Suddenly the bike won't start, any ideas?

[Marc - Australia]

It's not just about how it stores the energy or how much, its how it can deliver it that is probably more relevant.

Thanks Puk, I didn't want to say anything as I hate technical discussions where everyone knows it better... I just let it go. which is why I only posted the links above.

I know first hand that this battery type has A LOT more cranking power than the other 'stock-type' battery (capacity more or not). No one needs to be an engineer to see the improvement. The bike is actually reliable now.

Good enough for me ...and good enough go to the effort of creating a pictorial for people who appreciate some detailed tips and suggestions... to make their decision easier on what to do in such situations.

haven't found that many appreciating mates in this forum tho...

cheers
M

 

[SpudBoy]

Hey Marc - thanks for posting up that sequence of pictures.

Much appreciated.

Cheers
David

 

[Engineer]

It's not just about how it stores the energy or how much, its how it can deliver it that is probably more relevant.

Physically larger battery = lower internal resistance for same capacity - therefore lower drop in voltage during high current surge when starter motor runs - it ain't rocket science BUT the standard battery should be, and is fine as long as it is kept charged.

There is no reason to use Odyssey batteries just because of their lower internal resistance - it is pointless, all this 'cranking amps' stuff is just marketing - however if they are more reliable because of the way they are made then great, use them - but it looks like a nasty bodge to me.

 

[theop]

The dealer just rang, it needed a new battery. It's only three years old and gets regular sessions on an Optimate, so that's a bit of a surprise.

The dealer said with "modern" batteries a jump start will not work, something to do with the internal resistance. Sounds a bit odd to me.

3 years! wow, you are lucky. Its normally 2 winters at best.. i.e as short as 15 months life.

BMWs eat batteries for breakfast. Oddysey recommended above will extend the safe period to 3 years.

 

[Pukmeister]

I put an Odyssey PC535 on my old 1200 to keep it reliable. In the 5 years I owned it I never suffered from battery problems, just a failed FPC which left me stranded in Western Australia for a few hours.

Interesting that BMW decided to change the batteries to Absorbed Glass Mat technology in the later GS models, there must be something in it ?

 

[Myke Rocks]

Fotgive me for this but:

The dealer just rang, it needed a new battery. It's only three years old and gets regular sessions on an Optimate, so that's a bit of a surprise.

The dealer said with "modern" batteries a jump start will not work, something to do with the internal resistance. Sounds a bit odd to me.

His dickie is in the ashes.

Myke

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Thanks Mark in Oz