The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Armen on April 06, 2013, 07:05:33 PM

Title: LiI batteries?
Post by: Armen on April 06, 2013, 07:05:33 PM
I've had a Shorai Lithium battery in my Duc 900SS for a while and it works great. Easiest way to lose 8 lbs!
Anybody using one on their R65? It's time to take my R65 out of the mothballs (24 years!) and she'll need a battery.
thanks,
-Armen
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 06, 2013, 07:30:56 PM
I'm a member on a Guzzi forum, one member there is having nothing but problems with a Shorai lithium battery .

The starter won't work when the temps are below 60 F .

It's an unfinished thread at this point, so I don't know if the battery is the issue or not .
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: nhmaf on April 06, 2013, 08:36:27 PM
I'm not even sure if the present BatteryTender chargers work well with Lithium ion cells - they usually want a pretty fast/high initial charge rate that may exceed what those tenders typically put out?
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: montmil on April 06, 2013, 10:38:35 PM
You're correct, MIke. Lithium batteries and a Battery Tender charger don't play nice together. Somebody's gotta leave the sandbox.
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: badgertom on April 07, 2013, 09:58:38 AM
So , what battery would you recommend. I, too, need to replace my battery ( 1982 R65). The manual  indicates 12V  16Ah. Any brand suggestions?
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 07, 2013, 10:43:37 AM
First off, I think I would go with an AGM battery, sealed, no leakage and you don't need to check fluid level .

This company is local for me, so I do most of my battery purchases here .

http://www.gruberpower.com/12-volt-18-amp-hour-ah-battery

Another popular choice .

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

Same battery as Staab, but from Radioshack, free shipping, I don't know if it's to the nearest store, or your home .

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11909407

Here in the desert, batteries live a short hard life, Odyssey batteries last about as long as the generic AGM batteries, that's why I don't spend a lot on them, 24-30 months is about the average service life, here in a suburb of hell !!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: montmil on April 07, 2013, 04:31:19 PM
I have the Staab battery in both the R65s. I use a Battery Tender Jr on all five bikes. Been years now since I've had to buy a battery for the BMWs.

Any of Bob's referenced batteries will do the job. How they are maintained is key to their life expectancy.
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: georgesgiralt on April 08, 2013, 12:35:35 AM
Hi !
In Europe (France) one can find Tashima 20 Ah AGM batteries.
They look the same as the one posted above are probably made in the same plant in China, are suitably priced (same price as the flooded type standard batteries and half price of an Odyssey for exactly the same service)
You can also shop for the original Varta flooded battery and/or BMW own brand. They are equally expensive but the BMW has to be ordered well in advance because I think they manufacture one when the client order it...
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: Luca on April 08, 2013, 07:37:34 AM
Batterystuff.com has a "Scorpion" 20Ah AGM battery in the US for a reasonable price.  I've ordered two of their batteries (one for another bike) and have been happy with the fitment in both battery boxes.  Plus, the shipping is pretty quick (and the AGM batteries come fully charged and ready to go)
Title: Re: LiI batteries?
Post by: Semper Gumby on April 09, 2013, 09:20:26 AM
I just replaced my seven year old Odessy PC680 with another PC680.  Can't argue with success.  BTW - The standard Deltran 1.25 amp charger will not work if the battery gets discharged.  For most of the time I used a Deltran 2.5 amp outdoor model (heavy metal case).  It gets plugged in everytime I come home.  The Deltran died so now I have a Snapon Charger with an AGM setting.  Time will tell again if this is a good choice or not.

Seems like Boeing is having a problem with Lithium Ion Batteries at the moment.  All I know is that it is costing them a LOT of money. :(

Good luck!   [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]