What Battery

[jrlakin]

I am in need of replacing my battery in my GS, and I don't want to use a BMW Gel battery. Have been thinking of a AGM type instead. Any advise from those of you out here who have replaced yours?

[jrlakin]

I should have said, I have a 2005 1200 GS. Sorry, wasn't thinking

[big_ed]

Something to consider when choosing. I was following a thread by member BDC about iABS system and read something in a link he posted that may interest you. I concerns the effect of different styles of batteries on the LT's brake system. Here’s an excerpt from the link:

“Low voltage has been blamed for ABS faults on a number of bikes. Sealed batteries have significantly higher voltage due to the chemical differences, usually about 12.85 to 12.95, instead of the 12.60 to 12.80 typical of flooded designs.”

And here’a a link to his thread:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30850&page=1&pp=10
Go to pg. 2 for the link to the article

[40miledesertrat]

Try the Odyssey battery.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

The 1150 uses the PC680.

[Ted Shred]

I should have said, I have a 2005 1200 GS. Sorry, wasn't thinking

The 1200GS has a BMW AGM battery. Mine has been going strong for over three years...

[jwd98056]

Yep, what Ted said. The R1200GS stock battery is a Yuasa YTX14BS AGM battery.

[jpalamaro]

I am in need of replacing my battery in my GS, and I don't want to use a BMW Gel battery. Have been thinking of a AGM type instead. Any advise from those of you out here who have replaced yours?

I would strongly recommend the Odyssey battery. I think it's the PC-680, but check. It's a workhorse and should have good life. I put one in my 1150 Adventure and I honestly could tell the difference in 'cranking' sound when starting. I also have aux/pigtail connectors (SAE) to all of my batteries and keep the bikes on battery tenders wheneer not riding. I kept batteries in good shape for years when I was into Yamaha PWC's/'Jet Ski's". Guys on ADVRIDER seem to prefer the Odyssey's as well.

[Ted Shred]

I would strongly recommend the Odyssey battery. I think it's the PC-680, but check. It's a workhorse and should have good life. I put one in my 1150 Adventure and I honestly could tell the difference in 'cranking' sound when starting. I also have aux/pigtail connectors (SAE) to all of my batteries and keep the bikes on battery tenders wheneer not riding. I kept batteries in good shape for years when I was into Yamaha PWC's/'Jet Ski's". Guys on ADVRIDER seem to prefer the Odyssey's as well.

The 680 does NOT fit in the 1200's. They are good batteries if you can find one that fits.

The BMW AGM battery that came with my 05 has been GREAT however. The bike has taken a pounding off-road, drowned in rivers, I even doused it in gasoline once when I wasn't paying attention to the pump and I have never a bothered to put it on a tender like I do with the LT and the dirt bikes. Maybe I've been lucky but when this one gives up I'll buy another one.

[jrlakin]

I bought the 05 used this fall and it had about 23000 miles on it--and I assume the original battery. I did not have a battery tender on it, and when I went to start it the other day, all I got was clicking. I put a battery tender on it and charged it some, and it did start, but figure it is time for a new on. After reading all of these replies, I went ahead and bought one -- the YTX14BS. Thanks all for the advice.