Generic AGM Battery Quit Today

[Bob_Roller]

Went out to start the R65 today to go to work, all I got was a clunk from the starter, no rotation .

I take the R65 to work on weekends only, due to collector insurance restrictions .

I put a 'dumb' battery charger on a timer, and charge the battery from 12 midnight to about 5 am, I also connect a multimeter to the battery to check the voltage when I pull the charger off .

Normally the voltage is around 13.9-14.1 volts, yesterday and this morning the voltage was only 12.1 volts .

So it looks like the generic AGM battery from Gruber Power Services,  has retired prematurely .

I had the bike out yesterday afternoon, went looking at a couple of bikes that were for sale, and the bike was at highway speeds of 55-65 mph for about 100 miles, so it had a good chance to get the battery charge topped off .

It's about 45 minutes of work to get the battery out of the oilhead, and I don't feel that enthused about it at this point in time, looks like I'll order a battery from ebatteries in the Dallas/ Ft. worth area tomorrow .

[Crossrodes]

Bob I use a Battery Tender Junior on my batteries which are all AGM.  I have used it for years and have never had a battery fail yet.  I did replace one battery on the Wing after 5 years because I was going on a long trip and didn't want a failure on the trip.

In the winter when the bikes (and wife's Miata) are not in use I will disconnect the batteries and run them for a week at a time on the Battery Tender...cycling them through ever 3 weeks.  It seems to be working...the Miata, a 99, is still using the original battery (Panasonic).

[Bob_Roller]

The intense heat for about 6 months a year here in the 'Valley of the Sunstroke' , is the 'stake' through the heart of a storage battery .

The average temperature in the garage from the first week of May, through the third week of October, is 98-104 F.

Regular lead acid batteries that last three years, is considered a reasonable service life .

I can't complain,  I got this battery from a co-worker that runs a BMW repair shop in his garage .

He has a business license, and got these batteries at wholesale cost for $25 each, so I feel I didn't do  too bad .

But I'd like a little warning when the battery is about to fail, but the usual failure here in the desert, is a no warning type failure .

[Justin B.]

How old is it?  I think the Gruber batteries have a one year warranty...  On the other hand the Odyssey in Barbi's '84 R65 has bitten the dust.  Worked fine a few weeks ago and now just a bunch of clicking.  This bike get very little use and is on a Battery Tender Junior all the time and I guess the battery lasted about 4 years...

[Justin B.]

I have just ordered one of these http://www.staabbattery.com/product/UB12220-V.html for Barbi's '84.  I compared the measurements listed and they appear to be about the same as an Odyssey - and the price is definitely right!

[Justin B.]

I have just ordered one of these http://www.staabbattery.com/product/UB12220-V.html for Barbi's '84.  I compared the measurements listed and they appear to be about the same as an Odyssey - and the price is definitely right!

I heard about it on bmwsporttouring.com...

[Bob_Roller]

The battery is a little over 3 years old, so it's out of warranty .

Think I'll give them a call tomorrow and order from Staab .

[Bob_Roller]

Ordered the battery on Monday, $58 including shipping costs, UPS has a tentative delivery date of 6/12, this Friday .

[Justin B.]

Mine is supposed t be here today, most likely after I've left for work.  Will put it in tomorrow and see how good my measurements were.

[Justin B.]

I got the battery yesterday, charged it overnight on the Battery Tender, reamed out the lugs to accept 6mm hardware, and it dropped right in the '84 - perfect fit from what I can tell.  AND, it's a 22 AH battery...

Oh, made in China...

[Bob_Roller]

Justin, that's 'made with pride' in China .

From the information that I have from UPS tracking, my battery should be waiting for me when I get home from work today .

[Justin B.]

It sure cranks a lot faster than it has in a long time!  And, at that price if it only lasts 2-3 years I 'm still money ahead.

[Bob_Roller]

I did notice something about the UPS shipping, my battery was shipped from central Illinois on Tuesday morning, left Chicago on Wednesday morning, arrived in Phoenix on Thursday morning .

Driving distance from Chicago to Phoenix, is 1800 miles .

So it's quite obvious that it didn't get shipped by usual ground transportation, UPS must be handling a lot less packages than a year ago, I guess they have to fly their aircraft, so they may as well fill it up, even if the sender only paid for ground shipping rates .

[montmil]

... that's 'made with pride' in China ....

Is this the newest GM advertising tag line? Don't laugh. It's gonna be all too true before we know it.

Sorry. Off topic.     Monte

[Bob_Roller]

Well, so much for my new battery, I just removed it from it's shipping box, and there is as a 1 inch square hole in the battery case, and the surrounding area is crushed .

Corresponds to the hole in the shipping box .

Looks like another week before I get the R65 on the road again .