AGM or lead acid? Need a new battery after 5 years

[KeithQ]

My guess is that this is the original battery in my 2020, bought last summer up in Portland, OR and then ridden back to north Texas. I have to keep my GT on a battery tender now. If I unplug it and use it on my other bike, after 2-3 days I am unable to start the GT. When I looked at Cycle Gear's site, most every AGM battery I looked at said it would not fit my BMW. Does anyone have any good (or not so good) experience with any particular brand? eBay of all places, shows $50 sealed AGM batteries specifically fitting the C650GT. Seems a little suspicious but who knows.

Thanks in advance.
Keith Quigley

 

[KeithQ]

Considering that the BMW battery installed said it was AGM sort of made my decision easier! Also, surprised to see it was apparently manufactured in PA, on the label. But I think 5 years is a pretty good lifespan.

 

[Spoodge]

I noted that my bmw branded charger was Lithium compatable so I put a Lithium-ion of the same dims in mine, time will tell if it lasts

 

[KeithQ]

Interesting. If I had known the original was AGM, I would have titled this thread a little differently!

Which model do you ride?

Keith

 

[Spoodge]

2023 C400GT

 

[KeithQ]

Seems like they must have made some upgrades! My 2020 I think is the last C650GT exported here. Not sure if they ever made any past that year in Germany. But I do enjoy riding it, have to say.

 

[Ceesie76]

I just replaced the battery on my 2007 Honda. The battery was standard non-AGM and was from 2012 so did perfectly fine for 13 years ... batteries can and mostly should last much longer than 5 years, 10 is no exception in my experience.

 

[RollaCosta]

Perhaps that is the difference between liquid acid and AGM types, longevity? I have not seen AGMs last more than about 5-7 years but I am not a technician, talking just about my own vehicles.

 

[KeithQ]

Interesting point. I have had other bikes (FJR1300 and ST1300) where the batteries lasted longer. Just need to keep it 'trickled' I suppose.

 

[Ceesie76]

I have a large-ish VARTA AGM battery that I bought in 2005 (!) that is currently powering my 2002 Volvo S80, not showing any signs of deterioration yet. So AGM batteries also can last quite a while, at least this one does. I am also still using a lead acid battery in another car that I got in 2010.

 

[Ceesie76]

P.s. very nice GT Keith! Even matches your helmet quite well.

 

[SJMike]

I would highly recommend a Yuasa AGM # GYZ16H Battery for the C650T . I have one it's crazy awesome . Not a fan of lithium since you have to get a special charger for it

 

[pjbn]

I took lithium because from what I understood it will start easier even if you haven't used the bike in a while and you save some weight.