Bob Atkinson Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I have 04 RT 70,000 miles 5 1/2 years old. The Battery is original. My Dealer tells be I am on borrowed time and should replace it. The BMW Gel is 175.00 (Ouch!) I can get a Wesco for 89.95 plus shipping. Which is the best choice ? (Is the fit the same? Battery Life?) Will the BMW only Gel charger work on the Westco? Does the Fule Tank need to be removed to replace the Battery or can I slide it out just by lifting the rear of the Tank ? Thanks Link to comment
Rinkydink Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 IMHO the dealer is correct, I would replace it. No tank movement needed to install battery, just remove left side tupperware and it slides right out. You do have to reset your Motronic before the initial start though. Install new battery, turn key on (don't start) and fully open and close throttle 2-3 times and you should be set. On your charging question, I use a Battery Tender Jr. for all my bikes and it works fine. You will get hundreds of different opinions on this. Link to comment
Bob Atkinson Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 Thanks On the left side the air intake tube blocks the Battery. Looks like it might slide out on the right side ? Link to comment
Rinkydink Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I seem to remember having to remove that tube to replace it now that you say that. Nothing to it though. It was definitly the left side. I don't know whether you can get it out on the right or not. Link to comment
BFish Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 my original battery lasted 45k miles. replaced and now keep battery tender on it. it should slide out easily. may have to fiddle some with the connectors when hooking up the new one. all on left side as stated. you got your $$'s out of the original. Link to comment
r77toy Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 The air filter lid and one bolt holds the intake tube in place. Pull the battery out a bit, remove the Neg. cable, pull out further, remove Pos. cable, rinse, lather, repeat. Replace the air filter while you're in there. Link to comment
4wheeldog Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 It is definitely time. Better to replace at home than have a failure on the road. Do not replace with a gel.....They are inferior.......AGM is the way to go. I got nearly 7 years out of my original ("02 RT) and replaced it proactively. It failed shortly afterward, showed internal short when I put it on the smart charger. Yes, you have to remove the snorkel, but that is 2 screws. Link to comment
boatzo Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 It is definitely time. Better to replace at home than have a failure on the road. Do not replace with a gel.....They are inferior.......AGM is the way to go. I got nearly 7 years out of my original ("02 RT) and replaced it proactively. It failed shortly afterward, showed internal short when I put it on the smart charger. Yes, you have to remove the snorkel, but that is 2 screws. Best advice above. The charger made for a gel battery will work with an AGM. The voltage is slightly lower, but that won't hurt anything. Link to comment
Bob Atkinson Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 Thanks to all of you. Lots of good information on this site. Very nice to have the support. I will order up a new Wesco Monday. Bob Link to comment
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