BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 1:54 pm**

2006 RT. Not sure of the age of my battery, looks to have been on the bike a while. Currently fitted is a Varta 19ah 170amp, It has never let me down, yet, but I do keep it on trickle between rides. However it worries me on start up as the cranking speed appears slow,( new to the RT.) A tester shows 12.3 volt. She always fires up after a couple of turns. I have a big run coming up in June and thought to be sure I would change it. Will disconnecting mess with the computer or is this just a case of resetting the time once the new battery is on.
Many thanks.

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 2:56 pm**

mentalrental wrote:Will disconnecting mess with the computer or is this just a case of resetting the time once the new battery is on.

The Haynes manual says,

"Disconnecting the battery leads deletes all memorised settings (e.g. throttle position sensor).
Loss of this information could temporarily upset the running of the engine.
Make sure the procedure in Step 11 is carried out before starting the engine.

11 Switch the ignition ON. Fully open and close the throttle a couple of times - this allows the engine control unit to register the throttle butterfly positions via the sensor."

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 3:57 pm**

Many Thanks for that info. Haynes manual on order.

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 4:03 pm**

mentalrental wrote:Currently fitted is a Varta 19ah 170amp.

I have a big run coming up in June and thought to be sure I would change it.

What make of battery are you thinking of getting.

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 4:27 pm**

I just checked my battery. It shows 12.6v, but drops to 9.2v on startup. According to this chart, that's a problem.

I may also be looking for a new battery.

Probably this one:

https://www.tayna.co.uk/GEL12-19-Exide- ... P8398.html

Re: Changing battery.

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 4:47 pm**

Sullivj wrote:I may also be looking for a new battery.

Probably this one:

https://www.tayna.co.uk/GEL12-19-Exide- ... P8398.html

That's a good price, the same one from BMW is £155.00

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 4:56 pm**

MDS do this Yuasa one for £50, https://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/shop/produ ... oupID=9079

Posted: **Tue May 02, 2017 5:15 pm**

Or the Exide one here, with free delivery.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272604357175? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 8:29 am**

I've opted for the Yuasa YT19BL-BS. recommended for the R1200rt. And yes only £50 with free delivery.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 8:47 am**

mentalrental wrote:I've opted for the Yuasa YT19BL-BS. recommended for the R1200rt.

Would be interested to know how the Yuasa (WET/AGM) battery works out.
Yes, it needs to be filled with acid, but is then sealed and maintenance free.
For £50, if there is any doubt, it's worth sticking a new battery on the bike.

The Exide (GEL/AGM) is factory sealed, ready for use, £60 from ebay.

I'd be happy to put acid in a battery to save a tenner.
Recently purchased a Yuasa dry charged, conventional flooded battery for the XJ650, it's not a big deal filling with acid.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 8:56 am**

David. wrote: I'd be happy to put acid in a battery to save a tenner.
Recently purchased a Yuasa dry charged, conventional flooded battery for the XJ650, it's not a big deal filling with acid.

Not forgetting a dry charged battery still should have a short period of charge before been used.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 9:02 am**

At £50 each, you can buy three Yuasa batteries for the cost of one BMW (Exide) battery at £155, the fiver will more than cover the cost of leccy to charge them.

Oh, don't forget, that's a 3 x 1 year warranty too, only 2 years with BMW for the same £150/5.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 3:59 pm**

My only comment is.  Have you seen the mess a wet battery can make if the bike is dropped.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 4:50 pm**

The Exide GEL battery for £60 would make a reasonable compromise over a wet battery (Yuasa for £50).

Gel Cell batteries contain a silica type gel that the battery electrolyte is suspended in, this thick paste like material allows electrons to flow between plates but will not leak from the battery if the case is broken.

At £60 each, that's £120 for a 2 year warranty or £155 for one BMW battery with a 2 year warranty.

Posted: **Wed May 03, 2017 8:28 pm**

David. wrote: The Exide GEL battery for £60 would make a reasonable compromise over a wet battery (Yuasa for £50).

Gel Cell batteries contain a silica type gel that the battery electrolyte is suspended in, this thick paste like material allows electrons to flow between plates but will not leak from the battery if the case is broken.

At £60 each, that's £120 for a 2 year warranty or £155 for one BMW battery with a 2 year warranty.

I know which option I'll be choosing when I need a new battery! I might even buy a little Chinese BMW badge to stick on it with the saving 