New Battery

[archander]

For my 78 R100S, i dont have the owners manual, just a Clymer. For the 1000cc is states to get a 30 amp/hour battery. Is this still true? What is the current theme on best, Panasonic, Interstate, Odyssey or ??? Where is the best place to pick one up. I think my curent battery is oversized, longer? My tool tray does not fit under the seat. Any info would be appricated, thanks...

[ebeeby]

I vote for Odyssey. A newish Westco shorted on me and left me stranded. In any case, get a sealed battery if you can afford it.
Shop the internet for best pricing. Your local Batteries Plus probably has one in stock so check their price too though it may be high.

[Jeff488]

Odyssey :thumb:thumb

[MIAirhead]

I had one replace after 3 months, left me stranded twice. Dealer checked it, gave me a new one. next day told me to return it. I told him no problem, if I make a mistake I bring it back. He then called 15 minutes latter said after installing and starting a airhead, it was dead. Keep the new one. I did tell him if I returned the new and was stranded, I would hunt him down and he would not have to worry about having children ever again.

[20774]

I've never had problems with my slosh batteries, either from a performance or even from damaging the seat or frame. Usually get 5-6 years service out them. My /7 seems to like the Yuasa brand...I understand the Interstate Cycle-tron is basically the same thing, just rebadged. Currently I have the Mareg in the bike, but will go back to some form of Yuasa when necessary.

[Bill Burke]

Just to add to the OP's confusion, my Interstate Cycle-Tron failed without warning after two years. I was 1500 miles away from home at the time. My replacement Westco AGM battery recently just passed the two year mark without a hitch (so far). Too early to say I suppose.....

[Weasel]

I've had the BMW battery on my R60/6 since 2002. It's never let me down.

[crazydrummerdude]

I've never had a Yuasa last more than 2 years. I had one crap out in 3 months once.

I think my next battery will be an Odyssey.

[20774]

I've never had a Yuasa last more than 2 years. I had one crap out in 3 months once.

I guess that goes to show you that it's all a crap shoot. Look at all the responses...the same battery type has worked for 5 years for some and failed in 3 months for others. Maybe it just comes down to pick the battery you can find that fits the bike and your wallet and then take care of it. There is no right choice...there's just the right choice for you.

[osbornk]

My Westco has been fine for the last 6 or 7 years.

[JOHNW67]

I got great service from Batterymart.com for my Oddessy.

[wecm31]

My Odyssey just finished its third season and with the ground cable lifted
sits in the bike all winter in a garage just above freezing. No trickle, no top up,
and it will turn the bike over in April without a problem (knock on wood:)

[MIAirhead]

http://www.pashnit.com/product/motobatt.html

[Braddog]

I just replaced the Yuasa lead/acid on my RS after 8 years. It was still workable, but getting weak.

I replaced a Westco on my S, but I have no idea how old it was. It was at least 4 years old.

Both of these motorcycles now have an "XTreme" AGM from Batteries Plus. So far, so good. They're less expensive than an Odyssey, although my local Batteries Plus did have Odysseys in stock.

Neither the Yuasa nor the Westco ever left me stranded, although the Westco went unexpectedly stone cold dead in my garage about a week after returning from the MOA National in West Bend.

[PHMarvin]

Hi, Archander,
The "book" may say to use a 30AH battery. The original "big" batteries in the /6were made by Varta and were 28AH. Later, the brand changed and they were 30AH. Later still, the BMW battery was changed to 25AH, the reason given was there was more room for acid. They all started my airheads and lasted a reasonable time, except for the POS Varta. Now, I have no idea what BMW is selling through its parts system. I know I put a BMW "gel" battery (small battery) in my K1100LT and, from that experience, want nothing to do with BMW gel batteries again.

[archander]

Odyssey PC680 it is. I pulled the old one out, took the battery holder and gave is a scrubbing and coat of flat black. The new battery is 1/2 the size of the old one?? I couldn’t use the top strap down, it would have contacted both the + and - . So currently I have a bungee cord strapped around it. Any suggestions on a better method.

[Brownie]

Panasonic from Digi-Key...in both bikes.

[ebeeby]

Odyssey PC680 it is. I pulled the old one out, took the battery holder and gave is a scrubbing and coat of flat black. The new battery is 1/2 the size of the old one?? I couldn’t use the top strap down, it would have contacted both the + and - . So currently I have a bungee cord strapped around it. Any suggestions on a better method.

The straps stretch with age (sounds familiar). A new strap will help but you can also put a block of closed cell foam UNDER the battery which will raise it and make the strap tight.

[DennisDarrow]

For me, I use a piece of horse stall matting that I used on the bed of my RTV. I just cut the stuff to size for under and behind the battery to take up the slack. The stuff is 1/2 inch thick, indestructable, rubber that can easily be cut on a band saw or with a saber saw.........Great for a floor mat in a work area also; but that's another story.........Good luck......Dennis

[keelerb]

I will never buy another bike battery that ISN'T an Odyssey.

They're that good. And I use to routinely get 7+ years out of Yuasas (kept on battery tender whenever not running).

Cheap batteries are false economy.

[GREGT1]

I have a 77 R-100S and love the yuasa battery. They tend to last many years if properly maintained. When buying a battery go for quality and I think you will find it costs less to own, not to mention the not having problems factor.

[R80andR100RT]

Odyssey PC680 it is. I pulled the old one out, took the battery holder and gave is a scrubbing and coat of flat black. The new battery is 1/2 the size of the old one?? I couldn’t use the top strap down, it would have contacted both the + and - . So currently I have a bungee cord strapped around it. Any suggestions on a better method.
Here you go...
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=37028