R1200GS Adventure 2011 Twin Cam Battery - Advice Please

[Bendy toy]

Mine spins over fine with it's lead brick Odyssey. Even at subzero temperatures, the system voltage is back to 14.2V wishing a few seconds. All that capacity and I probably use only 1/2% for each engine start. I don't use the battery to drive camping lights and I never use anything like its starting capacity so a new tech high CCA, low AH starts to make sense.

 

[Delboy777]

I thought id gotten away without knackering my OEM battery, but after a few days off the C-Tek its almost not starting. So I will have to fit the new Motobatt that I bought. I think I read on another thread that you cant refit the steel clip that holds the batt in place, is this right ?

 

[Khulu]

Better make this quick before one of the senior members tell us off...this has been discussed in other threads

I fit an odyssey battery when my bikes are about 12 months old ... The original ones are poor to say the least.

They give far better cranking power, don't need nursing on a charger... But are a pain to fit ( very tight and cables need a bit of moving )

They aren't cheap, but they are almost fit and forget ... Check out nippy normans for current prices




Sorry ... I ride a 63 plate triple black GSA ... And 2 other GS before this one, all had them ..

I've also got a '63 TC TB GSA - we're both at the end of the production line!

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I thought id gotten away without knackering my OEM battery, but after a few days off the C-Tek its almost not starting. So I will have to fit the new Motobatt that I bought. I think I read on another thread that you cant refit the steel clip that holds the batt in place, is this right ?

the Clip fits fine with the Motobatt

 

[Bendy toy]

I untangled the starter cables from the wiring loom and fitted the battery with terminals towards the petrol tank. Ive no idea if this option is normal for all but it worked for me.

 

[sagalout]

Mines a 2012. Changed the battery now no problems and starts instantly even after not being used for a while.

This. Changed mine to an Odysee about 18 months ago and it now turns over a bit faster and always starts straight away. Never bothered with an optimate, although the bike is used 3 or 4 times a week. Even so, there was a 3 week spell over winter when it was blocked in the garage as we were having the drive done....still started instantly.

 

[Beemerman59]

I untangled the starter cables from the wiring loom and fitted the battery with terminals towards the petrol tank. Ive no idea if this option is normal for all but it worked for me.

That's normal - I've done the same with the Odyssey.

 

[Beemerman59]

I think I read on another thread that you cant refit the steel clip that holds the batt in place, is this right ?

It doesn't fit if you get an Odyssey but a simple L bracket was all I needed - that and some rubber matting on top of the battery/terminals as piece of mind considering the metal seat post that sits just on top of it.

 

[Delboy777]

the Clip fits fine with the Motobatt

Thanks for the info

 

[NZRalphy]

Hi, My 2012 cam head did the same. Very slow to crank and sounded like it may not turn over.

Your starter motor gear box need lubricating. I removed the starter motor and undid the small bolts that hold the starter motor small gear box together (be carful taking it apart as the planetary gears are loose) then put in plenty of very soft grease. Reassemble it.

Fixed and cranks over just fine now.

 

[Davros]

Hi

Sorry to rake over an old thread but I am thinking of a Motobatt replacement battery for my 12 plate TC.

Motobatt's catalogue specify the model MBTX9U for the GS but the spec only gives 10.5 Ah - the owners manual states the OEM battery spec to be 14.0 Ah

What model number Motobatt have others installed? [M&P have the MBTX9U model on sale at £44.99 which seems pretty cheap???]

Any advice mucho appreciated!

Cheers

D J

 

[Andy B]

TX12U for me.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-360127.html

 

[Bendy toy]

Hi

Sorry to rake over an old thread but I am thinking of a Motobatt replacement battery for my 12 plate TC.

Motobatt's catalogue specify the model MBTX9U for the GS but the spec only gives 10.5 Ah - the owners manual states the OEM battery spec to be 14.0 Ah

What model number Motobatt have others installed? [M&P have the MBTX9U model on sale at £44.99 which seems pretty cheap???]

Any advice mucho appreciated!

Cheers

D J

I would say go cheap and cheerful and expect to change it every two years. Alternatively, go full fat and get a LiFePo such as Ballistic. That will last for many years, wont suffer when sitting unused and of course weighs next to nothing.

 

[Mistacat]

Fitted a Motobatt MBYZ 16 HD to my 2012 TC, they are 16.5 AH and 240 CCA.
As these high compression twins have no automatic decompression and use pre-engage starters. they will struggle to get over the first compression stroke.
Often giving the impression of a week battery.

 

[younger06]

Fitted a Motobatt MBYZ 16 HD to my 2012 TC, they are 16.5 AH and 240 CCA.
As these high compression twins have no automatic decompression and use pre-engage starters. they will struggle to get over the first compression stroke.
Often giving the impression of a week battery.

Does this model MotoBatt fit perfectly in the battery compartment??

Sent using hocus pocus........... boo!

 

[Mistacat]

The dimensions of the Motobatt MBYZ 16 HD are the same as the stock 2012 TC battery.

http://i1031.photobucket.com/albums/y371/Mistacat1/2016-02-17 11.29.53_zps8oxc86ry.jpg

 

[Delboy777]

Who stocks them in UK ? Not paying bloody £67 post from the US.

 

[kyrano]

Motobatt http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motobatt-...345253?hash=item5d63901425:g:J2oAAOSwq19XBm4P

 

[Davros]

Fitted a Motobatt MBYZ 16 HD to my 2012 TC, they are 16.5 AH and 240 CCA.
As these high compression twins have no automatic decompression and use pre-engage starters. they will struggle to get over the first compression stroke.
Often giving the impression of a week battery.

Cheers for that !

I'll give it a go.

Many thanks for all replies

 

[Bendy toy]

The big issue is CCA Cold Cranking Amps. As @Mistact says two 600cc pistons take some moving especially when the oil is cold.

Mine started ok with an old 14AH battery even in the cold but did seem a bit weak. I went to an Odyssey because I got a nearly new used one for 1/2 price. The bike starts just the same so I probably never really needed to change the battery. I use the bike most days so it will probably last for ever. The starter motor was stripped and cleaned. No change. Its just haw the bikes are.

I personally think the Odyssey is old tech overkill. If I was planning to pay full price I'd spend a bit more and get a good brand LiFePo such as a Ballistic 8 cell. These are even more money but don't suffer when left unused, have a very high CCA and the bonus is small enough to hide elsewhere on the bike. Leaves that big battery box for something useful.

Another point:
If the bike is not used regularly the battery has to be on an Optimate or similar to prevent it self discharging. More costs and more hassle so the LiFePo option starts to look less costly. If you don't have power to at the garage the LiFePo may be the very best option.