what batteries best for k75

[dg123]

i want to upgrade the battery on my k75 ('94) and was wondering what is good, better, and best. i've been reading the bmw forum and get the impression gel batteries are the top of the line but expensive. is this true and are there differences between them that i should consider? thanks.

[jdiaz]

I use the Panasonic from Digi-Key. I don't know what performance criteria might determine good/better/best, but it starts my bike every day. :laugh

[bmwmick]

Like Jon, I have Panasonic AGM batteries in all three of my bikes. All came from Digi-Key and I replace them at the 4 year mark. The AGM batteries perform better than the GEL style batteries. I have no idea why BMW contracted with Exide to design a GEL for 'some' of the new bikes while specifying AGM's for others.

[djw]

Okay, I have to ask. Gel and AGM, some new BMW's get one or the other....and I think I need a special charger for one or the other.

I'm confused. I've got Westco batteries. Are they gel or AGM, and am I damaging them using my little Yuasa charger, which I don't believe is for "special" batteries.

Thanks for the clarification.

Don

[bmwmick]

Okay, I have to ask. Gel and AGM, some new BMW's get one or the other....and I think I need a special charger for one or the other.

I'm confused. I've got Westco batteries. Are they gel or AGM, and am I damaging them using my little Yuasa charger, which I don't believe is for "special" batteries.

Thanks for the clarification.

Don

Don,
Westco 'used' to just put their label on the Panasonic battery and called it a "Westco". Not sure who they are re-badging now. The Westco is an AGM battery. If you want to believe the BMW hype, you need a very specific charger to charge 'their' GEL battery. GEL batteries CAN be damaged by high charging voltages. It creates voids in the gel material and once damaged, they cannot be 'healed'. AGM's are much more forgiving.
If your Yuasa charger is a smart charger like the Battery Tender, it should be fine with your Westco. The AGM battery likes a little higher charging voltage, like 14.5V to be fully charged. They 'float' a little higher too. Most of the Panasonics I have, came with a 12.8V or higher 'float' charge right out of the boxes.

[GregFeeler]

Don,
Westco 'used' to just put their label on the Panasonic battery and called it a "Westco". Not sure who they are re-badging now. The Westco is an AGM battery. If you want to believe the BMW hype, you need a very specific charger to charge 'their' GEL battery. GEL batteries CAN be damaged by high charging voltages. It creates voids in the gel material and once damaged, they cannot be 'healed'. AGM's are much more forgiving.
If your Yuasa charger is a smart charger like the Battery Tender, it should be fine with your Westco. The AGM battery likes a little higher charging voltage, like 14.5V to be fully charged. They 'float' a little higher too. Most of the Panasonics I have, came with a 12.8V or higher 'float' charge right out of the boxes.


Basically what he said. I use the Westco batteries in all my bikes and have had excellent results. I did call Westco about the charger question and they said their (and other AGM) batteries are really lead-acid at heart and will work fine with any quality charger. Again, according to them, a true GEL battery does require a different charging profile.