The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: JBwell on September 07, 2015, 09:13:56 AM

Title: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: JBwell on September 07, 2015, 09:13:56 AM
Happy Labor Day to all!  Just bought "The worst bike BMW ever made, but still a darn good bike" 1980 R65.  First thing I need is a battery.  The battery sites list batteries for R65LS in 1980, but not for R65.  Will they interchange?  As long as it fits?  What batteries do you folks have or recommend.  Thanks - JB
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: Barry on September 07, 2015, 09:24:34 AM
It will fit.


For a recommended battery take a look at the two stickie's at the top of this board.  Those generic AGM batteries are hard to beat at the price.
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: donbmw on September 07, 2015, 09:27:32 AM
Same battery. I have gotten my batteries from a locale auto parts house.

Don
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: wilcom on September 07, 2015, 09:36:17 AM
Title       Unit price       Quantity       Total
Battery - AGM - GPS - 12 Volt - 18 AH - Post (58AGPS-12-18-P)       $32.49       1       $32.49
Subtotal      $32.49
CA Sales Tax      $2.52
Shipping      $10.64
Order total      $45.65

That' the price I paid from Gruber........... How do you beat 45 Bones to your door?
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: montmil on September 07, 2015, 10:15:06 AM
I bought the same battery from Gruber... years ago. If it ever gives up, I'll get another just like it.

I also use a Battery Tender Jr. Highly recommended as a way to increase the life of your battery. That and clean n' greased terminals to prevent that nasty corrosion.
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: Bob_Roller on September 07, 2015, 10:28:23 AM
Don't know what you can find locally in your area, if you can, get an AGM type battery, sealed, no servicing, no acid spillage, etc .....

Here's a couple of sites, in case you don't have any success locally .

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

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


Odyssey PC680 is also a popular battery, you can do an online search, there are plenty of sites that sell it .

You'll have to factor in shipping cost and  if it is worth it to you .
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: mrclubike on September 07, 2015, 07:32:09 PM
If you get an  AGM the voltage regulator needs to be adjusted to 14.2 volts.
I think most of us would agree that a  AGM is the way to go
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: JBwell on September 08, 2015, 07:40:13 AM
Thank you!  Looks like the battery from Gruber is the way to go.  Battery, points, condenser, and some filters and then we will see if the old girl has spark.  I cleaned the carbs and did some minor maintenance , the gas tank is the next issue but more on that in the next post.  Thanks once again, all you friendly folk!!
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: JBwell on September 08, 2015, 04:08:14 PM
Quote
If you get an  AGM the voltage regulator needs to be adjusted to 14.2 volts.
I think most of us would agree that a  AGM is the way to go
 ADjust the Voltage Regulator? I will need help with that one, does it require replacement??  J
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: montmil on September 08, 2015, 04:20:35 PM
AGM batteries in both my R65s. Long lasting and I believe it's the best 12 volts for an Airhead.

There's an option if you decide that messing with the mechanical VR is not how you'd like to spend your time. I've replaced the OEM 'Spam cans" with electronic VRs that are already set to 14.2V output. Simple plug n' play. I do think that's why my AGMs are such long-lasting batteries. That and a regular visit with the Battery Tender Jr.

Check out Motorrad Elektrik and friend of the marque Rick Jones.

http://www.motoelekt.com/charging.htm

If you prefer to 'play' with the voltage output, John Rayski has this adjustable VR.

http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/product-p/vr-extadj.htm
Title: Re: New to BMW r65 - Battery Question
Post by: JBwell on September 08, 2015, 05:10:34 PM
Thanks - you guys are the best!