Batteries - Black and White Bikes

[prwatts]

Hi, has anyone got any thoughts on alternate lightweight or AGM batteries? I suppose the GS power drain makes it impractical?
Thanks, Peter

 

[Womble]

The Odyssey AGM battery is a favourite for GSs.

 

[prwatts]

Is there a particular size?

 

[Womble]

Dunno' mate, the only bike in your profile is an XTZ750

Whatever, a search on the forum or on the Internet will tell you what the right size of battery is

 

[prwatts]

Sorry - profile updated - I have an XTZ750 in UK but have recently bought a high mileage 004 R1200GS here in Saudi Arabia hence all my questions. I noticed the GS seems to hesitate when cranked, I don't know if that's just how they are, so I was thinking of the AGM Battery. It has a quite new plain battery in it.

 

[peter-k]

Here is a summary of a battery test done by a German magazine: clicky

 

[Big Red]

Here is a summary of a battery test done by a German magazine: clicky

Where?

 

[Womble]

It looks like the battery you need is a PC535 or a PC535GS, which is modified to fit the 1200GS. If you want to use a PC535 on a 1200, you will probably have to to a bit of mangling to make it fit - e.g. http://www.craig.copperleife.com/bikes/gs/odyssey_conversion.htm

I've only fitted one to an 1150 and it was a lot easier!

 

[wessie]

Sorry - profile updated - I have an XTZ750 in UK but have recently bought a high mileage 004 R1200GS here in Saudi Arabia hence all my questions. I noticed the GS seems to hesitate when cranked, I don't know if that's just how they are, so I was thinking of the AGM Battery. It has a quite new plain battery in it.

Before you go changing the battery check the other possible causes such as a loose lead or earth strap.

 

[Womble]

That's a good point about the wiring.

Also, are you float charging it between rides? It shouldn't matter with standard components, but aftermarket alarms and some GPS cradles can drain the battery more than you'd think.

If you are going for an Odyssey, consider getting a CTek or one of the latest Optimate chargers because AGM batteries need careful handling to recharge if they ever do get flattened.

 

[peter-k]

Sorry guys, temporary black-out by the writer!

Here is the link to a summary of a battery test done by a German magazine: clicky

 

[Greg Masters]

Given that the Yuasa is half the price of the Odyssey and performed almost as well, I'd get a Yuasa!

Greg

 

[autogs]

peter,ref your hesitation on start up,mine was the same,it was not the battery,it was the starter motor itself bunged up with mud and crap.
yours could be bunged up with sand and clutch dust,whip it out(v easy) and av a look.

 

[peter-k]

Given that the Yuasa is half the price of the Odyssey and performed almost as well, I'd get a Yuasa!

Greg

The Yuasa lasted me 3.5 years. Then I got to admit, over it's the last year I killed it slowly. Too less riding (through a new family addition) and not keeping it charged properly.

The OEM battery lasted me exactly 6 months.