New Battery?

[Cohiba54]

Anyone using Ballistic EVO2 Battery? Tell me about it.....

[omg1010]

Those batteries are supposedly very good. A fraction of the weight of the lead-acid batteries and way smaller. However the LiFePo4 batteries supposedly have a problem with cold temperatures.

I got myself one of these babies http://www.ebay.com/itm/4s3p-12-cell-A1 ... 2eb0db83d2

which is does the job as well.

Brgds
Oliver

[bergj1986]

I know LiPo is the latest and greatest in battery technology, but I have a hard time believing that the eBay battery you posted from eBay will have enough reserve power to start the bike if the engine doesn't start immediately and requires a few more seconds of cranking.

How did you connect the BMW battery connector to the bare wires of this battery?

Don't LiPo batteries require a balancing wire when charging? Also looks like this one is heat sensitive, ad says don't expose battery to temps above 70 C (158 F), I imagine temps under the tank could reach that on a hot day.

I've bought batteries from eBay in the past, never had good luck.

Not trying to rain on your parade omg1010, just curious

[WVRockster]

I'm trying to remember but I'm pretty sure I have the 12 cell evo2.
Reluctantly with a new job I had to let my bike sit covered in the cold for 3 months this winter (new job, apartment, no garage..etc.)

Sits 3 months, never started. Uncovered the bike, turn it over (click click click). Again (click click click).

I let the bike sit for maybe 60 seconds while the battery warms up. I turn the bike over and it starts like it had never been dead!
It was so weird or backward to see a battery actually come to life without a charger hooked up to it!

Highly recommend this technology!

[swamper]

A lot of poor reviews on the Motorcycle Superstore site. I'm using an Odyssey, working very well for the last few years.

[RedRyder]

I have also had Odyssey battery in the past, but here is why I like the battery made by Exide for BMW. It has a higher AH rating (19 vs. 17) so it stores more energy and makes starting in the cold easier if a lot of cranking is required. The real reason I like it better? It fits in the case and the connections are easier and it looks cleaner. The Odyssey requires backing material and something on top to keep it in place and allow the rubber tie down to do its job. The pic shows the use of paint sticks with duct tape for that purpose. Classy, huh? If my memory is correct, you also have to purchase/find the L-shaped connecting brackets for the neg/pos posts.

The disadvantage to the BMW battery is that it is heavier (not like we ride a bike that is lightweight) and it costs more. My two cents....

[WVRockster]

I'm not sure what the stock batteries CCAs are but the name plate current/amperage is slightly higher than stock.

Dimensions (Metric): 114mm (L) x 87mm (W) x 112m (H)
Dimensions (Standard): 4.5" (L) x 3.5" (W) x 4.25" (H)
12 Cell EVO2 Negative Terminal Location: Right
12 Cell EVO2 L Negative Terminal Location: Left
Weight: 1106 grams (2.44 lbs.)
Voltage (Charged): 13.6V
Amperage: 6.9 Amps/Hour
Lead Acid Equivalent Amperage: 20 Pb-eq/Ah
Burst Cranking Amps: 410amps
Operating Environment: -18°C (0°F) to 60°C (140°F)

[timl]

I've had excellent luck with the BMW battery. I bought my 2004 Rockster in January, 2006 when it had 14,000 miles on it. Now, beginning my 8th season of riding, and with over 50,000 miles, it still has the same battery.

Several years ago I thought I would need a new battery as it cranked very slowly in the cold. But after switching to 10W40 in the winter months, it starts just fine.

I know it won't last forever but I will definitely consider replacing with an identical unit.

[swamper]

You should switch now before you get stranded, you have had excellent life from your present battery but it's over extended in my opinion.

[BruceinLA]

I love the Odyssey batteries, the PC680 I got off ebay came with the brass "L" adapters, I only used one.

The PC680 replaced an overfilled Yuasa wet battery, that messy thing had to go!

I Keep them fully charged and have 8 years + and going strong in my Wave Runners.

The Odyssey in my K1200LT is going strong, installed that 6/10

AGM trickle chargers are recommended, I used others before I knew that. Now I have AGM specific "smart" trickle chargers on my batteries when I am not using the vehicle(s) they are in.

[prachster]

So,

I am somehow killing my batteries within 12 to 18 months. This is third dead battery in last in about 5 years. - All major Acid brands. Any suggestions? I have 2004 R1150R with about 25K miles on it.

Thanks,

Sanjay

[Buckster]

See the post above yours.

[Roy1150R]

I just replaced my original battery with the same Exide/BMW one. With a little care, it gave me +10 years of service. A little expensive, but hopefully worth it. Have your bike checked out. It should not be eating batteries like this.


Roy
2002 R1150R

[prachster]

Buckster,

I do use the trickle charger - just not last month or so since it has warmed up. I ride almost everyday and I am under impression that shouldn't need to trickle every night if you do ride often. I may be wrong.

I probably should have it checked before I shell out $$$ for a BMW battery. I am just not a big fan of the mechanic shop here.

Thanks Buckster and Roy.

Sanjay

[Biff's R]

Sanjay,
It sounds like you may have alternator problems. How far do you ride, if you are riding almost everyday?

BTW, I currently have an Odyssey, but did have a Westco. The Westco died after 1 year and 2 weeks. The warranty was for a year. The BMW Exide battery did great for 7 or 8 years. I am just cheap.

[prachster]

Jeff,

I ride about 45-46 miles (23 X 2) everyday. If the alternator is weak, how do I find out?

Thanks,

Sanjay

[prachster]

Just thought I should update on my situation..

Installed a new starter motor and a new Westco battery. The sound of the 'crank' of the new starter is so 'clean' I am wondering now that the old starter was the culprit. The old one was sounding like it was working hard. Only time will tell...

Sanjay

[sstein]

Where did you get the new starter, and how was the price?

[prachster]

From the BeemerBoneyard. 199.00 or so. There was somewhere else for 179.00 - plus the shipping... I was ordering battery and filters as well, and BB is a good outfit so I got it from them.

In retrospect, I could have 'serviced' the original Starter motor. Would have worked just fine.

Hope it helps...

Sanjay

[eduardobelmonte]

Odyssey batteries, the PC680 all the way.

Bought original battery from BMW, lasted 2.5 years, worked weak.

Odyssey has lasted 3 years now, works like a charm, always STRONG no matter what.
I just don't see it giving off any time soon.
Works as good as did on its very first day.