Battery life

[tchap]

I have a 2007 R1200RT (bought new 8/07, 20K miles on the clock) running with the original battery. I've maintained it properly, keeping it fully charged at all times. This being my first experience with an AGM battery I'm not sure what to expect. It's performing perfectly to date. So, how long will this thing last? Any feedback would be 'preciated!

[Swag]

I ALSO HAVE AN 07 BOUGHT IN JAN. 55K, STILL GOING STRONG, BUT I RIDE EVERY DAY, THAT PROBABLY HELPS.

[moshe_levy]

Average is 3-5 years. You're fine.

 

-MKL

[Sailorlite]

At what point is the battery first installed in a new BMW? At the factory, the US port, at the dealer when prepping it for sale? Could there be a considerable period of time where the battery is allowed to discharge and is not otherwise maintained? For example, my RT was built in November but purchased in the following March - it seems fine but I wonder about its early history.

[moshe_levy]

I asked my dealer this when I picked up my '09 RT in January. He said they install batteries as part of prep before the buyer picks up the machine. A date code is on the battery, which also tells part of the story. I personally think the BMW (Exide) battery is mediocre. When it craps out, I will get something more appropriate.

 

-MKL

[marcopolo]

...This being my first experience with an AGM battery I'm not sure what to expect....

 

Unless something has changed, you've probably got a gel battery (Exide brand), not an AGM. The 1200GS's have AGM's, for whatever reason.

 

BTW, My '06 RT (bought April 2006 has the original gel battery and I have never had any problem with it in the 52,000+ miles I've put on the clock. However, I just bought an Odyssey AGM to replace it (a precautionary measure in advance of a ride to California in July).

[TomfromMD]

[quote=marcopolo

BTW, My '06 RT (bought April 2006 has the original gel battery and I have never had any problem with it in the 52,000+ miles I've put on the clock. However, I just bought an Odyssey AGM to replace it (a precautionary measure in advance of a ride to California in July).

 

As my '06 (Dec. '05 delivery) wouldn't start after only sitting for 2 weeks, I'm combining a visit to my dealer for a new tire with a replacement Odyssey. I think that much over 4 years is tempting fate.

 

Tom

[Jon_M]

I bought my '05 in June of that year and still have the original battery. I keep it on the float charger when I am not riding a lot. and so far, so good. Before I take any long trips, I will replace it, because I know I'm pushing my luck at this point.

[BarOne]

Same for me Jon. My '05 battery is original and going strong. I am too old to temp fate. Anyone recommend a great source for the Odyssey battery?

[Turf man]

My 07 RT OEM battery was toast 1.5 years into ownership. BMW did replace the battery with OEM battery at no charge to me. So far, so good, my garage is heated.

[Exploreinman]

My original battery is 4.5 years old from date of bike purchase and it was still working fine. I went ahead and put in a new one so as not to get stranded out on the road. I think 4.5 years is pretty good service life.

[Teddy]

I bought the bike new Jan 08, (compliance plate was Nov 07) the battery totally failed Nov 09, BMW covered under warranty (would have expired in Jan 10 anyway) & replaced with an OEM Exide whatever type that is.

When they fail they fail quick & nothing will revive them. (at least in my case)

 

Note the winters in Canberra are quite cold compared to the rest of Aus, the bike struggles to start a bit when it is -5C outside in a non-heated garage.

 

Cheers Teddy

[George]

5 years old last week the original battery on our 2005 R1200RT, still works fine.

 

OH NO I don't believe I said that

[AZRTRDR]

5 years old last week the original battery on our 2005 R1200RT, still works fine.

 

OH NO I don't believe I said that

 

You might as well go and buy a new one now!!

[Bruce H]

I have an 07 and am on the second battery, died about 20k (AGM) might be the person building the first one had a bad day?... I suspect the quality control is a little loose.

[Selden]

While I have experienced one "no warning" battery failure, in the vast majority of cases, I have had warning signs -- which I sometimes ignored for as long as 6 months.

[RT-Mike]

Same for me Jon. My '05 battery is original and going strong. I am too old to temp fate. Anyone recommend a great source for the Odyssey battery?

 

I picked up mine from here http://www.portablepower.com/odyssey_pc680-p-890.html

 

Add to the cart to see the sell price...

[chaparral]

I have an 05 and went through 2 AGM batteries in 1 1/2 years. They go dead overnight. I Put in a Chinese sealed 20A in 08 that I bought from Batteryspace.com for $45. Still works and saves lotsa $$$. + ya can mount it upside down if ya wanna be different.

[jackhett]

What Odyssey battery fits the R1200RT? Neither the Odyssey site nor Portable Power list one for that application.

[moshe_levy]

PC680

[LeftCoastMan]

5 years old last week the original battery on our 2005 R1200RT, still works fine.

 

OH NO I don't believe I said that

 

WTF? You just insulted the BMW demons. You may as well buy a new battery. And just assume you'll need to replace your FD too. Dumb move!

[LeftCoastMan]

I have a 2007 R1200RT (bought new 8/07, 20K miles on the clock) running with the original battery. I've maintained it properly, keeping it fully charged at all times. This being my first experience with an AGM battery I'm not sure what to expect. It's performing perfectly to date. So, how long will this thing last? Any feedback would be 'preciated!

 

The problem with batteries is that the degradation is very gradual, almost unnoticeable. I have a 06 RT, and I noticed that it was taking a bit longer to turn over the engine. I decided that a 4 1/2 year old battery was probably on the downhill side of life, and replaced it with a P680. Well, the difference was profound.

[jackhett]

PC680

 

Thanks

[Dave Grinsel]

I have a 2005 R1200ST with 59,000 miles with the original battery. I am leaving on a trip in three weeks and just ordered a new battery (WESTCO) to be on the safe side.

[marcopolo]

Just had my independent BMW tech install an Odyssey 680 today. At my suggestion, he used a small piece of rubber hose to fill the gap between the battery and the bracket (thanks to the person who earlier posted pics of this). What can I say now other than, well, the bike started. This was a preventive measure in preparation for my ride to the UnRally in July.

[motoguy128]

The problem with batteries is that the degradation is very gradual, almost unnoticeable. I have a 06 RT, and I noticed that it was taking a bit longer to turn over the engine. I decided that a 4 1/2 year old battery was probably on the downhill side of life, and replaced it with a P680. Well, the difference was profound.

 

We had a similar experince when repalcing car batteries. the OEM batteries, to save money, often have a marginal CCA rating. We replaced the battery in my wife's '08 Altima and noticed a HUGE difference. Its' been less noticeable in my motorcycles, since they usually turnover so easily anyway.