Batteries

[Eddiem]

Aloha all

Haven't been in the board for a while but here I am again. I'm here again because I need some help with my Battery which its dying and I need replacing it...The current one is BMW Gel Cel made by Exide and it only lasted me 2 years, even with a tender the thing is dying and I'm trying to decide what to get....I don't think it is going to be another BMW Exide that is for sure.

I've heard about the Odyssey M680 is this the way to go or should I get a lead acid one like Yuasa?? I've done a couple of searches here in the board and it looks like the one to get is the Odyssey but wanted to ask before proceeding.

Aloha

EM

[Airman]

Aloha all

Haven't been in the board for a while but here I am again. I'm here again because I need some help with my Battery which its dying and I need replacing it...The current one is BMW Gel Cel made by Exide and it only lasted me 2 years, even with a tender the thing is dying and I'm trying to decide what to get....I don't think it is going to be another BMW Exide that is for sure.

I've heard about the Odyssey M680 is this the way to go or should I get a lead acid one like Yuasa?? I've done a couple of searches here in the board and it looks like the one to get is the Odyssey but wanted to ask before proceeding.

Aloha

EM

Absolutely stay away from lead acid batteries. The gel batteries should be ok, but what I did was install an Odyssey PC680. I think that M680 is the same except with a metal case....the MilSpec version so to speak. Nothing to spill, more amps, and it's supposed to last 10 years.

[Eddiem]

Airman, thanks for the response...I was not thinking about a lead acid battery but the gel battery that I have is crap.

[Airman]

Airman, thanks for the response...I was not thinking about a lead acid battery but the gel battery that I have is crap.

No personal experience, but I've heard that gel batteries need a special charger or you can damage them. True? Very likely some gels are better than others, and you got a bad one.

[dgates]

I bought an Odyssey PC680 Feb 06 and is still going strong. Only have to put it on a 2 amp trickle charger once in a while during the winter months.

[jcridge]

The ABS bikes have a hard time with Gel batteries due to their lower surface voltage. The newer boxers are hard to turn over compared to almost any other bike.
Gel batteries do not like to be discharged for long periods of time, they also do not like to be charged at a constant rate for long periods (trickle charging for 4 months, etc...). They perform great when used on a regular basis.
The recommendation for the Odyssey battery is a good one. Probably the best out there for the ABS bikes. The non-ABS bikes however can use a $29 battery for 5 years, and get away with it if properly maintained.

John

[Airman]

The ABS bikes have a hard time with Gel batteries due to their lower surface voltage. The newer boxers are hard to turn over compared to almost any other bike.
Gel batteries do not like to be discharged for long periods of time, they also do not like to be charged at a constant rate for long periods (trickle charging for 4 months, etc...). They perform great when used on a regular basis.
The recommendation for the Odyssey battery is a good one. Probably the best out there for the ABS bikes. The non-ABS bikes however can use a $29 battery for 5 years, and get away with it if properly maintained.

John

Except, John, that because of the under the tank location of the battery, they don't get looked after regularly. I always recommend a sealed battery just for that reason. My stock lead acid battery was in the bike for 5 years, and towards the end when I started to have charging problems it began to leak. I was able to repair the damaged coatings but it's something you want to avoid. I was not aware of problems with ABS bikes and gel batteries. Doesn't BMW supply all the new bikes with gel batteries ?

[martygilbreth]

batterystuff.com part # yt51913-22. costs 83$ shipping included. great deal. works great. cya

[egates]

I finally replaced my original lead/acid BMW battery in my 2003 R1150R and just went with the BMW maintenance free battery that replaced it. I was pleased with the performance of the original BMW battery and the only other replacement that I considered was an Odyssey but decided just to stick with the BMW Battery. I was happy it was maintenance free so I don't need to take the tank off again except for unusual circumstances. I have yet to form an opinion on the new battery because my bike is now out of commission (starter promptly ate my ring gear the first time I started it so its just sitting) but I felt it was the least risky choice. I'll try to find the part number and other info since I don't have specifics - I just remember it cost about $180.00

[jcridge]

Airman,

BMW does use gel batteries, they are robust and work well if used on a regualr basis. I have a BMW gel in my 1150 and have no complaints, I also ride all year. Over the holiday's I didn't ride for 6 weeks straight, the bike cranked over a little slower then normal ( no trickle charger), but fired right up, if I had ABS the lights would be flashing. My wife has ABS on her 1100, and it will happen evertime if she doesn't keep it charged after not riding for 3-4 weeks. It was much worse when she had the gel battery, maybe a week or two tops and it would need to be charged.

I agree, servicable wet batteries are not a good idea, they are cheap thou. Maintaince free batteries are OK but gel or agm batteries are the way to go.

John