quick and easy battery question

[tlwood28]

OEM battery installed 2006, always on a battery tender (battery doc), very few miles on the bike.

Voltmeter on the bike (P3+), indicates that it holds a charge at 11.6 on average, and never more than in the low 12's.

No issues starting the bike.

I am getting ready for some major surgery on the bike which includes removing the tank. While I am in there should I change the battery? What is the range that one wants to see on the voltmeter?

Thanks!

Tom W.

[jcridge]

What type of battery?

General rule is 12.4 - 12.6 on a fully charged battery with surface charge removed. This for Flooded and AGM type batteries, GEL batteries will have a slightly lower static charge in the 12.2-12.4 range.

At low 12 and high 11's and no problems starting, you must have a non-ABS bike.

The battery is 4-5 years old, if it was me I would replace it. Keep it for testing equipment off the bike, etc...

[harveyrawn]

OEM battery installed 2006, always on a battery tender (battery doc), very few miles on the bike.

Voltmeter on the bike (P3+), indicates that it holds a charge at 11.6 on average, and never more than in the low 12's.

No issues starting the bike.

I am getting ready for some major surgery on the bike which includes removing the tank. While I am in there should I change the battery? What is the range that one wants to see on the voltmeter?

Thanks!

Tom W.

Based more on airhead experience than oilhead, my rule of thumb is: Use it until it requires recharges between uses, then replace it.

[martygilbreth]

The best battery deal for the r1100r is on batterystuff.com, the yt51913-22 for $83.00 which includes shipping anywhere in the u.s.. I think it's made by scorpion.

[tlwood28]

Thanks for the input. I am doing occasional weekend rides and didn't want to get stranded so decided not to wait. I went with the Odyssey in part because getting to the battery is such a pain I knew I wouldn't want to see it again for a long time.

Best regards,

Tom W.

[Sunbeemer]

Smart move and a good choice. 11.6 is too low, even if it was cold out when measured. That battery was on it's way out.
My 2 year-old Odyssey is still cranking like new!