2005 1200GS battery issues

[The Moth]

Hi all,

Hoping to buy a 1200GS in the near future once i sell my 2004 R1150RT, i have heard of charging issues with the 2005 battery, and that you have to keep on a charger to make sure it will start, is this true if so how do you manage when you are away from home
thanks
Andy M

 

[Slowdown]

What a load of old bollocks you're read somewhere.

It's a bike, like any other bike - it has a tiny battery that doesn't like being half charged and running a cheap immobliser that would flatten the national grid if let loose on an overhead power line.

 

[John Armstrong]

Hi

If you don't mess with it the battery is usually ok. If it flattens the next morning after a days ride it's either the batteries goosed, lights or something else left discharging the battery, or the charging system is goosed. Away from home shouldn't be an issue as you'll be riding it a bit? If not pack the charger

Most often the left something on, but it's not unknown for the battery to die.

So get a charger, (trickle one IMHO) wire in a plug direct to the battery (fused of course ) and if you're not on the bike on a daily basis, give the battery a boost on a weekly basis. So far, I've yet to have a knackered battery

 

[Allan Davies]

I have to agree with the rest of the replies. I have a 54 plater with 24K on and still have the original battery with no problems at all (that will be the kiss of death then) I leave it plugged into the optimate whilst resting in the garage. You may have been fed a tale or two The only thing I can say is when you do start the beast the battery warning light comes on for a couple of secounds, and always has done, then goes out straight away.
Just buy a good one and enjoy. Have a look here, and give Mike a ring or even better pop down and see him. Top bloke, he will call a spade a spade and will point ewe in the right direction, plus he sometimes knows if any bikes are up for sale in the local area http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118777

 

[Owen Snell]

05 1200GS with factory fit alarm, which I always leave on when the bike is in the shed. Always starts first time every time. If I was leaving it for more than a couple of weeks I would put the optimate on to keep the battery happy, but normally I don't bother.

As John says, if the battery goes flat overnight it is either discharging due to a fault / other aftermarket bling or is dying.

Saying this, battery life will probably be 3 - 5 years depending on treatment, so I may be in for a failure some time soon. The safe bet is to replace the battery as soon as it shows any signs of deterioration to minimise the chance of being let down. If you buy from a main dealer, get them to throw in a new battery as part of the deal (as well as the new improved fuel pump controller).

 

[Fredb51]

2005 GS; has had software updates up the yaya...will sit for up to a week with no problems restarting. If left for longer than that I need to hook up the Optimate. Original battery (which turned out not to be the original battery, even though it was a new bike) lasted just over 2 years. Don't let all the horror stories put you off- they're excellent bikes, amazing all rounders, and great fun to ride. There are issues, almost all of which seem to have workarounds- worst thing of all are the Neville Chamberlains on this site who keep popping up and saying there are no problems with the GS at all. Buy one and enjoy.

 

[piebaps]

there are no problems with the GS at all!!

Seriously though, I have a 2005 and its used every day. It never goes on a charger and works just fine.

i did have a problem around 18 months ago but this was a brake servo motor issue which drained the battery rather than a batter failure per se.

Happy riding!

 

[Deleted Account GS]

No battery problems for me 05 1200GS at 25999 miles

 

[The Moth]

2005 battery issues Thanks to all

Thanks for the replies, and putting my mind to rest all i have to do is sell the RT and then the GS can be mine.

Andy

 

[Gizmo*]

got my gs about 4 weeks ago, 10 months old only 1400 miles! brought it home on Saturday, rode about 200 miles on the Sunday, went to it next Friday and battery is dead, grr, it won't hold a charge or start bike, got new battery under warranty and am puttng plenty of miles on it and surprise, surprise it don't go flat

 

[THE DOCTOR]

Thanks for the replies, and putting my mind to rest.

Andy, I bought my 2005 GS last January.
I found the previous owner's address on the service history receipts & sent him a letter & asked about the bike.

He told me the battery was ALWAYS going flat & it was one (of many) of the reasons he sold up.

I've had my 2005 GS for over a year now & ridden thousands of miles home & abroad & it's been 100% trouble free.

Just buy it & enjoy.