Battery: Westco vs BMW Gel

[shoeman]

Is there a consensus on which battery is better- longer life, stores better etc. I have a Westco that is 5 years old in my Rt and a BMW Gel 5 years old in my GS. Both need replacing. The Westco seems to have been stronegr but that may be subjective.

[bmwmick]

Jim,
Stay with a good AGM battery, not the GEL. BMW just raised the price of their GEL to $189

[108625]

We just sold an '04 R1150RS with 50,000 miles on it and the original BMW gel battery still in it. In the mean time, the "BMW" (Exide) AGM batteries in both my '05R1200ST and my wife's '07 F800ST died.
I'm not saying gel batteries are better than AGMs, but I don't use BMW/Exide AGMs anymore.

[drummer]

I posted about this topic on another form a while ago and there was some good info brought forward. It can be found at:
http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/board/Topic20708-15-1.aspx

Another site that has some good tech info on batteries is from Interstate and it can be found at:
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/www_2001/content/products/features.asp?js=1

I hope it helps.

Personally, I liked the support and quick service I received from WestCo.

[wmubrown]

My problem with Westco, on a K1100LT is that its too tall and does NOT come with terminal covers like the BMW batteries do. This led, I am certain, to a bike fire last year:

http://www.mixitproducts.com/johnbrown/2007%20bike%20fire/bikefire_41.jpg

The theory being that despite the addition of rubber boots over the terminals, they eventually rubbed through, shorted against the metal retainer tray above the battery, the battery shorted, overheated, and caught fire. I'll stick with the BMW batteries (just bought one for the K1100LTA I own).

[JimMoore]

Oydssey PC-680 FTW! Available from Ebay.

[GlobalRider]

Is there a consensus on which battery is better- longer life, stores better etc.

I'd stay away from the BMW Exide battery. Mine only lasted 4+ years whereas my older BMW Mareg flooded lead acid (nothing like old technology) batteries always lasted 8 full years, quitting in the 9th year.

I did replace it with another BMW Exide battery (before the price hike), but if it goes in 4 or so years, that'll be it for BMW Exide, especially at the price they're charging.

[GlobalRider]

I'd also consider a Panasonic battery.

I have a lot of faith in those batteries seeing that one is now in its 18th year and still cranking that Toyota Tercel in sub-zero temps and the other one is in its 10th year and still cranking my old Honda CR-V.

[Andy VH]

Since the Westco battery was actually made by Panasonic at one time, I to would buy the Panasonic before buying the Westco.

My orgininal Mareg battery lasted eight years. I bought the expensive Westco to replace it and it failed, suddenly, in less than two seasons. I had done a long weekend ride in upper Michigan, 800 miles, some VERY remote riding. No problems. Got home no problem. A few days later I had a completely dead battery that took a charge but held no load. I complained to Westco.

"It can happen" Westco replied. Oh, and no warranty or support. Forget them in my opinion. The Toyo battery I installed (an EXACT copy by the way) is now finishing its third season in my bike, for less than 1/3 the cost of the Westco battery.

[bmwmick]

Andy,
What was the P/N of that Toyo and where did you find it?

Thanks

[bikerfish1100]

fwiw, and entirely unsubstantiated, but i've heard of a number of bad reports on Westco's, most from people whose opinions i trust.
I'm starting the 4th year on my Odyssey PC680, and it's been great.

[bmwmick]

fwiw, and entirely unsubstantiated, but i've heard of a number of bad reports on Westco's, most from people whose opinions i trust.
I'm starting the 4th year on my Odyssey PC680, and it's been great.

Was that when .....

1. They were relabeling Panasonic Batteries with the Westco label?

2. When they were using BB batteries?

3. When they switched to MK batteries? (they are still using these)

[Andy VH]

I got it from Beiter Battery (find them on the web), and it was listed as a battery for a power scooter/mobility chair. Wasn't even listed as a battery for my bike. But for $40 delivered to my door I took a chance.

I guess I must continue to live up to "the cheapest part on any BMW is the owner."

I did a post sometime back on the Toyo battery, part # 6FMH18 (12V20AH).

[bmwmick]

Found it!

http://www.beiterbattery.com/toyo12volt1820ahslabattery.aspx

THANKS!

[lseidman]

The Toyo battery I installed (an EXACT copy by the way) is now finishing its third season in my bike, for less than 1/3 the cost of the Westco battery.

Andy, on what bike did you install the Toyo battery?

Item Number: 6FM18 6FM20
Manufacturer: Toyo
Manufacturer Part No: 6FM18 6FM20


Thanks,
Lenny