Battery Life

Sorry to ask if previously answered:

Wondering what sort of typical life I can expect from the factory new battery in my 2012 Bandit.

I like to change batteries before they die (Cars too). Can't stand the thought of not being able to start when out somewhere.

Thanks, GG

Not long enough GGiant!
I just had to replace my battery. Rrp is $180 odd for my "06" Bandit. I got my new battery for $150

I had a replacement after 4 yrs thinking that's what a starting issue was. Turned out to be a shat starter (search for the thread) so the non OEM Yuasa was about the same age and still going strong last Fri when I sold the bike. 
The trickle charger was rarely plugged in but it helps to do a few hundred km a week too.

For what it's worth I think the recommended battery is a good match for the Bandit.  Unlike the underpowered thing in my Firestorm.

Still running the original Yuasa in my '08.

My 2010 battery still sees fine.  I did flatten it once by overturning the ignition lock but it recovered.

3 years at best, then its a slow death putting a strain on other parts .

Thanks very much everyone.

I'm probably pretty safe hanging on to my 2012 battery for another Winter, then. 

Then it becomes my bench test battery, which is a handy item to have.

Cheers GG

Like most people I tend to leave the battery until it shows some sign of being unreliable.

It's a pretty stupid thing to do and this simple test will prove it.

Take your bike out into the street and without the motor running, push it 1-2 kms.

Did you enjoy the experience?

No, I hear you say.

Well, stop being such a "tight ass" and spend what is less than $100/year and replace the battery regularly
This could easily happen if you are out of mobile phone range.

BTW A friend of mine recently had his battery fail while out riding. He called RACQ who turned up 1 hour later and said they could not "jump start" his bike. They then got a tilt tray to take his bike home. This whole exercise took over 3 hours. Lucky for him it wasn't raining at the time or he had an urgent appointment to attend.

BanditDave wrote:Like most people I tend to leave the battery until it shows some sign of being unreliable.

It's a pretty stupid thing to do and this simple test will prove it.

Take your bike out into the street and without the motor running, push it 1-2 kms.

Did you enjoy the experience?

No, I hear you say.

No one's talking about milking the last 5 starts from a battery mate. But there's no point replacing one just because it's X yrs old.

My worst experience was a 4 year old battery in an automatic car.

One morning and without any warning, NO GO Aaaaaaaah!!

I think the problem is that unlike tyres where we can see a gradual deterioration a battery can perform faultlessly until it suddenly fails.

Having said that, my 09 Bandit had the original battery when I sold it. I should practice what I preach

The other issue I see with bikes is you cannot securely lock them on the side of the road and walk away to get assistance.

From this point on, I intend to replace the battery every 2 years. Well, that is what I intend to do anyway 

It amazes me that with electronic engine management systems and digital dashes these days that a voltmeter (or combo of buttons to press and read the voltage) is not standard equipment. The cost would be negligible and the benefit immense, you can easily tell the battery (and regulator) condition from the reading.

I've added a second, smaller dash unit that has voltage, temp and a couple of other functions, and whilst I can't say I look at it all the time, the info is there when needed.

My original battery is still going strong (09 plate, 60k). Definitely helps when used regularly ie. daily!

sb1250 wrote:My original battery is still going strong (09 plate, 60k). Definitely helps when used regularly ie. daily!

I think that applies to the whole bike / especially the 1200 model ( my old 04 model was always running at its best when used regularly ).

The battery on my old GS1150 BMW was the original and still going strong after 7 years and 50000 miles.Lead acid,not sealed,not a Yuasa,something German but I cannot remember what.And thats cranking a big twin.Just keep em till the Optimate says "no".