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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: Mark Friedman on January 25, 2018, 03:40:22 PM

Title: Which battery these days
Post by: Mark Friedman on January 25, 2018, 03:40:22 PM
Hey all: I've owned my '92 K75 since...well, '92.  Sole owner. I've gone through a few batteries since then and am wondering if, in these modern times, I should switch up to lithium or go the same route. Any battery brand suggestions are welcome.


Mark
Woodstock, NY

' 92 BMW K75 (unadorned)
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Chaos on January 25, 2018, 04:20:40 PM
I'm sticking with the Odyssey pc680, usually you can find one for around $100.  Can't see the point to lithium unless you're doing a radical chop job and need to hide a tiny battery somewhere. 
https://www.apexbattery.com/odyssey-pc680-battery-as.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgNTay4T02AIV0oKzCh3Z8A08EAQYAiABEgLd6_D_BwE
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Mark Friedman on January 25, 2018, 04:27:15 PM
Thanks, Chaos.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Martin on January 25, 2018, 04:32:36 PM
I've had two Deka AGM's lasted 8 years and 5 years. But hard to get and expensive in OZ. One RevPlus AGM 6 years, and now a DynoVolt AGM 2 months.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: stokester on January 25, 2018, 07:38:47 PM
I'm sticking with the Odyssey pc680, usually you can find one for around $100.  Can't see the point to lithium unless you're doing a radical chop job and need to hide a tiny battery somewhere. 
https://www.apexbattery.com/odyssey-pc680-battery-as.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgNTay4T02AIV0oKzCh3Z8A08EAQYAiABEgLd6_D_BwE (https://www.apexbattery.com/odyssey-pc680-battery-as.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgNTay4T02AIV0oKzCh3Z8A08EAQYAiABEgLd6_D_BwE)


 :2thumbup:
got Odyssey on my Airheads too
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: riots100 on January 26, 2018, 12:16:08 AM
I have Odyssey PC680s on both my bikes.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Mark Friedman on January 26, 2018, 03:09:00 PM
Thanks, Bruce
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: daveson on January 28, 2018, 03:37:58 PM
i think mine is called motobatt, from my 96 vulcan 1500
i like that its not as high as the original
the terminals on the original touched the computer housing
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: F14CRAZY on January 28, 2018, 06:48:12 PM
I'm running an AGM from Autozone. Been a year and a half and no issues. I think it was around $90
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Martin on January 28, 2018, 07:32:42 PM
I was going to put a Motobatt battery in my Brick a few months ago. I had previously used Deka  and Revplus with good results but both were no longer available locally. So I was going to use a Motobatt and did a bit of research and apparently while Motobatt used to be good, the quality has now fallen. This is just one site http://www.streetfighters.com.au/forum/showthread.php?26095-WARNING-Motobatt-batteries-are-SHIT. there are other sites with complaints. I ended up going with a Dynavolt $180.00 Au from Team Moto Virginia, they had to order it in. Only time will tell whether it's any good. :dunno
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: latvietisnobavarias on January 31, 2018, 02:05:27 PM
Odessy(SP) in my "97 K11lt. Five years now and going strong. Will replace with another this spring just to do it. I have used the Oddesy charger regularly during the years. I will never ever again put a liquid acid POS in a motorcycle again.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: enb54 on February 01, 2018, 03:31:45 AM
Hey all: I've owned my '92 K75 since...well, '92.  Sole owner. I've gone through a few batteries since then and am wondering if, in these modern times, I should switch up to lithium or go the same route. Any battery brand suggestions are welcome.


Mark
Woodstock, NY

' 92 BMW K75 (unadorned)

Hi Mark and all...
I think I may have responded to this somewhere else in this forum (or else in "Honda Twins") but anyway, the chemistry of modern Lithium type batteries requires a specific charging rate which is not generally compatible with older charging systems, like on the machines most of us are using or trying to use. You can certainly use these modern Lithium type batteries for a while with our older charging systems, but eventually you will experience some degradation or catastrophic failure, which will certainly shorten your day's riding experience. Just saying that you should search well and read thoroughly the information regarding any substitute batteries for your vintage motorcycle. All of our personal machines here in Red Deer are using lead acid batteries with the normal charging systems, I don't want to get some micrcontroller based charging system (required) just to charge my Li-Ion (type) battery. Of course, all are welcome to jump in and tell me I'm wrong...
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Mark Friedman on February 01, 2018, 09:01:15 AM
Thanks for the info, Eric.  Think I'll stick with conventional.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on February 01, 2018, 03:59:42 PM
Find an AGM maintenance-free battery made in the USA and don't look back.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: enb54 on February 01, 2018, 04:07:35 PM
Find an AGM maintenance-free battery made in the USA and don't look back.

Yes, should have mentioned the AGM which is an advanced lead acid type of technology, a quick description is at  https://www.pepboys.com/car_care_corner/car_care_basics/maintenance/advantages_of_agm/  and no I do not work for PEP Boys...
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Kevinb on September 13, 2018, 11:48:22 AM
Hello All,

so, seems like everyone stick to the acid battery, any of you as try the gel one,   61212346800, thinking about that model, that also what's suggest my local Motorrad, but I have doubts, about the difference form 28 Ah to 19 Ah.

I would really like to get a maintenance free battery, the Caraibe climate is very hard on battery, and availability is complicated.

Thoughts, suggestion, comments?

Thank you
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on September 13, 2018, 11:53:48 AM
Yikes!!!  A battery that says "BMW" on it.  Must cost more than the bike.

I use AGM batteries in my bikes.   No maintenance or acid leaks if/when I drop my bike.  I have a "Scorpion" brand battery that was made in China that has 5 years and almost 40,000 miles on it in my K75RT.  I think it's a 23 AH rated battery.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Kevinb on September 13, 2018, 12:02:41 PM
AGM is not availailable here or I could find one, need to import it, that will cost me more then the BMW one, that is already here.
All automotive importation is crazy taxed, it's really not worted.
I had a Yuasa, with just a year old, the battery died in 4 months here, corrosion is insane, extreme heat, sea salt, sand, sulfite gaz in the air because of the sargasso...
And just to get acid it's super complicated, they don't want to sell it without the battery...
I will try to look if scorpion is available, but the idea, it's also to not change it every year, i wish a planet to live on for my children.

but, you guy's think, the gel 19 Ah would work on my K100rs?

Thank you
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Chaos on September 13, 2018, 12:36:58 PM
K bikes don't need no stinkin flaky battery.  Stop by your nearest Harbor Fright.  Get some bungees too.  http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,11577.0.html
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: enb54 on September 13, 2018, 02:22:30 PM
Hey I think I know one of his friends! A friend of mine had a Suzuki Cavalcade touring bike and broke down just south of Edmonton (alternator not charging), so he called me to come down and help him out. I brought my voltmeter and some booster cables, but could not persuade him to pull the headlight fuse so we could get back to Edmonton without stopping to recharge his battery. Finally, after a few hours of driving and recharging we got back to town and I told him that if it ever happened again, "Too bad, so sad". Sorry I didn't think of the portable generator option... :)
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Kevinb on September 13, 2018, 04:08:35 PM
K bikes don't need no stinkin flaky battery.  Stop by your nearest Harbor Fright.  Get some bungees too.  http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,11577.0.html

Nice one! I did some Mcgyver's on my bikes, but never went all the way their!! Amazing.

But once again, I think no one as the experience of living in the Caraibes here, generators are fucking expensive here! hahaha
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Laitch on September 13, 2018, 06:02:53 PM
And just to get acid it's super complicated, they don't want to sell it without the battery...
You shouldn't need to buy acid for your battery. Lead-acid battery fluid gets topped up with distilled water. Is that costly in Paradise? Maybe something is being lost in translation here.

My moto has a sealed battery. No refilling. It's five years old. You'll need to protect the battery terminals with anti-corrosion spray and clean surfaces weekly in an environment like yours.

If you want to preserve the planet for your children, it will cost you more money than you realized. :giggles
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Kevinb on September 13, 2018, 06:10:29 PM
When you import a battery, it arrive dry, so you need to fill it with acid, I'm not even sure you can import a AGM for those reason
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: rbm on September 13, 2018, 06:16:36 PM
I can tell you which battery not to buy that's for sure.  Three letters KMG.  Can also be described with three other letters.  POS.  Mine died a horrible death a couple days ago.  Bike broke down near Bocutter Ed's place. So, I rang him up and he helped me to get the bike into his garage, and charge the sucker.  It's still there; hope to get it home tonight.

I can see an Odyssey PC680 or a Motobatt in my near future.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Laitch on September 13, 2018, 06:34:56 PM
When you import a battery, it arrive dry, so you need to fill it with acid, I'm not even sure you can import a AGM for those reason
AGMs are sealed so there should be no filling and no danger, if that's what is the problem. Some lead-acid batteries are sealed, too. You should import one of those and factor the bribe into the price. :giggles  What is it you can do, besides enjoy Paradise on a bicycle? Return to the US,  buy and install a good quality battery then return?

Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Laitch on September 13, 2018, 06:36:29 PM
Mine died a horrible death a couple days ago.
Please describe the horrible death, Robert. I'm current on YouTube crash videos.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: rbm on September 13, 2018, 07:01:30 PM
Please describe the horrible death, Robert. I'm current on YouTube crash videos.
This is no crash, Laitch, but electrical suicide is more along the lines of what happened.  So, driving home from work, beautiful evening, mid-20's, sunny.  Bike starts up great after being parked all day.  I got about halfway home and accidentally stalled the engine.  Instantly all lights went out - dash lights, gauge lights, headlight, all signs of life gone, DOA.  Pulled over to the side of the road and did fuse checks and other diagnosis but still couldn't get any sign of electrical activity in any circuit.  The positive terminal of the battery was caked, and I mean caked, in green oxide.  The terminal lugs were stuck together and I could barely get the terminal screw to turn.  All this was brand new looking only 5 months ago.  I knew something was very wrong with the battery.

Had Ed's number so gave him a call.  Luckily he was just around the corner at the Bank and he popped by eventually.  We concluded that the battery was completely dead.  Pushed the bike to his place (no mean feat since I had a sore back and he is recovering from an accident with a broken wrist), put the battery on charge and there it's been.

What I don't understand is how the battery went from OK downtown to dead as a doornail in 20 km of riding.  The battery is less than 2 years old.  AGM so it's sealed and I have no way to top up acid. I conclude it must be Cheap Chinese junk based on the price.  False economy on my part to buy it; I knew better.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: bocutter Ed on September 13, 2018, 07:06:09 PM
Probably would have been cheaper and simpler to get a couple or 3 lawn tractor batteries, and a charger,  from Walmart ... but where's the fun in that.  :giggles

It's still there; hope to get it home tonight.
Still there. I checked a few minutes ago. It's been a long day. Been doing things with the arm I probably shouldn't have.  Tomorrow looks like another long day so will be hitting the sack early.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: rbm on September 13, 2018, 07:07:12 PM
Still there. I checked a few minutes ago. It's been a long day. Been doing things with the arm I probably shouldn't have.  Tomorrow looks like another long day so will be hitting the sack early.
The Missus is home shortly and I'm planning on picking it up tonight.  BTW Ed, really really appreciate the help!!!
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Laitch on September 13, 2018, 07:20:09 PM
  False economy on my part to buy it; I knew better.
Thanks for the cautionary tale. Having help nearby was a plus though. I wonder if there is hearty laughter at the battery plant when a shipping container of those is hauled away.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Filmcamera on September 14, 2018, 08:29:15 AM
I imported a Deka Power Sports ETX20L I got on Amazon into Costa Rica with no problems, except that the tax and shipping cost me slightly more than the battery! It was still cheaper than buying one locally though.  Since then I have found a good source of Motobatt batteries locally so I think that will be my next choice.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: mophead on September 16, 2018, 08:40:21 PM
Find an AGM maintenance-free battery made in the USA and don't look back.

+1.  Words of wisdom here.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Kevinb on November 08, 2018, 07:51:13 AM
First I'm Canadian ;)
I thought about it, but it a good 10 days round trip and 4 of those days are dangerous, I drove it down form Montreal Canada last July, was a amazing 7800km, but one of the state I need to pass by as road pirate, yes, road pirate. I'm looking to go deeper south for my new trip, like from here, Riviera Maya to Panama or Colombia.
Title: Re: Which battery these days
Post by: Laitch on November 08, 2018, 09:54:49 AM
I thought about it, but . . .
Continue this discussion by starting a thread in the MBdotCom Community Center section, Kevinb. I'm interested to learn about your life as a road pirate—what you steal, who you consider your best targets for assault and robbery, whether the OEM side cases are large enough for carrying stolen goods, whether you have decided that it's worth your being shot in the head while pursuing this hobby, etc..