Need a new battery

[Pierrel]

Just came back from 3 months holiday in the sun and while I left the battery connected to a trickle charger it no longer has enough power to start the engine on my 600 Sport (lights come on but starter barely turns). Any recommendations on replacement battery other than the one sold by the BMW dealership? Any tips on removing the side panel to get to the battery?

 

[Snowdog]

The owners manual tells how to get the panels off to get to the battery. I would clean the battery terminals before I buy a new battery, then try it again. If it doesn't start, charge the battery with the clean terminals and then if it doesn't start, have a friend who is mechanically experienced check your work. If he says get a battery , then get a battery. Or take the battery to an auto parts store that has a load tester and have them check it. Or call the BMW dealer and have them check it. But, the moral of the story is; clean your battery terminals first, then go from there.

Actually the first thing to do; read your owners manual!!

 

[wsteele]

It is easy to get to the battery remove the right hand panel (upper front panel ) the battery is right there. It is a big battery surprise it went dead.

 

[Pierrel]

Thanks

Thanks Snowdog! Got the battery on a charger in my shop and will see what it does tomorrow!

The owners manual tells how to get the panels off to get to the battery. I would clean the battery terminals before I buy a new battery, then try it again. If it doesn't start, charge the battery with the clean terminals and then if it doesn't start, have a friend who is mechanically experienced check your work. If he says get a battery , then get a battery. Or take the battery to an auto parts store that has a load tester and have them check it. Or call the BMW dealer and have them check it. But, the moral of the story is; clean your battery terminals first, then go from there.

Actually the first thing to do; read your owners manual!!

 

[Snowdog]

Clean the posts and terminals with a wire brush, be aggressive.

 

[Boulder Bob]

The battery in my 2013 GT failed after 18 months, showing similar circumstances. The charger indicated that it was charged but it wouldn't support starter load. BMW replaced it under warranty. If your scoot is still under warranty and it fails to recover call your dealer.

 

[Pierrel]

Put the battery on the charger all night, showing full charge in the morning, cleaned the terminals as per Snowdog instructions but it still refused to turn the starter. Will bring to the dealer tomorrow for further check. My bike is still under warranty so hopefully they will replace at no charge.

 

[TwoPort]

Put the battery on the charger all night, showing full charge in the morning, cleaned the terminals as per Snowdog instructions but it still refused to turn the starter. Will bring to the dealer tomorrow for further check. My bike is still under warranty so hopefully they will replace at no charge.

Haven't thought much about it but if it doesn't start by the battery there's not much else to do. No kick starter. No rolling and popping a clutch.

 

[Snowdog]

I see you are in BC Canada, what is the temperature inside your garage? What weight oil are you using? Warm the bike up and it might start.
It still might not be the battery. Cold oil might be the cause.

 

[Snowdog]

Of course starting with the battery and terminals is always the best first step.

 

[Pierrel]

I am located in Victoria on the "balmy" coast of the country! Temperature average around 10 to 12 celsius (about 50 F) outside during daytime so not likely the issue! The bike was in my shop all winter while I was away so nice and dry and always above freezing. I see you are in Boston.., you guys got it bad this year! Going to the dealer this morning will let you know what they say. Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated!

 

[wsteele]

It could be the starter switch in the handle bar Just a though

 

[Pierrel]

Got a call from the dealer and the battery is no longer keeping its charge. Warranty is only for two years on the battery so I am out of luck since mine is from 2012... Looking at it on the positive side the weather is looking great for riding so will get the bike back on the road later this week! Thanks again for all your advises!

 

[Snowdog]

You didn't tell us it was a 2012 model!!

 

[Snowdog]

BTW, if your terminals are corroded, the battery charger won't be as or not effective. And,When a lead acid battery goes completely dead, it dramatically shortens it's life.
Quite frankly, I am not impressed by these batteries BMW put in the scoots.

 

[Pierrel]

I meant my battery is dated 2012, the scooter is a 2013 model. I wonder how that works with the warranty... I will push them a bit more tomorrow when I go pick up the new battery that is apparently a different type so hopefully better than the original. BTW the terminals looked nice and clean when I took the battery off, I still cleaned them as per your suggestion. Do you happen to know if other type of batteries would work on the bike? The dealer is charging $130 CDN plus tax for the new battery!

 

[Pierrel]

Just looked on line for the warranty information and it says that the battery is covered for 24 months only...

 

[coyok]

BTW, if your terminals are corroded, the battery charger won't be as or not effective. And,When a lead acid battery goes completely dead, it dramatically shortens it's life.
Quite frankly, I am not impressed by these batteries BMW put in the scoots.

Hi all! just have some thoughts to ponder. Gel type battery or lithium ion battery. Which one is the best to opt should the stock battery is out of service? thanks

 

[davidh]

Hi all! just have some thoughts to ponder. Gel type battery or lithium ion battery. Which one is the best to opt should the stock battery is out of service? thanks

BMW replaced my battery on my 2013 C650 about 4 months ago because they said it failed a load test. I'd never had a problem with it and pushed them for a warranty replacement (which BMW did). I've had good luck with the Motobatt AGM battery for my Piaggio BV250. It also had a load problem after about 14 months and Amazon replaced it no questions asked. I'll definitely go that route when I have to replace the BMW's.

 

[JaimeC]

Hi all! just have some thoughts to ponder. Gel type battery or lithium ion battery. Which one is the best to opt should the stock battery is out of service? thanks

I'd go with an AGM battery myself. I have an Odyssey battery in my LT, but it doesn't look like they make one to fit the scooter. Our scooters take the same battery as the F800GT, by the way. I think WestCo makes an AGM battery that'll fit.