How long does a battery last?

[Josty]

Hey all,

The battery in my 2016 XR was replaced under warranty in 2017 and has been good every since. So now its about 6 years old with 40k miles on the bike.  Should it be replaced even though it seems fine or keep it and carry a jumper brick with me?   

[wessie]

Battery life can be anything from a few weeks to over a decade in my experience.

I did the latter, carry the jump pack.

The OE battery on my XR let me down at a fuel station after a 60 mile ride. With the easy access, I was delayed for under 10 minutes to jump start the bike and ride home. Most of that time was unpacking and repacking the starter pack. That OE battery was 4 years old.  Yet the OE battery on my R1200RS lasted 6 years before cold starts were a bit sluggish: it takes a lot more oomph to start the boxer engine.

[Mareng1]

Get a new battery, and renew that every 3 years, would be my advice. (unless you shell out for a lithium battery which should last longer)

Battery jump start packs are fine, but I don't think they will do anything when the bike's battery has an open-circuit cell.

[Josty]

Thanks for the comments.  At 6 years it sounds like I'm living on the edge, especially with the cold weather coming (although forecast to be 80+ deg here in southern NJ tomorrow!). 

So, what about battery recommendations? I'm sure there are plenty of threads so I'll do some searching.  Regarding the OE battery - first one went after a year, second one going strong after 6 years, so probably not better or worse than aftermarket brand, and I expect the OE is expensive.  I'm not that interested in Lithium unless there is a cost and reliability benefit.

[wessie]

Originally Posted by Josty

Thanks for the comments.  At 6 years it sounds like I'm living on the edge, especially with the cold weather coming (although forecast to be 80+ deg here in southern NJ tomorrow!). 

So, what about battery recommendations? I'm sure there are plenty of threads so I'll do some searching.  Regarding the OE battery - first one went after a year, second one going strong after 6 years, so probably not better or worse than aftermarket brand, and I expect the OE is expensive.  I'm not that interested in Lithium unless there is a cost and reliability benefit.

I have replaced both of my BMW bike batteries in the last couple of years with an Exide AGM battery. Both work well and only need a short top up if the bike has not been ridden for a couple of months if winter is horrible.

Not sure if you have the same brands we have in the UK ...

[Josty]

I haven't seen Excide here in the US.  Someone recommended Deka ETX9 (AGM) on one of the threads, seems like a good option.  Then of course there are plenty of knock-off brands.  Probably they are just as good but hard to know for sure.

[wessie]

Originally Posted by Josty

I haven't seen Excide here in the US.  Someone recommended Deka ETX9 (AGM) on one of the threads, seems like a good option.  Then of course there are plenty of knock-off brands.  Probably they are just as good but hard to know for sure.

Odd, as Exide is a US company!

Revzilla have over 20 to choose from. Prices range from $48 to $450! The Yuasa at $90 would be my choice from those at
https://www.revzilla.com/parts/2016-bmw-s1000xr?view_all=&page=1&limit=96&facets%5B%5D=905&has_loyalty_discount=false&is_new=false&is_sale=false&is_made_in_usa=false&is_holiday=false&is_blemished=false&sort=featured&fit=

[Josty]

I was also looking at Motobatt:
https://www.motobatt.us/parts-finder?type=4&make=9&year=2016&model=S1000XR

They have 4 terminals to simplify adding extra connections.

Also came across this on ADV Rider, kind of related and seems like a good idea - prewire the jumper brick connector to your battery for quick and easy connection if ever needed:
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/battery-jump-pack-direct-to-a-sae-battery-tender-plug.1627005/#post-47216833

[capt cf]

Originally Posted by Josty

I haven't seen Excide here in the US.  Someone recommended Deka ETX9 (AGM) on one of the threads, seems like a good option.  Then of course there are plenty of knock-off brands.  Probably they are just as good but hard to know for sure.

I put one of those in my gen 1 when the OEM battery was about 4 years old.  I think it was like $70 from a local big box store (Lowe's).  Prob should have gone lithium..maybe next time.

[wessie]

Originally Posted by Josty

I was also looking at Motobatt:
https://www.motobatt.us/parts-finder?type=4&make=9&year=2016&model=S1000XR

They have 4 terminals to simplify adding extra connections.

Also came across this on ADV Rider, kind of related and seems like a good idea - prewire the jumper brick connector to your battery for quick and easy connection if ever needed:
https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/battery-jump-pack-direct-to-a-sae-battery-tender-plug.1627005/#post-47216833

Motobatt are common over here and seem okay.

I just used the croc clips on the XR as the battery is so accessible. As I had 2 bikes, I needed the whole jumper pack and leads to be portable, just swapping the top box from one bike to the other as needed.