New to BMW r65 - Battery Question

[JBwell]

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

[Barry]

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.

[donbmw]

Same battery. I have gotten my batteries from a locale auto parts house.

Don

[wilcom]

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?

[montmil]

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.

[Bob_Roller]

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 .

[mrclubike]

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

[JBwell]

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!!

[JBwell]

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

[montmil]

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

[JBwell]

Thanks - you guys are the best!