Battery upgrade?

[Malcolm Leick]

I have had a few problems with my battery over the last couple of years which have needed a jump start. I've fitted an external jump start socket but I'm wondering if its also worth upgrading the battery. (F650 twin with 43K miles).

When its feeling poorly I have to be careful that the heated grips are turned off before starting the bike. I also have a swich to turn off the power to all my auxilliary kit as soon as the ignition is turned off. Otherwise it can stay on for several minutes and drain juice.

The battery seems to supply around 12.5 volts at rest, and then jumps up when the engine is running.

With everything turned on I have heated grips, heated vest, Garmin Montana Sat-nav, Autocom, 2 x 10w Vision X aux lamps, and aux power to my I-touch. The main beam is also a 50w HID.

Any suggestions on best battery types/brands and where to source one?

 

[ricfrench]

Sizewell A??

 

[Malcolm Leick]

LOL. Nice one!

 

[mark71]

Have you measured for any leakage at rest by putting an amp meter in series to ensure it is he battery?

Just don't want to see you spending money if it's not needed.

Regards

Mark

 

[Bem]

Have you measured for any leakage at rest by putting an amp meter in series to ensure it is he battery?

Just don't want to see you spending money if it's not needed.

Regards

Mark

If its only showing 12.5 static, then my view is that its on the way out - good enough to pass a BMW inspection, but really it should be in the 12.8 - 13.2 range for a static reading.

 

[Malcolm Leick]

Thanks guys.

I checked the static reading again, straight off the battery, and its 12.6v so definitely under the level you suggest. I'l start checking out alternatives.

 

[JJH]

I would recomend trying a different guage first before buying a new battery jjh

 

[Malcolm Leick]

The bike is being MOT'd on Saturday so I'll get them to check the battery level as well.

 

[wessie]

With all those accessories it sounds like your consumption is exceeding the available supply.

A larger capacity battery will only delay the process of becoming discharged.

Do you connect a battery charger to the bike when parked overnight? This combined with a larger capacity battery might get you through the day but really you need to cut out some of the consumption: I'd get rid of the auxiliary lamps and suggest you wear some better clothing rather than relying on heated clothing. Alternatively, research fitting a larger capacity alternator.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Off load voltage doesn't really tell you much.
However if the battery is a few years old and you suspect it's on it's way out....it probably is. Change it.

As you are powering a small village, getting the highest capacity replacement would make sense.

 

[mark71]

I think you are confusing leakage by battery load test which you will need a special load tester which I doubt you have but you can test if there is any leakage quite easily.

If you need any help don't hesitate to ask.

Regards

Mark