BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I have a three year old R1200RT LE. 
The battery has begun to show signs of heading for failure - it starts the bike but, in doing so, the display returns to default settings - background goes to RT logo and any heated grips / seat will return to zero. Of themselves, irritating but not the end of the world. 
When in for a service at 35,000 miles, the battery was checked by the tech who reported it showed 83% which was acceptable but might be improved by an overnight charge.  I declined, since the bike has spent most of it's garage time hooked up to an Optimate 4.
I'm going to replace the battery next Spring before any foreign trips and I've done some initial searches on line to see what is available.  I would prefer not to pay BMW prices but I'm willing to pay for a better battery if I can be convinced there is such a thing.
One of the first sticking points is that I want a battery which is as close as possible to the dimensions of the current battery.  I can pull the battery and take my own measurements but has anyone else measured the OE battery and could share the L x W x H ?
Once I'm sure of dimensions I may come back looking for recommendations on more technical details.  :-X

The OE battery is 16Ah, part no. is 61218531121, searching this on the MDS website comes up with a compatible Yuasa YTX16-BS, https://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/yuasa-ytx1 ... ttery.html

Tayna batteries offer a good selection of YTX16-BS compatible batteries, https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batt ... /ytx16-bs/
including Exide who make the BMW OE battery, https://www.online-parts.co.uk/bmw-bike ... 1218531121

I buy my batteries from Motorworks in Huddersfield

beemerboy9 wrote: I buy my batteries from Motorworks in Huddersfield

OK, so that's an option. Have you ever measured any of them ?

These are the batteries listed by Motorworks for the R1200 LC Models, https://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop ... 5_36_IA_10

They show two batteries with the Associated BMW part: 61218531121.

Found this Exide Battery Catalogue, https://www.exide.sk/sk/files/produkty2 ... N_copy.pdf

Tayna Batteries, "aim to offer the cheapest batteries on the web. In the unlikely event that you find a cheaper price on another website, challenge us to beat it!"

"Do you have a technical question and need some advice? We can offer detailed specialist battery advice on your particular installation. Simply contact us for any advice you may need."

Tayna Customer Review, https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batt ... 6/reviews/

David. wrote: Tayna Batteries, "aim to offer the cheapest batteries on the web. In the unlikely event that you find a cheaper price on another website, challenge us to beat it!"

"Do you have a technical question and need some advice? We can offer detailed specialist battery advice on your particular installation. Simply contact us for any advice you may need."

Tayna Customer Review, https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/exide/agm12-16/reviews/

Thanks David.
The Exide catalogue is useful, although the latest R1200RT model is 2015 (which should use the same battery as mine).  Their recommended battery is the AGM12-16, which measures 150 x 90 x 160 and gives 170 CCA.  I'm guessing that would be a like-for-like replacement for my OE battery.
I'm in no rush, so if I can keep digging and find a "better" battery, or the same battery at the best price, I'll know what to go for.
I'll have a look at the Tayna website and may try contacting them after I've done some more research.

I changed my oem battery for exactly the same worries before a europe trip this year
used MBTX16U MOTOBATT Quadflex AGM Bike Battery 12V 19Ah https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/motobatt/mbtx16u/
Starter spins over faster and didn't let me down on trip, does feel a bit stronger
Installed without any problem
Fast efficient delivery from Tayna.co.uk
Highly recommend

gogs01 wrote:I'm guessing that would be a like-for-like replacement for my OE battery.

From the Tayna Customer Review, "Straight swap for OEM battery. Fitted To: BMW R1200RT LC 1200 2015."

The terminals on the Exide batteries match those of OE too.



Also bought my last battery from Tayna, best price and next day service, even on a Saturday. Exide was £68, BMW (Exide) OE battery is £175 for a 2012 TC.

mogster wrote:I changed my oem battery, used MBTX16U MOTOBATT Quadflex AGM Bike Battery 12V 19Ah

Is this a battery upgrade, the BMW R1200RT LC isn't a listed application, http://www.motobatt.com/MBTX16U

I called them before I ordered and they confirmed it will fit
It's also claimed to give better cranking amps so maybe could be classed as an upgrade
If in any doubt give them a call yourself

from the Tayna website


DESCRIPTION
Motobatt produce high power premium batteries that are considered among the best in the industry.
Their constant innovation has led to a significant increase in cranking amps over their competitors and the invention of their patented Quadflex Technology makes installation even easier with the 4 terminal design that many of their batteries utilise.
This battery replaces the following part numbers:
YTX16BS, YTX16BS1, YTX20ABS, YTX20CHBS

mogster wrote:It's also claimed to give better cranking amps so maybe could be classed as an upgrade.

Thank you, at 19Ah and 250 CCA, the Motobatt MBTX16U is certainly of greater capacity than the Exide AGM12-16 with 16Ah and 170 CCA.

Yet the same physical sizes +/- 1 to 3mm and both confirmed to fit the R1200RT LC.

beemerboy9 wrote: I buy my batteries from Motorworks in Huddersfield

My reasoning is that Motorworks is a company with a reputation to protect and I am confident that they will sell me the battery (usually an Exide) that is most likely to make me a repeat customer. The batteries are dispatched quickly if they are in stock.

Once the correct battery has been identified, Tayna would seem to offer the best price, plus a "price challenge" if you find it cheaper elsewhere.

Many thanks guys - lots of useful information.  :thumbs:


If I decide to go for the MBTX16U from Tayna, I stand to save £90 against the price quoted (presumably for an Exide) by my local BMW dealer.  Higher Ampere Hour rating, higher Cold Cranking Amps, two year guarantee and a £90 saving .....  Sounds like a winning combination, but I'm in no hurry - I don't intend to buy before the winter is out, so who knows what might turn up ?  :D