Battery options for older Ks - advice requested

[C_Mick]

I am in the process of fettling my 1986 K75S which has been standing in my garage for far too long. Much of the routine maintenance has been completed, but I still need to source a battery. The recommended BMW battery retails at approx R1800 (approx 235 USD); it's probably good, but definitely pricey and I'd be interested to know whether some members have tried other, cheaper options and with what results. If possible I'd like to source a sealed, maintenance-free battery that will fit the bike and handle the electrical demands posed by running the bike. My bike is stock and I'll be riding in daylight only (important survival principle in south Africa).  During the week I came across info on the Net about the CSB Battery Company (Taiwan) some of whose products are imported into SA. So far I have identified 3 models of interest to me and I attach their specifications. The are not sold specifically as motorcycle batteries, but is there any reason why they shouldn't work well? I'd be interested to know if any member has experience of similar types of battery.  Thanks in advance for any comments.

[frankenduck]

Don't know if they're available where you are but a lot of us in the USA are avid fans of the Odyssey PC680.

Panasonic batteries are good. I've had one in my K1100LT for several years now.  There's two models that will fit a K.  A full-sized one, the LX1228 and a half-sized one, the LX1220.  (I'm pretty sure those are the right product numbers but be sure to look up the specs on them before ordering to make sure the dimensions will fit.)

I went for the larger one because my K1100LT has ABS which is sensitive to low voltage but for a non-ABS bike I'd get the half-sized one to save money/weight.

Also, be careful ordering batteries on The Internet.  They'll show a picture of the real thing but in the text somewhere it will say "replacement for" and you'll end up with a cheap Chinese knock-off.

[C_Mick]

Duck, thanks for the info on the Odyssey PC680, which is available in SA, about the same price as the BMW battery.  It has an impressive spec and I may well go for that.  However, for around half the price, the Yuasa YC20-12 is available, also a sealed, maintenance-free unit. I attach the spec sheet for it and I'd be interested to hear if anyone has one and what they think of it.
As mentioned, my bike is stock, non-ABS and I don't intend to ride at night so a 20 AH battery should exceed minimum requirements I think.

[DRxBMW]

Duck, thanks for the info on the Odyssey PC680, which is available in SA, about the same price as the BMW battery.  It has an impressive spec and I may well go for that.  However, for around half the price, the Yuasa YC20-12 is available, also a sealed, maintenance-free unit. I attach the spec sheet for it and I'd be interested to hear if anyone has one and what they think of it.
As mentioned, my bike is stock, non-ABS and I don't intend to ride at night so a 20 AH battery should exceed minimum requirements I think.

You will LOVE the 680. 

Surprise, I was able to buy mine locally from Willard battery outlet for only $84.00.

[C_Mick]

Doc, schadenfreude rules OK.  But seriously, does this Yuasa look like it will do the job? To my untutored eye in matters moto-electrical it seems to have a pretty good spec and, at about a third of the price of the 680, my wallet is already falling in love with it.

[motodude]

Don't know if they're available where you are but a lot of us in the USA are avid fans of the Odyssey PC680.

Panasonic batteries are good. I've had one in my K1100LT for several years now.  There's two models that will fit a K.  A full-sized one, the LX1228 and a half-sized one, the LX1220.  (I'm pretty sure those are the right product numbers but be sure to look up the specs on them before ordering to make sure the dimensions will fit.)

I went for the larger one because my K1100LT has ABS which is sensitive to low voltage but for a non-ABS bike I'd get the half-sized one to save money/weight.

Also, be careful ordering batteries on The Internet.  They'll show a picture of the real thing but in the text somewhere it will say "replacement for" and you'll end up with a cheap Chinese knock-off.

I had a Panasonic battery, forget which model, it lasted about 6  years.  Good product.

The original "BMW" (branded) battery in my '90 K75RT lasted 7 years.  It was working fine when I replaced it, only cuz it was 7 years old.  I was so impressed with it I replaced it with another "BMW" (branded) battery.  That one lasted 2 years.  I don't buy "BMW" batteries anymore.

Tom

[DRxBMW]

I had a Panasonic battery, forget which model, it lasted about 6  years.  Good product.
Tom

Ha, I ran an Exide branded flooded cell battery in the 75 for 11 years without meltdown.

ONLY reason it was replaced was because of an upcoming Labrador saga two years ago. I did NOT want the hassle of sourcing a battery in the middle of nowhere if it did fail. 

Akin to the old Mareg German battery for longevity. Properly charged from the get go (important by the way) and a regular diet of Optimate trickle phase charging during sit time morphed it into the energizer bunny. 

dunno, I suffered from ABS defaults in colder weather using the Pansonic on the K 100.

[Brickhead]

Buy nothing but the Odyssey PC680. I had two BMW batteries before this one and they were crap.

[mystic red]

Duck, thanks for the info on the Odyssey PC680, which is available in SA, about the same price as the BMW battery.  It has an impressive spec and I may well go for that.  However, for around half the price, the Yuasa YC20-12 is available, also a sealed, maintenance-free unit. I attach the spec sheet for it and I'd be interested to hear if anyone has one and what they think of it.
As mentioned, my bike is stock, non-ABS and I don't intend to ride at night so a 20 AH battery should exceed minimum requirements I think.

Lots of PC680 batteries available w/ free shipping for a lot less than you found but I don't know if that means to SA! I know shipping to SA is problematic. The Yuasa specs look like they will work in a non ABS daytime ride but will it be to the quality of the Odyssey? Whatever you get keep it on a trickle charger when sitting for more that a few days to extend its life.
Let us know what you decide and keep us posted on the results.