R1200GS battery

[Richard Kuysten]

#2853

So how long do these batteries last? ...

I was talking to Sebastian at Experience on Friday about this very subject.He seemed to think that a gel battery with a tender could last anything up to 8 years in balmy North Island conditions, but 4 years is good going after European (or Otago) cold winter starts.

Bike went in for its annual service on the 18 Dec.  All well except computer said there had been low voltage situation twice in the last year - no other problems indicated.  Set off for Wanganui on Boxing day and had a good run down.  Home the next day and as garage was full I unloaded the bike and threw a cover over planning to give a good wash next day.  However after the wash I switched on to take round the block to dry out and NOTHING!! checked all usual things to no avail and had to push into shed and hook up to expensive BMW charger.  Took all night and into this morning before charger indicated good level of charge and by midday was fully charged  😀  Howeve can see no reason for problem in first place and although battery is 4 years old it is on the tender whenever not in regular use.  So this morning rang Seb at EX and he said  bring it in tomorrow and we'll have a look.  Hmmm methinks a new battery coming up here - anyone have a good after market option before I spend $$$$$$$ with Seb. 

[Dave Ross]

#11608

Batteries can die for no obvious reason. I suspect your battery will not fully recover from this. That's how the battery on my R80 died, while I could recharge it and run the bike, the battery would no longer hold a charge for any length of time. There are a number of people selling batteries on trademe, for the R80 I bought a Panasonic.I still have the original battery in my R1150GS. It's getting close to 6 years now. I found I had to keep an eye on the fluid level of the battery, other than that I would get a similar battery again, because they seem to be the cheapest option. That reminds me, better check the level again before I leave for the Rally. I guess I will also have to look for a new one soon. However, having two bikes makes it a little less urgent.

[Richard Kuysten]

#11609

Thanks Alex, the battery in this is either a Gel or Gas matt depending on who I ask  😕 I think Gel but don't really know.  Just can't understand why no problems at all then ZAP gone overnight just a few days after a service???

[Dave Ross]

#11610

Malcolm, I found this:Gelled electrolyteGelled batteries, or "Gel Cells" contain acid that has been "gelled" by the addition of Silica Gel, turning the acid into a solid mass that looks like gooey Jell-O. The advantage of these batteries is that it is impossible to spill acid even if they are broken. However, there are several disadvantages. One is that they must be charged at a slower rate (C/20) to prevent excess gas from damaging the cells. They cannot be fast charged on a conventional automotive charger or they may be permanently damaged. This is not usually a problem with solar electric systems, but if an auxiliary generator or inverter bulk charger is used, current must be limited to the manufacturers specifications. Most better inverters commonly used in solar electric systems can be set to limit charging current to the batteries.Some other disadvantages of gel cells is that they must be charged at a lower voltage (2/10th's less) than flooded or AGM batteries. If overcharged, voids can develop in the gel which will never heal, causing a loss in battery capacity. In hot climates, water loss can be enough over 2-4 years to cause premature battery death. It is for this and other reasons that we no longer sell any of the gelled cells except for replacement use. The newer AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries have all the advantages (and then some) of gelled, with none of the disadvantages.here:http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Lifespan%20of%20Batteries

[Richard Kuysten]

#11611

That's useful Alex thanks.  I guess that's why BMW changed to the glass mat in later models.

[Anonymous]

#11612

4 years is a good run for the battery. My HP2 ate batteries I had 3 in 18 months and this was with the BMW charger on most of the time.

[Richard Kuysten]

#11613

Thanks for the input guys.  Took it down as planned today and Seb ran the gizmo over it and decided the battery was stuffed.  So with new (expensive) 14 amp AGM thingy under the seat I should be good for at least another 4 years.  However he told me if I hook it up to my expensive BMW battery charger every time I come home it may!! last much longer.  So I can go to the Rally safe in the knowledge I wont run out of electrical power 😐  So I'm off to cut some lawns.See you at Pukeora soon.Malcolm

[Dave Ross]

#11614

Excellent, I'll bring jumper leads in case my one packs up.  😀

[Clive Lawrence]

#11615

I'm using a battery tender supplied through Motorad in Welly. Seems to be working fine plugged in through the bike.. not sure if this is a good option.

[Richard Kuysten]

#11616

I don't really want to know this Dave  :cry:but is it an aftermarket job or the BMW affair which (I was told) was essential with the 1200 bikes? I had an Optimate tender which had done sterling work with my 1100RT so if this is working for you it could save others some unnecessary expense.

[Murray]

#11617

4 years is a good run for the battery. My HP2 ate batteries I had 3 in 18 months and this was with the BMW charger on most of the time.

I've had the same battery on my HP since day 1. It's got me through 54k and only time on the tender is if I'm away for more than a couple of weeks, which is not often. Having said that, I use the bike nearly every day  😀

[Dave Morris]

#11618

4 years is a good run for the battery. My HP2 ate batteries I had 3 in 18 months and this was with the BMW charger on most of the time.

I've had the same battery on my HP since day 1. It's got me through 54k and only time on the tender is if I'm away for more than a couple of weeks, which is not often. Having said that, I use the bike nearly every day  😀

clearly BMWNZ likes you and not giving you or their lemons or is the bike owner whom is the problem. I'm I wonder which ??? :-on

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