How about a $30 replacement battery? [Archive]

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Andy VH

01-31-2007, 11:22 PM

Check out this address: http://www.beiterbatteries.com/mobility_12v_200ah.htm
Beiter Battery shipped this Toyo 12v 18/20AH SLA battery to my door, for $39.

This is the battery I installed in my 94 R1100RS three seasons ago. It is still going strong. It is an exact fit replacement for the MUCH more expensive Westco battery that I had in the bike to replace the excellant Mareg battery. The Westco battery lasted two seasons, and suddenly failed with no prior indication after a long 800 mile weekend ride in Upper Michigan in early June.

This Toyo battery slips right into the narrow battery tray, with the exact same post positions and sizes. I did not have to change a thing to install the Toyo battery. As many of you may have found, the narrow 3.12" wide battery tray makes it difficult to find a replacement battery. The ones listed by Exide, Yuasa, Champion and others as a fit at 3.25" wide do NOT fit the early Oilheads.

To make sure my battery is always up to snuff, I keep it plugged into a Battery Tender. But I have only done that since this past fall. The prior two seasons I did not use a Battery Tender. I live in east/central Wisconsin and ride from early March to the end of November, and any other month I can squeeze in a frosty ride. So my batteries get a workout starting my RS.

1flyer

02-01-2007, 07:24 AM

I noticed that they don't list BMW under the link for motorcycle batteries. Odd.....

Mcathcart

02-01-2007, 07:45 AM

Gosh Darn! Don't List BMW's? Then that battery will not work!:banghead

Thanks Andy. I looked to see what the next size up was to see if they listed the 3.250" battery and I didn't see it. Comparing the info from Yusa to the Toyo it's the same AH (and naturally volt) I think the Toyo battery is heavier. I know it's a little narrow for my '99 RT but a foam shim will work like a Champ. I like it. Checking the other Toyo prices on the web the other guys are getting $39.00 to $44.00 for the same battery. There's three Toyo batteries that are the same dim., 6MF14, 6MF18 and the 6MFH18. The "H" battery is for High Discharge Rate, it's still 247 CCA's but it's the heavier of the two. (The 6MF14 is a 14 AH battery.)

Yes, I was sure someone (or more than one person) will poke a hole in it. I've cut several older R battery boxes apart to mod them for Lawn and Garden batteries. My 1974 R75/6 has a $20.00 battery in it right now. (In fact over the past 10 years it's had 2 of them.)

Mike

glwestcott

02-01-2007, 10:02 AM

Thanks. I bookmarked that site. I do love to buy my batteries for little teeny amounts of green!:thumb

BubbaZanetti

02-01-2007, 04:27 PM

cool, thats a tad cheaper than the panasonics i've been using.

Andy VH

02-01-2007, 07:25 PM

Like I said, the excellant Mareg battery lasted eight years! The top rated Westco battery in the exact same bike, just over two seasons. Now, granted, my riding for those eight years consisted of a 1/2 hour minimum one way highway ride pratically anywhere I went (which was daily). I got the Westco battery after I moved to my current location, and since I have been working out of my home, no 1/2 hour daily commuting.

But still, even with my usual battery care and maintenance, I have gotten no less than four years service from any battery I have ever used in 34 years of riding. Needless to say I was not happy with the way the Westco battery just suddenly failed. And it gave NO prior warning. I contacted Westco customer service, and they said "yes, that can happen with that style of battery." End of story.

End of Westco on my list of battery suppliers. Then, searching for a replacement I found that Westco batteries are made by Panasonic, or at least were at that time. So I sourced the Panasonic battery on the web (ah, the TRUE value of web shopping is a buying market as wide as the USA). I then did a search on cross-match to the Panasonic number and there it was, the Toyo battery, an exact match. For $30 I had to try it. Shipped to my door for $39. Good so far!

I plan to use a Toyo battery in my 76 R100RS to get it ready for the National.
Enjoy the Ride!

Andy VH

02-01-2007, 08:12 PM

I just got an email response from Beiter Battery, and they sent me the spec sheet for the Toyo battery I installed in my bike. I didn't even ask for the spec sheet. They read my mind!

See the attachment for the details.

kheerema

02-26-2007, 01:02 PM

I know I"m in the wrong forum, but does anybody think this battery (or which Toyo battery) will fit a '75 R90/6?

My BMW battery is crapping out, and I cannot justify spending >$100 for a replacement.

I did a search and this thread came up...

nrpetersen

02-26-2007, 02:15 PM

Modify the battery box for a garden tractor battery. It is really nice to be able to buy a new one for my R90/6 at Wally World for $16.

lazywizard02

02-26-2007, 02:27 PM

I just replaced the WESTCO that came in my bike when bought in 2001 with the Panasonic from DigiKey recomended here. The westco is still going strong. However, am leaving for Daytona Wednesday from Dallas. Peace of mind don't you know.

The Panasonic battery showed up quickly and only required that the neg terminal be drilled our to accept the bmw post retainer screw. In fact, the post is so soft, I drilled it with a bit and a needle nose plier. Cost plus shipping about 71 bucks. All things considered, I might try the Toyo next time.

SIBUD

02-26-2007, 08:40 PM

FredRydr

02-26-2007, 10:40 PM

I was totally sold on the AGM batteries coming onto the market, especially at the cheap prices. I paid about $45 for one through my BMW dealer, and put it in my '02 Roadster. The original BMW battery was 4 years old; it was taken away.

The cheapie AGM failed within 9 months.

BMWNA tech advised using lead acid if I want longevity (not gel). I decided I was not smarter than he was and followed his advice. At least the dealer gave me credit for the cheapie.

Fred

sgtboring

02-28-2007, 01:14 PM

Will this toyo battery work on a 99rt? Does it produce enough juice to keep the computer happy?

:type

Andy VH

02-28-2007, 09:36 PM

If the battery tray is only 3.12" wide then the Toyo battery will certainly fit. It produces more than enough juice, though your question is not relative to the computer systems. Once the bike is started/running, the alternator produces all the juice for the bike, engine, electrics and lights. The battery does not really keep the bike running once it is started, but it does act like a electricity reservoir.

bmwmick

03-04-2007, 04:41 PM

I was totally sold on the AGM batteries coming onto the market, especially at the cheap prices. I paid about $45 for one through my BMW dealer, and put it in my '02 Roadster. The original BMW battery was 4 years old; it was taken away.

I've never had a BMW MAREG battery last more than 2 years. I started using AGM LEAD ACID batteries about 1997. I replace them every 4 years and I've never had one fail.

The cheapie AGM failed within 9 months.

BMWNA tech advised using lead acid if I want longevity (not gel). I decided I was not smarter than he was and followed his advice. At least the dealer gave me credit for the cheapie.

The only thing the 'bmwna tech' said I agree with is that the GEL battery is not well suited for use in a motorcyle. All the batteries we use in our bikes are "lead acid" batteries. Wet-Cell, AGM, GEL are all different types of Lead Acid batteries.

Fred

FYI

deilenberger

03-04-2007, 10:19 PM

Modify the battery box for a garden tractor battery. It is really nice to be able to buy a new one for my R90/6 at Wally World for $16.If the garden tractor battery doesn't have a vent fitting and tube - the $16 will not seem like a bargain when you find acid fume caused damage to surrounding components.