Battery Died

[BillWeidner]

Replaced Stock battery with Westo and Westco dead suddenly at 18mos. Whats the BEST (read reliable) for R1200GS

[GlobalRider]

Replaced Stock battery with Westo and Westco dead suddenly at 18mos. Whats the BEST (read reliable) for R1200GS

You've gone through 2 batteries in how many years? The new hexheads have only been around so long. :stick

What is the charging voltage under load and at cruise RPM?
What is your current draw while parked?
How many months does your bike sit without being charged?

Reliable batteries? The old lead acid BMW Mareg batteries are reliable. I got 8 full years out of mine and 7 full years out of another battery that got very little attention while parked for 11 months overseas. The question is, can they be fitted to a hexhead? The same applies to the following battery...

Have you tried a Panasonic battery? Many riders have been using these Panasonic batteries (http://www.panasonic.com/industrial/battery/oem/images/pdf/Panasonic_VRLA_LC-X1220P_LC_X1220AP.pdf). The one in the Toyota we just sold is going onto its 17th year. :D

[osbornk]

I read that the Panasonic batteries are the manufacturer of the Westco and are the same battery. You're going to get a bad one on occasion regardless of the brand.

[breyfogle]

I read that the Panasonic batteries are the manufacturer of the Westco and are the same battery. You're going to get a bad one on occasion regardless of the brand.

Westco MAY have changed manufacterer. The most recent Westco that I bought was stamped "Made in Vietnam". Even if it is still is made by Panasonic, it may not be Panasonic's top-o'-the-line product.

[Andy VH]

My original Mareg battery lasted eight seasons. Though at the time I rode 1/2 hour on the highway no matter where I went.

I replaced the Mareg with a Westco, which lasted only barely more than two seasons. It too, suddenly "died" after an 800 mile long weekend of remote Upper Michigan riding. I do have to say I no longer have the 1/2 daily ride I did before. BUT! Only two seasons and a sudden failure? I was told by Westco that can happen, with no futher explanation.

I found out that Panasonic made the Westco battery at the time. I then found that Toyo makes an EXACT duplicate of the Panasonic battery. I bought the Toyo battery from Brieter Battery in Florida. They shipped it to my home in Wisconsin from Florida, for $30. I've enjoyed three seasons of riding on the Toyo battery so far. Its a Toyo 6FMH18 (12V20AH).

Now, I do use a Battery Tender these days.