overcharged battery. How much damage have I done?

I did something really stupid. My 07 Silverwings battery was discharged after setting all winter. I put it on a 10 amp charger, intending to fast charge for 45 minutes or so and then something came up and I forgot about my battery. Remembered it after 4-5 hours. Battery was very hot and whistling loudly. It stunk of hot electric. I disconnected battery and let things cool down. Tried to recharge battery with a trickle charger but it was fried.

I replaced the original battery with a Scorpion brand aftermarket I bought on the internet. It started SW fine and I thought I was ok. Today I went to start it, after about a week of rain, and battery was discharged. The key was out of the bike so I know I didn't leave the ignition turned on.

I wonder if I damaged something in the charging system when I overcharged the first battery? Any ideas?

Was the seat left open, leaving the little underseat bulb on? I know it is a really simple question, but that dang underseat light bulb will just flat drain the battery completely - overnight.

As to damage beyond that I could not say, but the bike did start the first time with the new battery so I'd tend to think there is not an electrical problem.

Caveat - I have a hard time troubleshooting electrical systems from afar.

I agree with Dale, the replacement battery started the SW just fine. I would trickle charge the scorpion and try again. I find my SW battery drains within several days without a ride. Now that I am riding every 1-2 days my battery is fine. Good luck and let us know what happens.

Thanks for the quick responses. The seat was closed but not latched when I first got on it today. If the light stays on if the seat isn't latched, I'll bet that's my problem. I'll update tomorrow.

I think you have just found the answer.

Many of us remove the bulb to eliminate that chance , or replace it with this:

http://www.bernardiparts.com/Honda-LIGHT-ASSY-TRUNK-ROOM__34260-SH3-004.aspx

Yes the easiest way to deal with the problem is just to remove the bulb and carry a small LED flashlight. I did install the switchable lights on both bikes which I ordered from Bernardi parts. I went to the local Acura dealer first and the price I could negotiate with them was still too high.

Although - fess up time - I did leave the switch on and drained the battery (not fully) once after installing the switchable lamp fixture. I've been carefull since and am still on the original battery. I do carry a small flashlight for the occasional foray under the seat at night so I rarely use the underseat light. I wish Honda had left it out and had given us hazard flashers instead. I don't need them for warning, but for parades and Patriot Guard Missions it would be nice.

Best solution - pull the bulb.

I'm back in business. Thanks for the help.

The first thing I did when I got my Wing last week was to remove the under seat light. I drained the battery on my old Piaggio X9 that way.

I can recommend one of these. http://www.optimate3.com/ I plug it into the scooter whenever I park in the garage. It will look after your battery all through the winter.

If overcharging doesn't outright destroy the battery it WILL boil out some of the electrolyte. That will result in lower capacity and overheating. If it's a sealed battery I wouldn't trust it anymore. If it's not sealed, make sure you add distilled water to bring it up to the proper level.