Exide Gel Battery date on case
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Exide Gel Battery date on case
Exide Gel Battery in 2004 R1150RT has "use before" 5/2009 stamped on case! should I start saving for another battery? How long should I expect the std. Gel batteriery to last from that date? I assume like date on bread & Milk! Battery was in m/c when purchased several months ago.
Re: Exide Gel Battery date on case
I'm certainly no expert on batteries... just have lots of vehicles... cars, boats, motorcycles, golf carts, etc... that I have a lot of experience using them, or at least, buying another. 
IMO, there are so many variables in how long a battery will last, that it's difficult to make a prediction, especially in your case, if you don't know its history.
Gel batteries can last anywhere from 2-5 years.
If your bike starts up quickly and the headlight doesn't dim at idle, the chances are that the battery is in good condition... although that's not a guarantee.
I use a "load" battery tester to check my batteries and charging systems. It tests the battery voltage under load, then measures how long it takes to "recover".
Even then the results are just an estimate of it's condition.
I use one similar to this (I'm not promoting this or any other tester, only reporting what I use):
http://www.toolfetch.com/Category/Autom ... htm?nogs=1
This is a relatively inexpensive tester. A digital, more accurate, load tester may cost hundreds of $$$.
Perhaps you can have your battery checked at your local bike shop, or auto parts store. AutoZone will usually test batteries for free.
jb
IMO, there are so many variables in how long a battery will last, that it's difficult to make a prediction, especially in your case, if you don't know its history.
Gel batteries can last anywhere from 2-5 years.
If your bike starts up quickly and the headlight doesn't dim at idle, the chances are that the battery is in good condition... although that's not a guarantee.
I use a "load" battery tester to check my batteries and charging systems. It tests the battery voltage under load, then measures how long it takes to "recover".
Even then the results are just an estimate of it's condition.
I use one similar to this (I'm not promoting this or any other tester, only reporting what I use):
http://www.toolfetch.com/Category/Autom ... htm?nogs=1
This is a relatively inexpensive tester. A digital, more accurate, load tester may cost hundreds of $$$.
Perhaps you can have your battery checked at your local bike shop, or auto parts store. AutoZone will usually test batteries for free.
jb