After 4 years and 44k miles, my R1100RS started getting an ABS fault on the inital startup. Although the fault would clear if I restarted the bike after the battery charged a bit, it was a warning a new battery would soon be in order.
Two non-BMW recommendations are listed on the Internet BMW Riders pages under parts substitutions. A Black Panther Predator and a Westco. I was all set to order the Westco for $89 when I thought I should research the Panther before dismissing it because of the $180 price tag.
I found a local dealer selling the Black Panther, model BP600MJ, for $119.95 and decided to go for it. The dealer is Hensley Battery and Electrical Supply, Denver, CO, 1-800-888-8009. Since the Black Panther is sealed, they can be shipped. Ask for Greg if you give Hensley a call.
With the new battery installed (the Black Panther came fully charged), my RS started right up, without the nagging ABS fault. Looks to be a good battery, and I look forward to not having to bother checking battery acid level again.
Note: The Panther is slightly deeper (front to back) than the original battery, and is a tight fit in the battery tray. Also notice there are no battery posts on the Panther -- instead the connection is via allen-headed machine screws.
Note: Pictures were taken with a Apple QuickTake 200. Click on image to view full-sized -- it will open in a new browser window.
PARTS LIST
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED
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First remove the saddle. Remove the left fairing cover -- on the RS this is just a matter of removing 2 regular phillips screws and unlocking 4 philips-head speed screws. Remove the front 5mm allen-head to release the front of the airhorn. |
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Open the airbox cover to free the back of the airhorn, and remove the airhorn. |
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Remove the 10mm nut which attaches the left-side battery cable to the negative battery post. |
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Unhook the rubber tie-down strap, and slide the battery out of the tray. Unbolt the connection for the positive battery cable and remove the old battery. |
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Attach the positive battery cable to the positive connection on the new battery. As you can see, this connection is very clean. |
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Slide the new battery into the tray (the Panther will be a tight fit), and attach the negative battery cable. This connection wasn't very clean as the cable is too short. I bent the o-connector on the cable and used original bracket to make an extension. |
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Secure the battery with the rubber tie-down strap. Put the left fairing panel and the saddle back on. |
