Hawker Odyssey Battery

[Bob_Roller]

Well the Odyssey battery that I bought back in August '01 looks like it's trying to give up it's job. I bought the battery originally for the R65, installed it in 08/01. In 2002, I bought an '02 R1150R, it's impossible to check the fluid level and service it on the 1150R without removing the fuel tank and oil coolers, so I removed the OEM BMW battery from the 1150R and installed it in the R65 and then installed the Odyssey in the 1150R . Fast forward to about two weeks ago, the 1150R starts acting 'odd' rough idle . So I know I have an emissions test due on the 1150R in August, so I change the spark plugs because they are the originals, and the bike is just short of 25,000 miles, doesn't help the rough idle, next I know the air filter has at least 18,000 miles on it, so I change it, no difference in running. I bought another Odyssey battery for the R65 about 20 months ago, so I decided that I should swap out the batteries , and put the 'fresh' battery in the 1150R. Well after replacing the battery, all of my engine roughness went away, and the speed of starter rotation is noticeably faster. So it looks like 6 Phoenix summers are about all these AGM type batteries are good for. It beats the 18 months the OEM BMW batteries are only good for. Looks like I need to get another Odyssey battery for the R65 in the next few weeks.

[Justin B.]

That's good to know, we have three of 'em and the oldest is about three years old.

[tagordon]

Just last night I was investigating Odyssey. Cause I remember reading here about the cranking & reserve power.
Was not able to find price for Odyssey.

The battery in bike now is Yuasa (sp?) that PO got last year & never used. PO kept it on float charger all winter & installed this summer when bike for sale.
I forget to plug in when I should & it goes dead at most inconvenient times.
City riding, I go routes that I can do 40-50 mph. But then have to sit at idle for intervals & lose charge.

I have checked charging system & its ok. I plan to replace brushes this winter as part of overall project. Just do not want bike to no start when up in mountains. Summers here can see snow up in mountains. Makes for some challanges starting any engine.

How much $ are Odyssey batteries? Best source for buying?

Troy

[tagordon]

Found on eBay @ $93.05 & $10.00 shipping.
My nearest dealer according to Westco is either MT or NV.
Any suggestions welcome for buying Odyssey.

Troy

[Bob_Roller]

I bought both of mine on eBay, from a seller that I think was Motobatteries in Jacksonville, Fla. Last one was about $83 plus shipping, and I had the battery in about 3 business days (USPS Priority mail). I would not by choice put a regular lead acid battery in either of my bikes, BMW is the only choice for the size of the battery, and the OEM battery costs at least as much as the Odyssey, and my experience here in Phoenix is the lead acid type, just don't have an acceptable service life compared to the AGM type sealed batteries.

[MrRiden]

I may be looking into one of these odyssey units. Can I still use my battery tender? I've got a lead-acid fitted now that was an emergency purchase at the Lompoc, Ca (no, really) Auto Zone and is a perfect fit.
rich

[scottyintex]

Do you remember the model number.........and how does it fit?? I have a gel battery and it is a little tight.

[Bob_Roller]

Rich, whenever I charged my Odyssey battery, I used a regular automotive charger, if memory serves me correct, I think the manual that came with the battery stated a charge rate of 7 amps and I can't remember for how long. I don't think they' like' a slow charge. My bikes get ridden just about every day, so I rarely do any maintenance charging on either bike. Scotty, the part number is PC680, there is also a PC680MJ which has a metal case around the battery. The PC680 fits with no problem, the metal jacketed battery is a little tighter of a fit.

[MrRiden]

The Auto Zone battery was a 'Magna Power' model CB 18L APF. the Auto Zone guy was actually able to look up my '82 r65ls in his store computer! It just fits, any wider or longer and it would be a balancing act. Hmmm, can't find my recepit, I'll have a look and see if I can find the A.Z. part #
rich

[Justin B.]

I use my Battery Tender, Jr. on the PC680s and have not seen any problems.  I think I have read that if you have a seriously depleted Odyssey that a battery tender will not charge it, you must put it on a bit more juice...

Also, many have reported that the Panasonic gives excellent service.  Here's one on -Bay but I think they can be purchased from Digi-Key.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Panasonic-LC-X1228P-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Battery-M-Cycle_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34284QQihZ006QQitemZ160144363312QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Semper Gumby]

I may be looking into one of these odyssey units. Can I still use my battery tender? I've got a lead-acid fitted now that was an emergency purchase at the Lompoc, Ca (no, really) Auto Zone and is a perfect fit.
rich

Yesh.  Battery Tender works fine on the Odessy Battery.  The only limitation I have seen with an Odessey battery is to not exceed 14.9 volts on it.  I believe the manual states that 15 volts will damage the battery.  Battery Tenders do not do that.

I believe an Odessy should last 7 years so perhaps some warrenty is in order!  You do still have your original receipt right....

For new one try
http://www.batterymart.com/c-bmw-r65-battery.html

TTFN,

[Bob_Roller]

I just checked the paperwork (and receipt!) that I got with the Odyssey battery, and it states the full replacement warranty period is 2 years for a motorcycle battery. No mention is made of a prorated period after that.

[Semper Gumby]

Well then I guess 6 trouble free years will have to enough!  

TTFN,

[Bob_Roller]

It's still use-able, I just would not want to trust it on a long ride in the Arizona 'outback'. I'll reinstall it in the R65 and see how it works. I don't think the electrical system on the R65 is a finicky as the oilhead.