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View Full Version : Westco/Panasonic Expected Life ??

relic
Aug 9th, 2006, 10:00 am
I put my first Westco batt in my '01 LT in July of '03. Since, I have ridden about 38/40K. No problems other than one discharge (my oops) when I left the key in the OFF rather than LOCK position.

If I don't plan to ride again soon, I try to top it off a few minutes daily with a Battery Tender on a 24 hr timer.

I have no hints that the battery is less than fully charged and robust. I'm just recalling some of my typical lead acid batt failures at about this age/mileage. Like.....no clues, far away, in the middle of nowhere, at nite, solo on the road. etc.,etc.

What kind of life and failure mode have others experienced with a Westco?

Grateful for any input. Thanks.
hp1bmw
Aug 9th, 2006, 5:12 pm
I had 5 years on mine when I decided to change it out. It was still working, but seemed a little weak.
bmwmick
Aug 11th, 2006, 9:58 am
What kind of life and failure mode have others experienced with a Westco?

Grateful for any input. Thanks.


Bob,
I've been using the Panasonics in all my bikes since about 1995. I replace them every 4 years and never had one fail following that interval.
Also, you can leave that Battery Tender (if that is truly what you are using) attached at all times. It will NOT cook the battery and it WILL extend it's life.

Mick
relic
Aug 11th, 2006, 2:37 pm
hp1 & Mick,
Thanks for the responses.


Also, you can leave that Battery Tender (if that is truly what you are using) attached at all times. It will NOT cook the battery and it WILL extend it's life.
Mick


Mick,
I read quite a bit of controversy about the overheat potential on this board back when I was considering the WestCo. Rather than risk it, I chose the conservative route.

I am using the Deltran 1.25A Battery Tender, and now rotate it to keep my LT and two other newer batteries topped up. I'm pleased to hear your experience and to know it won't cook the WestCo.

Did you decide to replace at the 4 yr interval due to batt performance issues or just to avoid them?
bmwmick
Aug 22nd, 2006, 7:32 pm
Did you decide to replace at the 4 yr interval due to batt performance issues or just to avoid them?

I've heard of failures at the 5 or 6 year point so I just replace them at 4 years.


Mick