Battery Question

[ryanthomas]

Hi guys I'm new to the forum. Ive bought a 1981 BMW R65. However it was not supplied with a battery. Ive been to the local Bike shop and they say I need a 30AH Battery however they only stock up to 18AH. Im not a battery person nor do I have experience with batteries. What AH battery are you all using and what would be the minimum AH you would put into your bike. Im living in Kenya and the temperature is hot I think this has an affect on the battery??

[wilcom]

What AH battery are you all using

 I'm using an 18 amp/h battery from Gruber here in the states, works great. The heat will probably lessen the longevity of your battery, but day to day use should be fine. You can see the price is also attractive at $42 US

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

[Tony Smith]

Not much point in quoting types of batteries not available in Kenya.

The Yuasa battery for the R65 is model 53030.

If you can't find a Yuasa dealer, then anybody else should be able to match based on the Yuasa identification/

But, this is a "wet" battery and most people hav gone off them in recent years.

At a greater price, but a superior Gel Cell battery I'd look for a Motobatt MB51814 or equivalent.

[Barry]

Welcome,

30Ah batteries have never been used in R65's and wouldn't fit, your bike shop is thinking of other airhead models with a longer wheelbase. A typical 18Ah battery would be more than enough in a warm climate. Just use whatever fits, the stock battery is approx. 181mm L x 82mm W x 172mm H.   I use a generic AGM battery with those dimensions.

[ryanthomas]

Thank you all so much!

[Bob_Roller]

The UB12220  AGM battery seems to be available in a lot of countries around the world and is less costly  .
It's a perfect fit for the R65, without any modifications required to the bike .
Good luck in your search in your corner of planet Earth !!

[Tony Smith]

Welcome,

30Ah batteries have never been used in R65's and wouldn't fit, your bike shop is thinking of other airhead models with a longer wheelbase.

Many, many moons ago I fitted an R65 battery tray to my R100. Never had a problem starting it.

[wilcom]

Many, many moons ago I fitted an R65 battery tray to my R100. Never had a problem starting it.

OK, I'll ask...…….Why?

[Bob_Roller]

I've got the same size battery in my R1150R, it works great until cold weather arrives .
With 20w50 oil, I needed to install a second battery for cold weather .
I couldn't justify the cost of lighter oil for 8-10 weeks .

[wilcom]

I needed to install a second battery

In the bike?

[Tony Smith]

OK, I'll ask...…….Why?

Because the original battery was bigger than the one in my car and was as dear as poison.

[Bob_Roller]

Yes, I put it in the box that would have the ABS unit, if the bike had it .

[Barry]

OK, I'll ask...…….Why?

Because the original battery was bigger than the one in my car and was as dear as poison.

...and replacing a 30Ah battery with a 20Ah would improve an airhead in every good way by losing some weight. Those things are boat anchors. Is there any other motorcycle that uses a battery of that weight and size.