Battery Question...

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Sun May 20, 2007 3:38 pm

I use an optimate, approximately once a week, to keep the battery topped up.

When I plugged it in this weekend, the condition of the battery was "Weak." It's a 2003 Rockster, bought from a dealer... I wondered whether that's been part of the problem; the fact it's been sat in the showroom occasionally being charged for a test ride then running down again. That sound feesible?

As I'm off to France/Spain in 5wks, I'm thinking maybe it's better to just bite the bullet and replace it.

Anyone (UK based) know: -

How much battery would cost?
Is it advisable to purchase from a dealership rather than anywhere else?
Should I get the battery fitted by a dealship?
Is it a difficult thing to fit yourself?

Any help appreciated...

Cheers,
M

Post by **TonyT607** » Sun May 20, 2007 7:50 pm

Mike, FWIW the battery in my new '02 R1150R lasted exactly 3.5 years. In the US a new battery depending on make would probably cost between $75 - $95. I paid about $80 for a new BMW battery when mine finally died.

It doesn't matter whom you buy the battery from (doesn't even have to be BMW) as long as it's one of the better brands.

Unless you are comfortable removing the Rockster's tank and other bits, it's a job best done by pros...otherwise it's a straightforward affair.

Where are you going in France/EspaÃƒÂ±a ? I was supposed to be leaving next week for an Edelweiss tour (Dolomites Italy/Austria)) but had to postpone it as I'm only about 95% recovered from neck/spinal surgery in March. The Doc (also a rider) thought it best to wait a couple of months before an extended tour. So, I will probably re-book the Edelweiss trip in a couple of months. If I don't do the Dolomites, I may go for their Spain/France Pyrenees tour.

Good luck !

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Mon May 21, 2007 12:41 pm

Hey Tony,

Thanks for input... I spoke to my local dealer today who said that on average they reckon 4yrs is around about right, but, life-span can vary from bike-to-bike, person-to-person, based upon a number of factors.

They quoted me Ã‚Â£89 for the battery and around Ã‚Â£39 quid to fit it, which is quite a lump of cash in opinion.

Having looked on a BMW spares site, it's possible to purchase the Exide OEM battery (Part No. ELA59014) for Ã‚Â£80 and a "very good copy of..." the OEM battery for Ã‚Â£44! Quite a difference in cost eh!!?

This is from http://www.motorworks.co.uk

Anyone had experience of battery's; OEM parts Vs. "good copies..."?

Any help appreciated...

M

478cc · Post by **478cc** » Mon May 21, 2007 3:54 pm

Mike,

The battery on my 03 Rockster lasted almost exactly 4 years.
Replacing it is not too difficult but harder than it should be. Took me about 3 hours in total over two evenings. One to take it apart and one to put it together again.
The (non gel) battery cost me about Ã‚Â£60 from an independent BMW dealer, but I think I paid way too much. I have since discovered a local battery specialist who appears to be a lot cheaper.
(sold me a battery for my 1970 AH Sprite for Ã‚Â£29)

Found out later my Optimate charger was faulty and was not really charging so that no doubt hastened the batterys death.

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Mon May 21, 2007 4:05 pm

I might go for the gel alternative, which at Ã‚Â£45 quid doesn't seem too bad... The 'BM one is just way too much cash. As they're maint. free, suits me a bit better

Not sure if my optimate is faulty of not, don't really know how I'd test that really??

Think I'll have a go at fitting it myself. Long as I take my time, should be ok

cheers

M

DYNAMICS · Post by **DYNAMICS** » Tue May 22, 2007 1:12 am

Hi Mike.

I think (If you have a fairly mechanical mind) you should work on your bike as much as you can, even more so if you tour abroad etc.

my rockster has the Optimate plugged in whenever it is parked in the garage. I suppose time will tell if this is a good or bad thing. (Three years old this month)

Brian.

riceburner · Post by **riceburner** » Tue May 22, 2007 2:07 am

Why does it take several hours to change the battery??

tank off is a 5 minute job and then the battery is right there - what else needs to come off??

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Tue May 22, 2007 1:14 pm

If taking the tank off is a quick job, then I'm definately tempted to do it myself...

I've got a Datatool alarm, anything else I need to do before disconnecting the battery?

Riceburner, what's your opinion of the non-OEM batteries? As mentioned, Motorworks has an alternative for half the price of the 'BM offering.

M

478cc · Post by **478cc** » Tue May 22, 2007 4:02 pm

riceburner wrote:Why does it take several hours to change the battery??

tank off is a 5 minute job and then the battery is right there - what else needs to come off??

5 Minutes !!

Now that I've done the job once, it will be easier next time.
My main problem was I have to park with the right hand cylinder up against a wall in my garage so was leaning over from the left to undo anything on the right. Not ideal but at least it was warm, dry and had decent light and radio 5 footy to listen to

Still reckon it would take about an hour though.

I cycle my Optimate between two bikes and a car and several times one of them would show orange on the charger when first plugged in then change to green by the next day, but the battery would be flat. Unplugging the charger and then plugging in again would show a red light.

BTW the new Optimates use a thicker cable and different connectors so you can't use the old Optimate connectors and so have to buy a new set.

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Mon May 28, 2007 8:47 am

Reading through the Haynes manual, they suggest fully opening the throttle a couple of times once you've replaced the battery; something to do with throttle sensors...

Riceburner, do you advocate this? (or anything else for that matter as far as battery removal / replacement is concerned)

M

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:16 pm

More battery antics...

Ordered a Odyssey 'Hawker' battery from Motorworks (based in UK) earlier in week; Really impressed with all the items I've ordered from them and delivery is excellent.

The battery however has been the only thing I've not been too impressed with. It doesn't have the same posts as the OE battery; I'd have to drill out the screw on the neg. terminal, which I really do not want to do. It's also not quite as snug a fit as the 'BM batt. The retaining strap isn't even tight around it; don't want it rattling around, can't see that would be advisable.

Gonna pop to my local dealership tomorrow and purchase a 'BM batt. instead. Anyone else had experience of the 'Hawker' batteries??

Taking the tank off etc. was quite straight forward... Not as complex as I thought.

M

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:00 pm

The Odyssey battery isn't a perfect fit but it's a hell of a lot better battery than the junk that BMW is palming off on the owners.

I had to get the Odyssey fit on mine too, but I won't go back to a BMW (or any other brand) battery.

\\Mike_Lea// · Post by **\\Mike_Lea//** » Fri Jun 08, 2007 1:20 pm

I took my 'BM battery to the local dealership today and asked them to test it for me... Results were fine!!

Battery test machine said the battery was "Good"; 12.75v and 112% starting power.

Optimate said it was weak; I've bought a CTEK charger instead which said - after the charge cycle - that the battery was fine.

I'm assuming the Optimate charger is faulty??

M