Battery Problems

[sandyB]

Damn battery, I charged my battery last week and decided today to check tyre pressures and nip out for petrol.
At petrol station I got the dreaded clicl click, and I had to send for the wife to rescue me.
Now the bike is only 3 years old and I wouldn't expect the battery to be going down as quickly, does anyone have possible solutions for this or recomend a good replacement at reasonable prices.

 

[Dave Cr]

If you read the threads on original equipment batteries, almost everyone suggests that you keep it permanently topped up with an Optimate charger, or something similar. The oe batteries are renowned for being suspect and the 'default' option seems to be the Odyssey, but it isn't cheap. Happy browsing and shopping.

 

[gavin@iow]

If you read the threads on original equipment batteries, almost everyone suggests that you keep it permanently topped up with an Optimate charger, or something similar. The oe batteries are renowned for being suspect and the 'default' option seems to be the Odyssey, but it isn't cheap. Happy browsing and shopping.

Speaking to a BMW spares outlet the other day, and the original equipment battery type has changed 3 times since 2004, would likto think the latest version is ok now.

 

[ts2]

I had two go in 3 years with my GSXR. It all depends on how you keep them. They like to be topped up, as low charge leads to sulphation. Cranking uses loads of charge and I'd guess a big twin would use more than the flat 4 (?), so it need to be put back in regularly with a long ride (or a charger).

As you may guess I did neither of these, as I used the bike to commute (too many short journeys) and there's no power in my garage and I thought two batteries was better than drawing attention to my bike by leaving it hooked up to the mains outside our house.

Batteries are seen as consumables. Its a bit like tyres/brakes/petrol even. You can try and eek the most out of them, and some manage epics, but TBH I just want to ride, so put up with the odd sting for less hassle from the bike.

TobyS

Oh and there was a guy on here offering cheaper Odysseys. They're meant to be the big thing in the battery world. TS

 

[sandyB]

Thanks for your replies, I had it on charge and started to use it for work a round trip of 90 miles, it has kept on going but the battery symbol comes on briefly when starting. But it did start.
I will keep it topped up and get the system checked out at its service later this month or next.

 

[PhilBolton]

but the battery symbol comes on briefly when starting.

My '07 GS has done that since new, and for the subsequent 33000 miles - so I think that, at least, is quite normal.

Phil

 

[Pukmeister]

My '07 GS has done that since new, and for the subsequent 33000 miles - so I think that, at least, is quite normal.

Phil

So does mine, has for the past 5 years.

 

[Trevor Phillips]

Speaking to a BMW spares outlet the other day, and the original equipment battery type has changed 3 times since 2004, would likto think the latest version is ok now.

Just had new OE battery fitted as part of 18k + 4yr service; then couldn't ride for a week due to illness. Battery was so dead even the clock wouldn't work. ANY electrical equipment can fail quickly