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Need a new battery

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:10 am
by fig
Can anyone recommend a seller? I'm having trouble sourcing one locally. My bikes an R75/5. I've looked at amazon and see a lot of generic Chinese made batteries, are these good? Also what should I be looking for, are volts, amp hours and dimensions the only specifics I should consider? I now a lot of people like the Odyssey PC680, but that's expensive, I'd like to get something cheaper.

Any thoughts?


DF

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:27 am
by gspd
I've been playing with airheads for 35 years and the only batteries I recommend are OE BMW.
Costly, but they fit perfectly (tool tray, seat, wiring hook up) and usually last upwards of 5 years if properly tended while not in use.

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:00 pm
by fig
That sounds like good advice. I'll check Max BMW and see what they want for a battery.


DF

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:16 pm
by teo
GSPD is one of the rocks of this phorum. BUT, I'll dare to differ with him here and suggest that there are a couple or more of great batteries that give 5-yrs service. I have a R75/6 big batt) and an R65 (with the /5 slash battery.

Check Apex batteries for an AGM batt to fit the /5.

Westco makes a long-lived /5 sized AGM batt.

Oddessy makes a good one but some of the member of this phorum have had issues with them.

BTW - is your /5 a long wheel base 73.5 model? If so, the larger batteries for the /6 and /7 are available for you as well.

teo

But how many of those...

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 12:11 am
by gspd
...fit perfectly (tool tray, seat, wiring hook up)?

Also, conventional lead acid batteries are less likely to suddenly fail without warning.
They usually crap out gradually.

Being neglected for long periods is the most common cause of premature battery failure,
regardless of the type.

As a mechanic the typical complaint from a lead acid battery user with a failure is:
"My bike barely cranked over the last few mornings, could you test my battery?"

From Gel battery customers I here more along the lines of:
"Bike been starting fine since spring, I stopped for a piss today and now it won't start, dead as a doornail"

I've seen it too often for it to be mere coincidence.

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 1:43 am
by ME 109
Now you tell me GSPD.! I just bought (2 months ago) a Motobatt agm for $180.
Ashly you did tell me several times over the years.
I have run BMW batteries all the time but the last time they wanted $260 for it!! The last one was $140 something.
BMW dealers :x

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 3:15 am
by godot

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 6:38 am
by Roy Gavin
Can you guys get Inox products over there - their battery conditioner seems to work as advertised and their lubes are superior products too.

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:20 am
by fig
Thanks to all for the recommendations. That TOYO battery from Beiter Battery fits my criteria, $50 delivered! GSPD's advice is the only thing that gives me pause, but I'll probably go for it anyway.


Thanks.

DF

Re: Need a new battery

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 10:39 am
by dougie
How about Yuasa?
Never had a problem with their batteries in my Japanese bikes or my F650.
http://www.yuasabatteries.com/vehicle_s ... howListing