Batteries

[geoffm]

A wee rant and a grumble.
I bought a shiney new genuaine, made in Japan Yuasa battery from AMPS a bit over a year ago for the Beemer. Being BMW, of course there aren't any cheap batteries available, so this is a $200 item, albiet a pretty chunky one that would be at home in a small car. Anyway, it is not holding a charge - flat after 24 hours. Regualrly used (it is my only wheels at present) and on a battery tender if I am away for a while.
This is crap performance from an expensive, brandname item. I have had longer life from cheapo Taiwanese batteries than this, and I am not impressed at all. Of course I don't have the reciept, and i am 1000km away from AMPS anyway. So I had to push start the loaded BMW at the airport the other night to get home. I am not impressed.
Geoffm

[Jackrat]

Welcome to the club.
This type of crap performance from batterys is getting to be the norm.
I belive you can buy some stuff to put in em' that makes em' last longer.
Ask about it at a good shop(Not AMPS)
Or your bikes rectifier could be on it's way out.

[dangerous]

Might be able to get you a refill pack, might work never no ya luck.

[scumdog]

Dunno what brand mine is but the last one in my old sporty lasted 8 years - and that bike only had a generator. present battery is 'only' 6 years old and still o.k.

When not using them I top them up with a charger once a fortnight.

[Paul in NZ]

Most lead acid batteries are dry stored (no acid) for obvious reasons.

The first charge is utterly critical to it's life expectancy. Sadly, this task is usually delegated to spotty youfs with zero knowledge of what they are doing or why they are doing it. (bung sum acid innit mate an whack it onna charger fer a coupla hours eh! Ours is a super whacker out of an haircraft carrier, chareges 'em in an hour)

The second thing that fucks auto batteries is discharging them fully. They don't like it! Nor do they like an uncontrolled recharge from the bikes system afterwards.

Most lead acid batteries are charged / discharged at the 10 hour rate. never exceed that.

Never let them get too hot.

Never let them discharge under a certain voltage (specified)

Never (ever) over charge them

Use the SG (via a hydrometer) to measure the condition?

Cheers

[geoffm]

Most lead acid batteries are dry stored (no acid) for obvious reasons.

The first charge is utterly critical to it's life expectancy. Sadly, this task is usually delegated to spotty youfs with zero knowledge of what they are doing or why they are doing it. (bung sum acid innit mate an whack it onna charger fer a coupla hours eh! Ours is a super whacker out of an haircraft carrier, chareges 'em in an hour)

I charged this one up myself with my bike (1A) battery charger, since I bought the battery and put it in myself. They are a beefy battery on this bike - about the size of a small car battery. Same one is used in some Guzzi and bigger HDs, to handle the starter.
One problem is all my tools are 1000kms away. i bought a $20 multimeter from Te Wharehouse today, so I will see what the voltage is across the battery tomorrow, and if it is charging.
Still think a $200 (*) battery should have lasted better than this. As I say, this thing is about the size of a small car battery - cost $50, and they last for 3 years. The Marteg (BMW) battery that was in there before came with the bike when i got it second hand and it lasted for a further 3 years
I have some sealed gel cells now about 7 years old for a spotlight for possum shooting that is like new. Panasonic ones from an alarm system.
Geoff
* There was a big variation in the prices - RRP was $205 (ish). Motomail wanted $215 (!), and order it in, Red Baron $205 - and order it in, AMPS $180-something and had it in stock.

[dangerous]

One problem is all my tools are 1000kms away.

Anything ya need then just ring, only 20min away.

[Kickaha]

Century batteries are the Yuasa distributor,so it may be worth ringing them to ask what warrenty they give,on some of the car stuff it's two years.

[Lou Girardin]

If a new battery isn't holding a charge, take it back. But make sure it is the battery at fault. Have your done a current drain test?

PS Don't hold back there Jack, if you've got a problem with AMPS tell us. Make sure you tell them too. Too many people will moan on these forums but won't confront the source of their complaint.