Battery Life

[Rumpole of the Bailey]

I am interested in the life of your batteries. Given that winter is approaching, this is normally the time a half sick battery dies.
Can you let me know the time your bike was manufactured (ie came out to Aust by Boat) and when you replaced the battery.
Cheers.

Oh yeah, no feedback on The FE story as yet, any info?

Rumpole

 

[Kazza]

Still researching the F.E.......

 

[Stumbles06]

Well, my bike is dated '04, and I've owned it since October '05 (brand new), and still running the original battery. :thumbup:

Being in Sth Oz though, our winters aren't bad, so I ride all year... the half-dead battery doesn't get a chance to "die".

:rockon:

 

[brad81987]

I'm on year three on my FZ6. My 2007 Yamaha snowmobile is still on the factory battery (much harsher conditions mind you!). Keep batteries charged with a good quality maintainer, especially when it gets cold, and they will last a long time. Letting batteries self-discharge during a cold winter is the quickest and easiest way to kill them, save for intentionally running them dead.

 

[Tailgate]

I'm on my original (purchased Nov, 2007). I had to perform CPR on it a few months ago after I let it sit idle for about 5 weeks. Next winter, I gotta get me one of those battery tenders so it doesn't happen again.

 

[Ridgeback]

Only had mine since Nov last year but it started without fail even at -10 for weeks on end (which is more than I can say for the car......) So I'm guessing it must have been replaced at some stage. 04 reg with 18,000 Miles.

 

[Debaser]

3 Years with 43,000 Kms on the clock, riding in temps ranging from -15c to +35c and my orig battery is still going strong. The starter still ticks over very quickly. I spend most of my time > 5000 RPM so it's always getting a good charge while riding and the bike never sits still for more than 2 weeks (snow permitting).

 

[Wolfman]

3 Years with 43,000 Kms on the clock, riding in temps ranging from -15c to +35c and my orig battery is still going strong. The starter still ticks over very quickly. I spend most of my time > 5000 RPM so it's always getting a good charge while riding and the bike never sits still for more than 2 weeks (snow permitting).

what he said, bar the -15c temperatures! but at 41000km's, my battery is not showing any signs of stress...not like my Ducati, that thing eats batteries!

Have also noticed, since i have a "spare" FZ6, that the bike can sit for a long time, without being started, and it always kicks over first thumb of the starter button, with all lights ablaze...

:thumbup:

 

[Wolfman]

Still researching the F.E.......

Hmmmm.... thanks for the reminder, should probably pull my finger out!

 

[Andz]

My 2004 is now 6 years old and still on the original battery. I bought the bike new.

 

[BusyWeb]

Mine is 06 model, bought last year (09).
And looks like stock battery when I checked last time.
Had none issue with it yet.

 

[buzzbomb]

My bike is a 2005 model, and I replaced the battery after 3 years, just as the battery was becoming a little sluggish. I've been using the old battery for pumping up tyres, and it's still going strong in it's current role. It's not hard to carry, and it has enough kick in it to run the air compressor. So I'm getting my money's worth out of the battery. It probably would have kept going but it's one thing I don't have to worry about, as I know it's running a new battery.

 

[Nobby]

07 model,brought new Sep 07.53,000km no problems, but I do ride it every day(atleast 5 days a week)I think thats the trick.:thumbup:

 

[lonesoldier84]

I don't have a battery. My bike is powered directly from my electric personality!!

 

[sonic]

I too still have the OEM battery in my FZ6 (2004 Model) but it is getting tired. I'll be replacing it with a 26oz lithium battery soon enough!

 

[buzzbomb]

I too still have the OEM battery in my FZ6 (2004 Model) but it is getting tired. I'll be replacing it with a 26oz lithium battery soon enough!

A lithium battery? Cool, do you have any links for lithium motorcycle batteries, Sonic? It's the first time I've heard of them, and I'm intrigued!

BB

 

[GConn]

I think that it's recommended to replace car batteries every five years. Can't really think any reason that would make a bike battery different.

 

[Rumpole of the Bailey]

my car batteries rarely last 3 years. If I get 5 out of the bike battery I will be stoked. Given the harsh nature of the Australian climate, I was asking my bros and babes down under for their opinions.
Cheers

 

[Kazza]

Mine's an '08 - even if I haven't ridden all week, she starts up straight away. No problem. I expect a lot more out of her too

 

[rjo3491]

Here's a question for all. I have an '07 with the original battery (which at this point still appears to function as new). When I put the bike away for the Winter - usually mid November to early March [here in Michigan], I pull the battery out of the bike and let it vacation on a shelf in our 65 degree basement (oh, and I charge it once a month or so).

Is this overkill? Would it be enough to leave it in the bike in the garage with a trickle charger connected. This would mean exposure to temps as low as -10F (-23C).