02-13-2019, 12:20 AM
Well-put regarding battery life expectancy, GoldOxide. My experiences and observations are similar. I’ve also noticed that automotive batteries seem to have a useful life ofxabout three years regardless of slick marketing names or manufacturer claims.
Absolutely. I figure at these prices, why not just replace preemptively after three years whether the bike “needs” it or not. Inexpensive peace of mind.
(02-12-2019, 01:50 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ](02-12-2019, 01:01 PM)Stichill_imp Wrote: [ -> ]LongRanger, it's possible I replaced it prematurely but I'm a big believer in an ounce of prevention. There was an unusual delay as the starter overcame the compression stroke that I wasn't used to. It never failed to crank and start, but that hesitation concerned me enough to just replace the battery rather than find myself needing a jump or transport home.
Check the reviews on the two batteries I linked above. 986 reviewers ranked the BMW application battery a 4.8/5 and 98% would recommend. That's only 2 out of 1000 who would not recommend. 304 reviewers on the Honda application battery gave it 4.8/5 and 99% would recommend. Not bad for $58 and $38 respectively with free shipping.
Those are screamin' good prices.
Your preventative response is warranted. My understanding from m/c AGM cells and UPS batteries is after three years, no matter the quality, the user is on borrowed time - you just don't know how long.
Empirically I find five for UPSs before they dry-up, and for m/c's, basically what you just did - a hunch based on the behaviour of the bike. I have gotten six years, but other times three - especially if the ride is a larger V-twin type with above average vibration. The vibration loosens weak cell corrosion earlier, thus accelerating failure.
Absolutely. I figure at these prices, why not just replace preemptively after three years whether the bike “needs” it or not. Inexpensive peace of mind.
