Battery Longevity

[phoenixtexoma]

My Westo battery is fast approaching its 6th birthday, and was planning to order another one from Beemer Boneyard based only on age. It has given zero problems, and has been hooked up to a Battery Tender most of its life. Just on a whim before contacting BB, I had it checked by pros at Start Rite Auto Electric last week. They said it was just fine, keep running it.

Just asking for any advice or tips, as this isn't one of my areas of expertise. I had a 5-year-old Westo on my R1100R before I sold it, and it was also good.

[PFFOG]

My OEM is going on 6-1/2 years, so it is probably on borrowed time. Thinking I should spring for a replacement in the spring.

[ckcarr]

I would replace. Consider it routine maintenance. 6 years is pushing it.

When the batteries go they give zero warning. Everything checks out, BatteryTender says "green." And then, nothing. You don't know where you will be.

[AZ-Twin]

Yeah, what Craig said.

[bikerfish1100]

what ck meant to say is that your battery could crap out most anywhere, even at some out of the way gas station, with nothing and no one else around. hey, it happens.
these guys are good: Odyssey PC680 [Odyssey PC680] - $98.55 : Portable Power Systems, Got Batteries?

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by bikerfish1100

what ck meant to say is that your battery could crap out most anywhere, even at some out of the way gas station, with nothing and no one else around.

Yes!
(Just didn't want to tell the story again like a senile old man... )

[bikerfish1100]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Yes!
(Just didn't want to tell the story again like a senile old man... )

just another reason why we all think that YOU DA MAN!!

[phoenixtexoma]

A new battery it is.

[R111S]

Have you looked into Reconditioning?

I'm not sure if this is offered for Motorcycle Batteries but I recently bought a reconditioned battery for my car from Interstate Batteries. A new Battery would have cost ~$120 but a reconditioned unit with a 1 year warranty was $32 plus core charge. It's been great so far.

[tim22]

So will I start a battery war if I ask what kind of battery you guys like for the R1100S? Should I just shoot down to my local BMW dealer and get one from them, or go to Farm and Fleet and get whatever they have, or something in between?

[shreddr]

what is the scoop with the Westco batteries? Beemer Boneyard sells them and I can drive right over and pick it up.

[R111S]

From my Logfile:

29JUL2007 – @46372 I ordered a Panasonic LC-X1220P VRLA Battery from DigiKey Corp. | Electronic Components Distributor | United States Home Page. Digikeys P/N is: P231-ND - and their price is: $62.93 –this is very reasonable. I called their toll free number 1-800-344-4539. I spoke with John. Shipping cost is $6.30.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This battery is still on duty...regularly trickle charged. Miles on odometer now 62995.

Just checked the digikey website...price is now $89.01

[phoenixtexoma]

The Interstate version of the R battery is $154. Based on my experience with two of the Westco batteries, I'll probably go that route. $89.95 from Beemer Boneyard. The Panasonic Odyssey also looks like a good option.