Interesting Battery Tale

NewMon · 02-09-2012, 01:25 PM

I topped up the oil the other day after getting home. Started bike to check that oil pressure light was out. Stopped bike. Tried to start it again and it was totally dead. Didn't immediately suspect the battery but it turned out to have absolutely NO charge - it couldn't even energise the master relay or light a small bulb! No amount of battery charging/conditioning will bring it back to life.

I've never seen a battery collapse that quickly. It may have something to do with the fact that it is the original and is over 10 years old. It is a FIAMM F12-12B - does anyone know if that is likely? I certainly don't recall ever changing it.

If it is the original, then it is a testament to the Optimate that it has lasted so well.

gary tompkins · 02-09-2012, 10:59 PM

Probably some kind of record for an O/E battery

Even using an optimate full time 5 or 6 years is a good innings for a monster battery. The one I originally installed on trike is coming up for 6 years old now but well past it's best. Going to chuck a new one on before the Belgium trip just to be on the safe side

Headhunter · 03-09-2012, 07:34 AM

Never known or heard of one dropping that quickly but sounds like you got your money's worth.

Mine lasted 7 years with no optimate or trickle charging but slowly faded rather than dropping off of a cliff.

02-09-2012, 01:25 PM	#1
NewMon Titanium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Rugby Bike: M600 Posts: 401	Interesting Battery Tale I topped up the oil the other day after getting home. Started bike to check that oil pressure light was out. Stopped bike. Tried to start it again and it was totally dead. Didn't immediately suspect the battery but it turned out to have absolutely NO charge - it couldn't even energise the master relay or light a small bulb! No amount of battery charging/conditioning will bring it back to life. I've never seen a battery collapse that quickly. It may have something to do with the fact that it is the original and is over 10 years old. It is a FIAMM F12-12B - does anyone know if that is likely? I certainly don't recall ever changing it. If it is the original, then it is a testament to the Optimate that it has lasted so well.

02-09-2012, 10:59 PM	#2
gary tompkins 1/2 man - 1/2 pogo-stick Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Dartford, Kent Bike: M900ie Posts: 7,241	Probably some kind of record for an O/E battery Even using an optimate full time 5 or 6 years is a good innings for a monster battery. The one I originally installed on trike is coming up for 6 years old now but well past it's best. Going to chuck a new one on before the Belgium trip just to be on the safe side __________________ GT Fully paid up member of the S.A.S. (Scottoiler Appreciation Society) 27,000 miles on original chain - and still going strong!

03-09-2012, 07:34 AM	#3
Headhunter THFC Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: London Bike: M620ie Posts: 829	Never known or heard of one dropping that quickly but sounds like you got your money's worth. Mine lasted 7 years with no optimate or trickle charging but slowly faded rather than dropping off of a cliff. __________________ Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened. Sir Winston Churchill