[Dslywchuk]

My battery shows 12.7 vdc, but when I turn the key, i just get a click. If I connect my booster pack, it starts right away. I suspect the battery has gone bad, but I have nowhere to load test it.
I think my driving habits are to blame. My Honda is used as a work machine, hauling firewood, cutting trails, etc. Problem is that when I start it, I might use it for 20 minutes, then put it away for 2 weeks. (it is a 2013 and I have 87 km on it....). It is always run at low speed, hauling firewood or cutting trails, and I suspect the battery is not getting recharged enough.
I'm counting on having to get a new battery, and was wondering if I went to an AGM battery, if it would take more abuse than a wet cell.
Would appreciate any comments! Thanks!

Last time I was on the forum (long time ago) I was describing my mouse problems. My ATV was parked in the trees out back, and the mice continued to eat my wiring, air filter, etc., in spite of painting wires with SCOOT. I tried peppermint oil, dryer sheets, mothballs (which give an interesting odour when riding in the summer...;-)...). I finally built a new shed with wire screen under the floor and up the sides. The mice have been defeated!

 

[Dslywchuk]

Solar panel

Good news on defeating the mice! If you have power in your shed, the best advice I can give you is to use a Battery Tender Junior to keep your battery fully charged. Keep it plugged in whenever you are not driving it. It will not overcharge your battery, and will greatly extend its life. I would try the Battery Tender Junior with your existing battery and see how that works before getting a new battery. If you do get a new battery, the AGM style is the best. They hold up very well in rugged use.

Unfortunately I don't have power out to the shed, but I do have a 3 watt solar panel, running through a solar panel controller, which is hooked to the battery when the ATV is not in use. Our property is heavily treed, so it might only get 4 hours of direct sun a day. So it does get a bit of a boost.
I used to have a 450ES, and had a 1 watt panel directly connected to the battery (before I knew better) and I never had a problem with the battery in 4 years.
I think I will shop for an AGM and see how that works. Thanks, folks!