Batteries

[Mikec]

Couple of questions? Anyone know how long a bike battery is likely to last? My 02 Thou still seems to have the original sealed battery on board. I'm starting to get some issues when starting the bike I. e. Clocks reset and although the bike starts OK, I'm wondering if the battery is reaching the end of it's life?
If I do have to replace it, are these user filled ones that seem to be available everywhere as good as factory versions?
Thanks

[Juvecu]

Battery life depends on a lot of different factors. It's difficult to predict how long a battery will last, but in general, for a sealed gel type lead acid battery, 4+ years is good. Some people will get 6 years and other will get 2 or 3. I've had batteries that haven't even made 2 years as the quality of the battery also makes a big difference.

I've had the clocks reset thing happen to me too, it was a failing battery in my case. It's a good indication that the battery voltage goes too low as soon as you put some load on the battery. Voltage that drops like that under load is a typical sign of a buggered battery. If it happens regularly you're best off getting a replacement before you get stranded. I'd recommend MotoBatt batteries: www.motobatt.com

[wal750]

If it has lasted 12 years it has done very very well. Some will last only a year or two if neglected; ie bike not in regular use or not attached to battery tender during lay up (Optimate etc)

My advice would be to replace with good quality item such as Yuasa which are OE. Cheaper batteries do not last and are likely to expire quickly.

[bosnjo]

Battery max life is 4 years. Manufacturers give them 2 years (sure they do, they want to sell you a new one). Every day after that is your gain. Well, I have them all more then 5 years no problem. But 12 years like yours? No, that has never happened to me. I'm not that lucky.

[MartinW]

Mine is definitely 10 years old as I have had the bike from new.

It lives in a garage and on an Optimate, so that helps too.

[2112]

Mine lasted 5 weeks, yes just 5 weeks  

[KLV-Rider]

Coming up to 9 years on original battery myself....never done anything special to look after it. Guess we're just lucky.

[bosnjo]

WOW, that's many years... I have garage and live in warm dry climate but yet to get 10 years from a battery.

[mr_diver]

I had the bike when it wad 3 years old. Aftermaket battery fitted. That lasted a year and now I consider myself on borrowed time. I will be fitting a motobatt before Scotland in may. I'm not getting stranded in the Highlands. Battery is fine at the moment but it ain't funny when your bike don't start.

[matchless]

The other half's Honda Bros has had the same battery on for over 10 years.

[Mikec]

Thank you for the information - nice to be lucky! It is ridden almost every day, all year round, so perhaps that helps the lifespan?
 
I will obviously have to start looking for a new version - I like the thought of a maintenance free version like the original, but they do seem more dificult to obtain?

[hookie]

Motobatt, Yuasa and Varta batteries will do the job just fine. Buying cheap unbranded or unknown makes can often be a very false economy. If you buy one on line just make sure you get the acid filling kit with if it needs it.