Power packs and Jump starters

[chickenlegs]

Does anyone have any experience of using a "NOCO Genius Boost UltraSafe GB30 Jump Starter 12 V Lithium" or something similar? I have a 2004 R1200GS that has perennial starting problems when the weather turns cold and damp. My journey to and from work is probably not long enough to adequately charge the (odyssey) battery and even though at this time of year, I make sure that I charge the battery at least twice a week, the bike catches me out sometimes and fails to start, leaving me stranded at work. I never have a problem in the warm, summer months.
I have had BMW check to see if the alarm or intercom are draining the battery, but they can't find anything.
The claims that these lithium jump starters can fire up a 3L diesel 4x4 seem optimistic, but I would appreciate any direct experience before I spend £100 on this sort of jump starter.
Thank you.
Chris

 

[Lord Snooty]

Chris, why not leave the battery charger on all the time. At this time of year I plug an Optimate into my bike everytime I put it back in the garage. Also why not get the battery checked, it might be fine during the Summer but obviously the Winter and colder weather takes a lot more out of them. My K75S battery performed faultlessly during the Summer but since it got cold it has struggled in exactly the manner you have described. Had it checked yesterday and it is only knocking out 119 Cold Cranking Amps when it should be 270! So it is stuffed, new one on order. If you do buy a booster charger I don't think you need to spend £100 - I bought one of these and it is fine and starts a 2 litre diesel no problem. This guy is local to me and gave me a discount, you will probably be able to find somewhere local to you that stocks them.

http://www.almsolutions.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_245&products_id=423

 

[Blackal]

If you need a booster/start'n'charge - then if you stall at the next junction ...... You sure it'll start again?

Get the battery tested - it could be weak, but as mentioned - bung it on an optimate in the short term

Al

 

[chickenlegs]

Batteries and jumping

LS, how did you get the battery checked? Is this a motorbike dealer/ service shop job or is it possible to check it myself, (given that I am not entirely confident in doing so)? I do possess a multimeter, but would rather not go poking about under the seat if I can avoid it!
The odyssey battery was purchased in 2006, so is about 8.5 year's old. I am obviously a little reluctant to purchase a new one, but think your idea of getting it checked is a good one. This has always been a problem with the bike and 'forced' me to subscribe to a rescue package as part of my insurance. However, I am reluctant to call out the recovery chap as he has said that they will refuse to recover the bike if a problem, like this one, persists and is not resolved. I have also noticed that Nippy Norman sells a jump starting kit, which I guess connects directly to the battery via a waterproof plug. Can't see how this is any different than connecting jump leads direct to the battery?
My other thought is to take a cover for the bike, so that I can keep it covered during wet and cold weather as it has to stay outside whilst I am at work. My employers don't appear to appreciate that my bike would be much better off if it was brought into our reception during rainy weather!
Thank you for your help.

 

[Popell]

Saw one of the LiPo battery packs at the bike show - chap was starting a battery-less R1 over and over again just using the pack which was barely larger than a mobile phone, quite impressive!
Checked ebay out and there are many on offer that seem to claim ever greater battery capacity allied to a decent CCA rating.
Neat to have under the seat in an emergency as they offer LED light (with strobe facility), usb socket to rechagre phone and some have a 19V output to boost a laptop - seems to offer every facility short of a blow job!

However, there is no substitute for a decent battery in the first place. Even an Oddessy won't last forever despite being on a charger. As others have said, you may as well leave it on a charger/conditioner as long as possible during the week. It should ensure it fires in the morning. The evening is a different matter - you then need to take option 1 or 2 from above.

Personally, the cost of a replacement battery (not necessarily an Oddessy) pales into insignificance compared to the confidence of starting reliably.

 

[JJH]

8.5 years old? No brainier just replace. Jjh

 

[Lord Snooty]

Chris, you have done well to get 8.5 years out of your battery, replace it and all of your problems will go away. To test a battery you need a proper tester, my mate at ALM Solutions tested mine for me, most decent garages/motorbike repair shops should have one. Get it tested and I am pretty sure that the test will confirm that your battery is fubar.

 

[chickenlegs]

Taken your advice

Thank you LS and others. I have just placed an order with Tayna Batteries and purchased a YTX14-BS Enduroline Advanced Motorcycle Battery 12V 14Ah. I hope I've done the right thing! I decided against the Odyssey on cost grounds, and I've purchased a CTEK MXS 3.8 12V Charger and Conditioner too! It will be interesting to see how this alternative battery gets on and if it lives up to LS's claims that "all my problems will go away"!! Thank you again for your invaluable help.
Chris