A new kid on the forum, I’m getting my 26 year-old K75S ready for the road again
after it has stood for far too long in my garage. This post is concerned with choosing a
suitable battery. My bike is stock, non-ABS and I'll be riding in daylight only. Where I live, ambient temperature doesn’t fall below 8 degrees Centigrade, so havingto start the bike in freezing temperatures is not an issue. As I understand it (but my knowledge of motorcycle electrics is scant) , the key demand on the battery in the scenario outlined will be to provide sufficient current at the required volts for starting the bike; thereafter the alternator should take care of business. I realize that a replacement battery:

• Must fit the battery holder (i.e. must not exceed maximum permitted dimensions)
  
• Should have the appropriate orientation of the terminals
  
• Should have a rating of approximately 20AH
  

I should appreciate it if someone knowledgeable about motorcycle electrics would explain to me in layman’s terms how to determine from the specification for a given battery whether it will have sufficient ‘power’ for starting the bike and whether battery will be compatible with the output from the bike’s alternator for the purpose of recharging it. I'm uncertain how I will get on with riding again and I’m looking for a cheaper alternative to the BMW replacement battery (at approx R1800, hideously expensive in SA). Ideally I would prefer a maintenance-free battery, although a conventional lead-acid, wet cell type would be all right. Recently I came across info on the Net about the CSB Batteries, which are imported into SA. I have identified 3 models of interest to me. They are not sold specifically as motorcycle batteries, but is there any reason why they shouldn't work well on my bike given the requirements I have outlined? Thanks in advance for any comments. The 3 batteries are:

http://www.csb-battery.com/english/01_product/02_detail.php?fid=4&pid=46
http://www.csb-battery.com/english/01_product/02_detail.php?fid=4&pid=47
http://www.csb-battery.com/english/01_product/02_detail.php?fid=5&pid=14

Chris

Well, I bought mine from Flea-Bay and it was for a golf cart (20Ah) maintenance free AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat), 2 years ago (connected to a trickle charger) and I haven't had one ounce of trouble.
My bike is the stock standard no-frills K100RS.

Hello C Mick. I have 84 k 100, but I think battery is the same. You can put 20 Ah, but better is 30 Ah. There are a lot of producers in Europe (battery type 53030 also for some agricultural machinery)). Batteries for K series need crank amp 330 or more. Once I put 180 and had a problem with sprag clutch.
Few months ago I bought Exide 30 Ah crank 330, for about 90 USD and it was the only producer to give 24 months warranty. Otherwise for bike batteries is 6 months.

Regards

Chris,

Can you get hold of the Odyssey PC680 AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). I have had one in my K1100 For 11 years, and an R1150RT for 4 years.

They are maintenance free (i.e. no need to worry about battery acid), and sealed so nothing can leak out.

You need to add a terminal kit for easier access. For more information, have a look at our good friends:

http://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop/Parts.php?T=5&NU=15&M=40&Ct=JA&SbCt=BA_15_40_JA_49

Mike

I have used a "Motobatt" in all the bikes for quite a few years now and no problems with the batteries.
A MB51814 is the one for your bike.

G'day C_Mick , I'm with Mike d on this , I got my PC680 3 years ago , it's also an AGM battery , it fits straight into the recess in the middle of your battery tray , just flip over the clamp on top so that it will hold the coolant tank ( you do this because when you put the battery in the recess it sits down 6-7mm ) totally maintenance free & lighter than a lead /acid battery

JR

Melbourne Australia

Thanks fellas for all the info, suggestions and recommendations based on own experience. This is a great forum to belong to. I made a shortlist, compared prices and checked availability and delivery charges. I opted for the Motobatt MCBM5184 (a maintenance-free, sealed, AGM unit, intended for use as a motorcycle battery). It sells here for less than half the price of the BMW replacement battery and the Odyssey PC680 and has a comparable specification. For fellow K75 / K100 enthusiasts in Western Cape, the stockist is Craig Spares and Accessories, Maitland, Cape Town, Tel. 021511 1916.

Best regards, Chris

Glad you got it sorted.

Only yesterday I heard from another guy in the UK about the Motobatt, and how much cheaper it was than the OEM or Odyssey.

As it's an AGM, check out the Motorworks link which contains another link to AGM suitable battery charges.

As is said 'There is more than one way to skin a cat'

Mike

I got stuck with a dud battery in 2010 up in Westport. For those from further afield its West side Ireland and far removed from BMW motor cylce outlets. Being a Friday I thought this is bad news. 20 miles or so to Halfords drew a blank, only some branches keep motorcycle batteries and this wasn't one of them. But the very helpful man pointed me to a ride on lawnmower shop up the road. Where in a 21AH battery of the exact size and dimensions was bought for €50. Two years later all is fine. A bog standard ride on lawnmower battery!!

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:I got stuck with a dud battery in 2010 up in Westport. For those from further afield its West side Ireland and far removed from BMW motor cylces. Being a Friday I thought this is bad news. 20 miles or so to Halfords drew a blank, only some branches keep motorcycle batters and this wasnt one of them. But the very helpful man pointed me to a ride on lawnmower shop up the road. Where in a 21AH battery of the exact size and dimensions was bought for €50. Two years later all is fine. A bog standard ride on lawnmower battery!!

You know, this brings back memories of touring Eire 25 years ago on my bike having taken the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare. I followed the coastal route south to Kinsale and rode on through Bantry Bay and the Ring of Kerry and finally back to the ferry terminal at Rosslare. It was a motorcycling camping holiday and at that time camping sites were pretty undeveloped - usually a farmer's field, a stand pipe and a 'chemical disposal point' aka crapper. I bet camping sites have changed for the better since then!

Cheers, Chris

PS I wish I had thought of touring Southern Ireland on a ride-on lawnmower!! lol.

Chris



All has changed. I go camping for holidays and there are some really good campsites and rideout routes all round the coast. If you get to come back you would enjoy them. No more farmers fields, good toilet blocks, showers etc. Look up Eagle point, near Glengarriffe, near some fantastic routes on the Kerry and cork Peninsulas, St Helens near Rosslare, Westport House and lots more. There is a good Irish site, www.biker.ie the lads are very welcome and helful.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote: A bog standard ride on lawnmower battery!!

Snap Olaf ! It must be an Irish thing. The battery in my bike was competely dead but I noticed it had the same dimensions as my mowers one. Of course I was itching to hear the thing run so I stuck in the mower battery and Whuumph. A quick trip to the lawnmower man and I left with a new battery under my arm for €60 its 27 or 28amp hrs from memory but has plenty cranking amps even for the winter days.

88

I really enjoyed touring on the bike in Eire and I have memories of beautiful scenery and good roads. I would very much like to visit again and tour on a bike, but I'm too darn old to enjoy sleeping under canvas. It will be B&B or hotel for me and my wife next time.

Best regards, Chris

PS I know what to get if I need a replacement battery!

Got your battery C-mick , good . For me a 12N24, yeah same as ride on lawnmowers , same as my airhead , PO had the same so i rang Century for the date code , 7 years old and given 2 yrs of my ownership when i mainly rode the boxer i went for the "mower " batt again ! $85 au , yeah lead acid dinosaur , very untrendy but you pays your money and ? My mate has a motobat , rides infrequently , his charger can't ! At twice the price plus a special charger...... don't see the value .
Here in OZ Century or Yuasa ,the later owns the former i believe , lead acid old fashioned , cheap , way to go .

Chris

You should of course make the trip and we now have good cheap hotels so canvas is not a necessity. Anyway it seems most of us here are not so far off Zimmer fames maybe we should think hotels. Check out a few, Holiday Inn, Carlton, Clarion, Travelodge, Malton....

And, for everyone else ever stranded with a battery problem, just look for the nearest golf shop or ride on lawnmower shop. Most remote places wont have a BMW dealership but I reckon a ride on lawnmower battery wont be hard to find.

Olaf

My search for a cheaper alternative to the BMW battery has unearthed some interesting options from members. I settled for an AGM Motobatt, which is is a dedicated motorcycle battery. In SA the price is roughly half that of the BMW battery and the Odyssey power plant. The Motobatt has a comparable specification so to evaluate those options in financial terms I'd say I scored. But several members have reported they use a ride-on lawnmower battery or a golf cart battery of similar dimensions, either a conventional flooded battery or an AGM type. In cost terms these appear to be the least expensive option (In SA they are typically one third of the cost of a BMW battery). Members who use golf cart or ride on lawnmower batteries in their K report satisfaction with their choice typically over a period of 2 years or more. In terms of value for money the golf cart / lawnmower battery may be a winner. If the assumptions I have made are valid elsewhere, then for the price of a BMW battery you could buy three golf cart / lawnmower batteries which should give you a minimum of 6 years battery life (a very conservative estimate) and maybe at least half as much again.

I'm sure there will be other perspectives to consider on choosing a battery for a K and it will be interesting to see what views emerge.

Chris

Hi All,

It's been a while!

I need to replace the battery in my bike (K100 LT 1987). I am wondering what you would recommend. My choice is between: Odyssey battery PC680 and Battery Motobatt AGM 30 amp hour.


Or is there a third alternative I am not aware of?

Also, do you know if there is a dealer of Motobatt located in Ireland?

Thank you!

M.

Jedi who?  

I have a Motobatt that's given no problems. I've seen cheap batteries recommended here, but often they are designed for a stable environment, not bounced around over potentially rough roads, or (hopefully not) put on their sides. 
I'd recommend something designed for the purpose. 

Welcome back, M. Look closely and you'll see yourself in my profile pic. 

Bill

I have used the Motobatt 30 and got 7 years out of it but I had to settle for something else when it did die and I am not happy with it. I am longing for a Motobatt again

I've had a Motobatt MBTX30U for nearly two years. A solid battery. Recently disconnected it from my K100  while I was away for four weeks. The Mbat didn't miss a beat.

My new K1100RS has a Motobatt too.

My last choice was Sole 35 Ah, originaly for some solar application. Maybe few mm higher than original but it went straightforward in place. Price cca 70 Euro, AGM, cranking power 300. After more than year use it looks more reliable than batteries I had before.
Regards

Not in the market for a new battery yet, however, just thought I would throw my hat in and say that I always use to be a Yuasa man, but over the last couple of years I've has nothing but trouble with them!

Had to change the Zephyr one twice and on the Suzuki I gave up as it just died once it dropped below 10 degrees at night. Had it check and it all seemed fine but still didn't have much when I put it on an old Honda superdream 400.

Will be avoiding them from now on!

Battery Stuff in Grants pass sells a drop-in AGM replacement for the Marig OEM battery.  Exact fit.  A lot fewer $$$, more amps for your buck.  I have an '88 K-100RT and I have been using them for quite a while.  They seem to go about 7 years.
I have no connection with Battery Stuff..but here is the link, this is what I have been using:

https://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYIX30L.html

With the Yellow Beast, I've put a couple of Yuasa (wet, lead acid battery). Like a dill, I forgot the breather tube. Subsequently, the acid fumes corroded the gearbox area to the extent where I got rid of the lead acid (even after fitting the breather tube) and fitted a Motobatt AGM battery after cleaning up the corrosion. Should have done it years ago! It's only been in for a few months, but I've regularly checked the voltage and v.little change. Starts the mighty K first time, every time.

Davep wrote:Not in the market for a new battery yet, however, just thought I would throw my hat in and say that I always use to be a Yuasa man, but over the last couple of years I've has nothing but trouble with them!

Had to change the Zephyr one twice and on the Suzuki I gave up as it just died once it dropped below 10 degrees at night. Had it check and it all seemed fine but still didn't have much when I put it on an old Honda superdream 400.

Will be avoiding them from now on!

yuasa batteries have been striking deals all over the world ...out here in aussie another name brand has taken up the yuasa brand name ...and I suspect manufacturing in a different place of origin and plastering yuasa on them ....

food for thought ?  as my experience with yuasa till within the last 15 years was that they were extremely reliable and well made

The inquisitive mind in me takes things apart that have broken/gone bad before their time, this includes a battery that was in my K-100 that really p*ss*d me off.  It was a USA made Yuasa,made by Exide.  The battery was only 6 months old and it just quit.  I hit the starter and click *nothing*, and not the same click the starter solenoid makes, it was sort of a snap.  After arranging to get the motorcycle back home (rent a pickup from Hertz) the trouble was traced to a fairly new Yuasa "YuMicron" flooded battery.

I took the battery outside, put a rubber jumpsuit on and cut the top of the battery off.  Here is what I found:  All of the plates are poorly spot welded to the plate lug connectors.  Really?  That's it? One spot weld point is all each one got. In my case one of the spot welds just broke apart from the plate opening the circuit.

Aside from being very annoying this is potentially dangerous, as the resulting spark can ignite the hydrogen gas in the battery resulting in THIS!






Yes, I know this 4D battery is not a motorcycle battery, it's used to start a backup generator with a 'honkin' big diesel engine, but the construction is the same, and I don't know about you but I would become "quite annoyed" (okay, homicideally  pissed off) if this happened in my motorcycle, the acid, plastic parts of the case exploding all under my butt and acid going everywhere.  Um, no.  What a mess.

So, I avoid anything Exide, and anything Yuasa made by Exide.
And Yuasa used to be such a good battery too.

- John

I'm with Rickmeister and fitted a Motobatt AGM battery to the K75. All good so far with the best part being no chance of acid leaking and no maintenance. Cheers Tom

The Motobatt MBTX30U has been probably the best value for money I've spent on my Old Girl. She recently sat for 3 or 4 months. The voltage only dropped less than half a volt and she fired up up straight away. Having a good battery is peace of mind. But I guess any AGM battery is better than a lead acid.

Holister wrote:The Motobatt MBTX30U has been probably the best value for money I've spent on my Old Girl. She recently sat for 3 or 4 months. The voltage only dropped less than half a volt and she fired up up straight away. Having a good battery is peace of mind. But I guess any AGM battery is better than a lead acid.

i have a DEKA m/f battery in my k100 now for over 5 years and it was a s/h battery from a donor bike i bought previous owner claimed it was new 2 years prior to me buying it so that makes it 7 years old and still going strong ,i use to be a yuasa buyer as well had nothing but trouble

Well I got 6 years out of my now-dead golf cart battery. Not a bad run I'm thinking.

Went to Jaycar and bought this one. Bunged it in and all's good with the world. $80.00AU.

6 Years is a good run.

Hi All,

I am in the process of bringing my bike back to life (finally).

Please see below the links I searched, is it so hard to get a bike battery below EUR 200 in Ireland or am I looking incorrectly?

https://www.batteriesdirect.ie/magento/index.php/motorcycle-quad-jetski-batteries/standard-range/cb30l-b-sm-with-acid-pack.html

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Laverda-1000-SFC-MBTX30U-Motorcycle-battery-1985-1986/323248601003?hash=item4b431e37ab:g:scEAAOSwlTBa8xha

https://www.motorparts.ie/product/accessories-batteries-lawn-mower-batteries/exide-battery-cycle-mower-u1180950/U1180950


In the last one I am wondering if it fits - the length is 184 mm. All the other dimensions are fine.

Has any of you used the last one (Yuasa Y60-N24a)?

Hi JediGirl

https://www.batteriesdirect.ie/magento/index.php/starting-bull-53030-12v-30ah.html

I am using this one in my k1 and was a reasonable price. Standard Size for most K's

As you have probably discovered no one likes to ship batteries to Ireland.

Hi Ringfad,

Thank you for the link.

The only thing is - I am a bit worried that it will not fit in the holder- the metal battery shelf in my K is like 183-184 mm long. It says 187 on the battery. It's only 2-3 mm off but still off. Do you think it would be a problem?

Yes, I have discovered the problems with shipping.

No problem fitting this, one of my K100's also came with one of these. It is the correct size 30a battery for k100's.

You can drive out to him and collect the battery, they come prefilled.

Thank you for your help.

My new battery is on the way