How long should a BMW Gel Battery last?

[wcarter]

I purchased a BMW-brand battery charger (gel battery model) to match my BMW gel battery that my dealer put in after my old battery bit the dust.

I keep the bike on the charger whenever I garage it. I ride the bike one or two days a week on average although I go through occasional periods where the bike stays parked for two weeks. While parked, I lock the forks.

Yesterday I took the bike out for the first time in about two weeks. It seemed like the battery was a little week when I started it, and the ABS lights did not go out as usual. I stopped twice on that short trip, and the battery seemed really week, so much so that I took the bike home and put it right back on the charger. ABS lights flashed the whole way.

It seems like the battery should be at 100% coming off the charger, obviously it is not. How long should I expect a BMW gel battery to last, anyway? Could it be the charger?

[jzeiler]

No real definative answer, but I am still on the original OEM battery from an April 04 build date. I have never used a tender, and I have only charged the battery twice when she sat for 6 weeks at a time. 50K on the odometer and still going strong.

But I will say like the disclaimer on diet programs: "Results not typical".

[Kra961]

Sort of a dumb question but did you check the terminal connections to make sure they are tight?


QUOTE=wcarter]I purchased a BMW-brand battery charger (gel battery model) to match my BMW gel battery that my dealer put in after my old battery bit the dust.

I keep the bike on the charger whenever I garage it. I ride the bike one or two days a week on average although I go through occasional periods where the bike stays parked for two weeks. While parked, I lock the forks.

Yesterday I took the bike out for the first time in about two weeks. It seemed like the battery was a little week when I started it, and the ABS lights did not go out as usual. I stopped twice on that short trip, and the battery seemed really week, so much so that I took the bike home and put it right back on the charger. ABS lights flashed the whole way.

It seems like the battery should be at 100% coming off the charger, obviously it is not. How long should I expect a BMW gel battery to last, anyway? Could it be the charger?[/QUOTE]

[SilverBuffalo]

Sort of a dumb question but did you check the terminal connections to make sure they are tight?Actually that's not a dumb question at all,
if the battery has been on a charger and its still weak that points directly to a battery that's either worn out or...
not taking a charge that in turn points to corroded cables,
which in this case is the preferred problem because its cheaper than a new battery.

[Bob204bc]

Here is a story. It is true. None of the facts have been changed to protect anyone.

The original battery on my 2000 KLT passed at about 2.5 years and 19000 miles. Thereafter, I had ABS failure indications. The dealer reset it a few times with temporary results. It finally failed completely at about 3.2 years. The dealer reported they were advised by BMW the problem with my ABS module was the result of low voltage. That is was my fault that I had not maintained the battery and allowed to low voltage situation to destroy their well engineered part (the last bit was from me, calm down a bit Bob). Factory denied coverage. Anyway, I had to bite the bullet and pay about $2200 to repair the ABS.

I have 93,000 miles on the bike now and I have never had another problem but I have replaced the battery at least every 2.5 years and I leave it on the charger any time I'm not riding in the winter.

Moral to the story. If you question your battery at all, just go ahead and replace it.

Let's not talk about the rear end.

[NOGILLS2]

Get an odyssey battery and stop playing with bmw batteries that are overpriced. I replaced mine with the oddysey and rode 4 years with it, after the beerburner died, I gave it to a friend and he is using it.

[mwnahas]

BMW Gel battery purchased in early 2005. BMW gel charger continuously in the winter. 57,000 miles on this battery. I have not been kind to this battery either. I leave the igniting and motolights on while I gear up, then start the bike. I've left everything on while by accident while taking a lunch break, and thought oh no, I won't be able to start the bike. It always starts strong. I'll probably change it this spring just because it will be 5 years. YMMV.

[Wolfgang]

BMW Gel battery purchased in early 2005. BMW gel charger continuously in the winter. 57,000 miles on this battery. I have not been kind to this battery either. I leave the igniting and motolights on while I gear up, then start the bike. I've left everything on while by accident while taking a lunch break, and thought oh no, I won't be able to start the bike. It always starts strong. I'll probably change it this spring just because it will be 5 years. YMMV.

Just replaced mine after 5 years. That included almost 2 years of storage with a battery tender attached. Really nothing to complain about.

[Jriverside]

My 02 still has the oem battery in it. I have 120K on the bike no problems yet. I ride 100 miles a day round trip I think that is why it is lasting. Jim

[ferrasr]

Have had mine for 4 + years, using the specific BMW charger recommended for the Gel battery and it sits for 5 months during our Canadian winters with the charged put on for a week at a time every month or so. I replace my batteries every 5 years just to be sure, never had a battery problem doing this for 35 years, obviously with many different bikes over the years!

[Alpac]

Mine is a 07/04 and I never put it on a tender. I use the bike once or twice a week during summer and may be every 2 to 3 weeks during the winter. The battery is still very strong

[Skozar]

My 02 has had a new BMW battery about every 1.5 years, I now keep it on a trickle charger when not using the bike. Perhaps the Texas gulf heat gets to these things.

Regards,
Skozar