didn't even put my bikes on a trickle charge over the winter and they fired right up in the spring.

My 250x even starts better cold because of the greater CCA. I didn't expect that difference, but it's definitely there...

Highly recommended for your 450x as well. A great upgrade...

http://www.crfsonly.com/catalog/product ... ts_id/4043

[riddler9]

I agree the Shorai is a great battery-- I own one --but if you let it drain you are toast. A standard lead-acid battery can go completely dead at least a few times and then be resurrected. A lithium ion battery cannot go below a certain level (check Shorai specs) else it is off to an early grave.

I would work on the memory and get in the habit of turning the key off before spending $100+ on a battery that will be a paperweight if the key is left on for too long.

[dsrpilot]

And at only 1.23 pounds, it's not the best paperweight you could find....

[Kiwi]

I would work on the memory and get in the habit of turning the key off before spending $100+ on a battery that will be a paperweight if the key is left on for too long.

I agree. However, I am usually not the person riding the 150F. I only learn that they didn't turn off the key when I go to fire up the bike at a later date and ... crap ... it's dead!

[riddler9]

And at only 1.23 pounds, it's not the best paperweight you could find....

haha! true