The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Bob_Roller on July 21, 2012, 11:11:15 AM

Title: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 21, 2012, 11:11:15 AM
Went out to start the bike for the ride into work this morning .

Got all of 2-3 seconds of starter operation before the solenoid on the starter started chattering .

Batteries sure don't give any warning of their impending demise in this relentless desert heat .

Battery is around three years old, AGM type .

Battery has been kept on a battery tender whenever it's not being ridden .

Have a spare battery already, just need to swap it out when I get home this afternoon .
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: montmil on July 21, 2012, 12:12:32 PM
Anyone who can squeeze 23,000 miles out of an expensive Oilhead rear tire has no room to squawk about his three-year-old battery going Tango Uniform.

I'm just sayin'... ;D
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 21, 2012, 06:34:02 PM
Just got done replacing the battery, a fraction of a second of starter operation and the engine is running .

I guess the battery was slowly giving up, but I didn't notice it .

I attributed the little bit of 'crankiness' in starting the last few weeks, to a tankful of older fuel I put in it, but that doesn't appear to be the case .
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Barry on July 22, 2012, 05:07:13 AM
Anyone tried one of these batteries. Ultramax NP18-12 £32.00 (http://)

Though bang on the correct dimensions they are described as general purpose rather than specifically automotive. Bob did you purchase something very similar recently? I don't mean the same make but a general purpose sealed lead acid battery.

Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 22, 2012, 10:46:44 AM
Yes, I purchased a generic type AGM battery, they are listed as batteries for UPS use for computer emergency backup power and electric wheelchair application .

But in the fine print they say the battery can be used in motorcycles/powersport applications as well .


http://www.gruberpower.com/12-volt-18-amp-hour-ah-battery
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Barry on July 22, 2012, 03:43:51 PM
And I take it the battery works OK ?

I'm sure it must have done as maximum discharge current of 360 amps for 30 secs is more than enough.
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 22, 2012, 04:03:51 PM
Battery works great, this is the third battery I've gotten from them, this company was selling these batteries for quite a few years .

 Then about 5 years ago, they started having quality control problems and stopped selling them, due to just about all they sold over a 6-8 month period, came back to them under warranty .

When I'm asked how the battery will be used, I tell them it's for a remote monitoring weather station .

Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: wa1udg on July 23, 2012, 11:12:46 AM
Since they are so much cheaper than Dieter's factory batteries, you can afford to buy more of them.  :) The AGM does last longer than the high priced spread despite the lower price.  
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 23, 2012, 11:39:36 AM
I've had two Odyssey batteries, lasted at most a year longer than the generic AGM batteries, but cost three times as much .

Odyssey batteries have a one year warranty, same as the generic batteries .
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: Ed Miller on July 23, 2012, 12:26:54 PM
If it got hot enough to kill one of my batteries, I probably couldn't ride in it anyway.

Monte, AGM batteries are expensive!

Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: montmil on July 23, 2012, 12:37:32 PM
Quote
... Monte, AGM batteries are expensive!

http://www.staabbattery.com/product/sla-12/UB12220-V.html

Have this AGM battery in both my R65s. It's a perfect fit, both have weathered the Texas heat for over three+ years, so far, and have provided exceptional service and reliability.

I don't consider this price as being expensive. $49.80, then enter the code BMWR65 for a 5% discount.
Title: Re: Battery Quit Today
Post by: wilcom on July 25, 2012, 10:39:41 PM
Quote
Battery works great, this is the third battery I've gotten from them, this company was selling these batteries for quite a few years . http://www.gruberpower.com/12-volt-18-amp-hour-ah-battery

Bob..... at $44 delivered to my door from Phoenix (1day UPS) I had to go for one. Putting my bike back together and  have dead cell on the Westco that's in it.

I day away, 44 bones..... almost can't afford to get in the car to go get one. I'm almost $9 dollars in fuel  away from a spot that would carry my battery...... Thanks for the TIP