Battery Selection

[BigPolack1]

Hey Fellas,

I need some input on the best type of battery to buy. I just started riding and I was wondering if some batteries (brands and types) are better than others. I have a '02 R1150 R. I know it takes a 12 Volt 19 Amp battery. It's non-ABS, but I was thinking about changing that. I dont know if that makes a difference with batteries. All input welcome. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Motorwerk]

Odyssey

This is what you want - http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680.htm

Have one in my R1100R w/ABS. Excellent battery, 2 year shelf-life, good power, no maintenance.

May require minor modification for positive side hook-up if mounted upright. You can buy or make a bracket for the connection but no big deal. If mounted on its side, which is perfectly acceptable, connection to + side is not an issue.

 

[bmwmick]

Hey Fellas,

I need some input on the best type of battery to buy. I just started riding and I was wondering if some batteries (brands and types) are better than others. I have a '02 R1150 R. I know it takes a 12 Volt 19 Amp battery. It's non-ABS, but I was thinking about changing that. I dont know if that makes a difference with batteries. All input welcome. Thanks a bunch!

Do a search for LC-X1220P and you will have LOTS of reading material.
I've been using these AGM Panasonic batteries since 1997 with excellent results.

 

[jrwayne]

Ditto on the Odyssey.

 

[drummer]

I did a great deal of research on this for my R1100R (1995) and found you do not want a cheap battery. I picked a Westco battery and am very happy with it.

 

[bmwmick]

I did a great deal of research on this for my R1100R (1995) and found you do not want a cheap battery. I picked a Westco battery and am very happy with it.

Drummer,
For several years WestCo just slapped their label on the Panasonic batteries. You
paid $96 for a two year warranty of a $40 battery. Next they went to BB batteries and now they are using MK batteries.

 

[krazo]

Pc 680

Ebay will get you one for about $70 delivered to your door.

This battery will make you forget you have one for over five years!

 

[MOTOR31]

Dumb question here.

How many years / model oilheads have the same battery? Is there one battery that covers most or does every model have a different battery spec?

 

[bmwmick]

Dumb question here.

How many years / model oilheads have the same battery? Is there one battery that covers most or does every model have a different battery spec?

Hiya Mike,
ALL the Oilheads can use the same battery. The specs call for a 19AH 12V battery.

 

[RGVILLA]

+1 Odyssey

I got an Odyssey last year and so far so good. It was a snap to install in my 99 R1100R

 

[easy]

I've had two Westco batteries. They're good batteries with excellent longevity. I did have to enlarge the hole in one of the terminals of the last one. Forget about who makes the battery, you have to look at the specs that were used to make it.

Which ever one you get, get a good one.

You get what you pay for. Hence, despite our occasional gripes, we ride BMWs.

Easy

"If you know how to spend less than you get, you have the philosopher's stone."
Benjamin Franklin

 

[bikerfish1100]

not discounting anyone's personal history with WestCo batteries, but other than the 2 previous posters, i've heard nothing good about them. I went with an Odyssey, but have also heard only good on the Panasonics.

 

[drummer]

This was one of the sites I used when researching 3rd party batteries vs. manufacturer batteries.
http://www.cadex.com/battery_info/

I hope it helps.

 

[bigdelta]

+1 for the Panasonic

Do a search for LC-X1220P and you will have LOTS of reading material.
I've been using these AGM Panasonic batteries since 1997 with excellent results.

ordered from Digikey.Used a Westco with good result but saved quite a bit with Panasonic.I also use an Accumate charger and Westco lasted 5 years and Panasonic is showing full charge after 3 years.