12 Volt 18 AH battery

[Haroon]

I have a 96 model R1100RT and this morning the BMW GEL battery has finally packed up after almost 4 years.

 

The BMW battery is not available at my place, however, the YUASA dealer has a battery with specs 12volt 18 AH (same size as the BMW battery), whereas my bike battery specs are 12volt 19AH. Will the 18AH battery do the job or do you think it can damage something. I DO NOT use any other accessories on the bike like fog lamps or heated grips etc.

 

Would greatly appreciate inputs from members knowledgeable on the bike electricals. Thanks

 

[GregB]

The slightly lower capacity won't be a problem. The difficult battery access on the R11xxRT battery will be a problem if you don't use a sealed or gel battery. If it isn't a sealed battery, how often are you likely to check/refill the water?

 

 

[Edgar]

You did a great job getting more than 2 years from the BMW Gel. The YUASA will be fine if that's all you can get. An AGM type battery like a Westco would be better from a convenience point of view (no acid or water issues).

[Haroon]

Thank you very much for the prompt response. I will go in for the Yuasa. Besides, its almost half the price of the BMW gel battery.

 

Indeed, the YUASA is a sealed, ready to use battery. I had got a Westco from BOBs BMW before I bought the BMW gel battery, but sadly the Westco only lasted me 11 months.

 

I still ponder over the German design logic for 2 items on the 1100RT- a)The difficulty to get to the battery b) Location of the critical Hazard swtich on the dashboard, instead of the handlebar.