Battered

[davegs]

Just been out in the garage and twsted the bike no battery AHGGGGG!!, been on the optimate for about six weeks as scaffold in the way of garage makes movement impossible. How does six years old sound? bmw gel type and has had a lot of miles on it (and a few excursions up the road sideways!) how does six years compare with the usual life?.
Dave (all financial donations over £10 accepted with glee!) GS.

 

[Stewart H]

Six years does not sound bad for a battery, is the scaffolding still there or are you waiting to ride the bike today?
Stewart

 

[MattW]

As Stewart says, 6 years is a decent battery life - might be time to bite the bullet and buy another.

Despite what many like to think, batteries are consumable items - whatever the 'smart' charger manufacturers would like to tell you, nothing lasts forever

 

[John Armstrong]

Sounds like you need to mail order one from Motorworks / Motobins etc as you can't ride the bike there

 

[davegs]

Thanks for the replys, geuss it's a bit too late to get my money back yes, scaffold still there thought about m/works but cost of carrige might make a better deal to pop down the local BMW shoppe have missed most of the sun so far but guess it's a good thing it happend at home and not somewhere far away in the dark with the rain peeing down!.
Dave GS

 

[DrAlf]

Get yourself a PC680 instead - much better and holds a charge for months on end with no charging required.

Quick ebay search = good price:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ODYSSEY-PC680-RACING-BATTERY-SAME-RED-TOP-25-NEW-/280534777484?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item41512cfe8c

 

[warmshed]

I second DrAlf and like the Hawker Odyssey battery, it gives twice the starting current. Watch out though the optimate 1 and 2 dont like charging them The mark 3 is better but still has problems at times mk4 are OK. regards Dave

 

[MattW]

There's some tosh talked about batteries. Odyssey batteries just trade starting current for capacity by using thicker plates. They don't use special magic.

An oem gel is cheaper, has greater capacity and will start any bike with a non-knackered starter motor just fine and doesn't require surgery to fit it (or a special charger).

 

[sockpuppet]

There's some tosh talked about batteries. Odyssey batteries just trade starting current for capacity by using thicker plates. They don't use special magic.

An oem gel is cheaper, has greater capacity and will start any bike with a non-knackered starter motor just fine and doesn't require surgery to fit it (or a special charger).

Agreed.

Having seen a standard BMW crank my bike between 30+ times without firing (electrical problem not battery related) they give as much juice as needed. This was in Jan when temp was hovering around zero.

Then left bike in Garage for 3 months while I mended. Fitted new starter. First turn of key it fired. The std battery on the 1150 is solid.

 

[kwallace21]

I agree. Why bother buying an Odysee battery that doesn't actually fit your bike and needs an adapter to get the connections to reach?
I bought a genuine BMW Gell battery from Motoworks recently for under £70 inc vat. Bmw want over £100 for the same one.

So there!

 

[davegs]

battered

Yes I agree the failed one was an oe gel battery been very good indeed and of course goes straight in no bother with terminal alterations. So, when scaffold removed an expensive day, tax, MOT, and now a new battery!!! AGHHHHHHH! enough perhaps it will get nicked! at least it is secure behind scaffolding!,
Dave GS

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

My r850r's batter is 11. Needs a jumpoff the gs if not used but still works grand.

6 years? Shite battery!!!

 

[mickskelly]

in my books 6 years is good for a battery.