dead battery

[alanb2]

+1 the Odyssey is fit and forget. Mine never goes onto the Optimate either - no need.

Plus another 1.

 

[Joe narvey]

Or maybe a similar one to that of the 2010 @):-

No idea. That's why I asked. Funny because when I asked about the antenna ring and FPC that I read I'm supposed to take on a trip someone said it was fixed on my model. How am I supposed to know?

I know I can ask the dealer but that doesn't tap into the knowledge on here that tells me the best battery as opposed to the one bmw are currently badging.

Oh I dont know, might it be the same as a 2011 since they use the same battery?

 

[Joe narvey]

All hexhead 1200s use the same airbox & battery holder.
Option 1 ultra cheap and expect to replace it bi annually - you could get three for the cost of one new Odyssey.
Option 2 go top totty with a super small super light dry cell Ballistic.
They last 10 years and sitting unused for 12 months will lose only 10% to self discharge just swap to the next bike.

Thank you. Helpful.

 

[Joe narvey]

Not a cheap option, but I've been really pleased with my odyssey battery from Nippy Normans (there are other vendors - but he sponsors this site). It's a bit of a faff to install as its so big, but if you want the ultimate in cranking power and longevity then this is the one to go for - IMO. I've had motobatt's too in the past and they're really good, but the odyssey is the daddy.

Thanks,
. will order.

 

[Joe narvey]

Does anyone do an adapter with Croc clips one end and a DIN female the other end ?

I have a bmw charger with din male and would like to put the old battery on charger.

 

[notadrop]

All hexhead 1200s use the same airbox & battery holder.
Option 2 go top totty with a super small super light dry cell Ballistic.
They last 10 years and sitting unused for 12 months will lose only 10% to self discharge just swap to the next bike.

Looked on their site http://www.ballisticparts.com/ and they don't list one as suitable for the 1200GS

 

[Bendy toy]

The 12 cell is more than suitable for the 12GS. The 8 cell would be ok if not used in deep winter. Battery can be run stone cold flat without damage but for cold weather has to be large enough to heat itself.

Size wise it's tiny so could go under petrol tank or in the battery box. It will need a special bracket and is not a low cost item if all you want is a starter battery.

 

[Bendy toy]

To add.
You tube has a video of a Ballistic starting a Harley in sub zero temperatures -8C IIRC. The battery behaves flat for the first two or three attempts then when warm enough it spins the bike over really hard. The film explains what's going on. In that sort of cold a lead acid would really struggle.
The CCA figures are very high so even an 8 cell will start a 12GS. But for properly cold starts a 12 cell is more capable.
Never use an Optimate on a Ballistic LiFePo battery. The high voltage kick that wakes up a lead acid will kill it.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

It isn't the cranking power that is the problem with the lithium iron batteries it's the storage capacity. On a high drain bike like GS they go flat in a few days with an 8 cell. Even the 12 cell if your not a frequent rider can be suspect. Many Americans who are quite keen on these batteries are on 16 cell. Ultimately expensive and not small anymore.