BMW R 1300 GS Lithium Battery change : Innovation or Misstep?
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- Опубліковано 3 лют 2025
- BMW R 1300 GS: Lithium Battery Breakthrough or Blunder? BMW R 1300 GS Lithium Battery change : Innovation or Misstep? BMW Dump lithium battery on BMW 1300 GS || BMW Dumps Lithium Battery on R 1300 GS: Innovation or Misstep?
📹 In This Video:
We dive deep into the lithium-ion battery powering the BMW R 1300 GS and uncover its surprising limitations. While this adventure bike boasts cutting-edge technology, the battery choice has left many enthusiasts wondering:
👉 Is this a bold step forward or a costly oversight?
🌟 What You'll Learn:
✅ The pros and cons of the lithium battery
✅ Real-world performance insights
✅ Why some riders might seek alternative options
♛Contact Details-
「 ✦ Nick Bee✦ 」
👉Chigee all Products: lifeisaride.co...
👉Website: lifeisaride.co.uk
📩Email me: lifeisarideuk@icloud.com
📞Phone: 07967 520 520
🏁 Join the Conversation!
We’re bringing you an honest review of this critical component. Share your thoughts in the comments below-we’d love to hear from you!
Hashtags:
#BMW1300GS #AdventureBike #LithiumBattery #BMWMotorrad #MotoReview #MotorcycleTech #AdventureRiding #LifeIsARide #BMWGS #BatteryTech #MotorcycleReview #R1300GS #TwoWheelsAdventure #TechOnTwoWheels #RiderLife #AdventureReady #MotorbikeTech #RideBMW #MotoLife #BMWAdventure
Keywords:
BMW 1300 GS, lithium battery BMW, BMW R 1300 GS battery, BMW GS review, adventure motorcycle battery, BMW Motorrad, BMW GS technology, adventure riding gear, BMW 1300 GS features, motorcycle battery alternatives.
I have a 1974 R90S, which as standard has a lead acid battery weighing around 9kg. Two years ago I invested in an aftermarket JMT lithium battery. It weighs 1.5kgs and is smaller than the old lead acid. I've done about 8000 miles since fitting it and had no problems, I trickle charge it in winter with a compatible unit. The R90S is a very simple bike, it just has a clock running before the ignition key is turned. I can honestly say that switching to a lithium battery is one of the best mods I have made to the bike. The weight saving of over 7 kgs is just detectable in handling and when pushing the bike around. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience, perhaps modern bikes just make too many demands on the battery.
It’s the added over developed infrastructure of the new bikes that’s why they are going back . Not to mention asa of that goes flat it’s locked in park , then it has to be recovered back to the dealer
Thanks for the heads up! Great tip! Cheers😊
Any time!
@@JustinBikesnBites ta
The lithium was to reduce the weight on the promotional specs. It's a backwards step to remove them. I don't see other manufacturers swapping lithium out.
@@shegocrazy WTF
@@lifeisarideuk indeed
I've never had a problem with mine(so far 🤞). But must admit every first start of the day you are not 100% sure it's going to fire up. When I ordered mine I asked for a AGM battery, but was told it wasn't an option.
@@slipthegreyhound it’s not a rang rover , I should not be like that hence the change
And you paid how much for a new bike.... and you are not sure it WILL EVEN START ! (?) You guys are totally off your heads or just piss money like its rainwater 😂 Before angry response, just think... top money on a premium product and you are not entirely convinced it will actually work... I would say thats a fairly basic requirement each time you choose to ride it.
@@GPR111 As I said it's never happened, but because many people have experienced the problem it's always in the back of your mind. I'll just fit a lead acid battery now i know you can, problem solved.. 👍. I would have done that from new but the option wasn't there. 🤷♂
There’s nothing wrong with lithium batteries, they’re used in lots of applications successfully and last for many years. A good example is Tesla used to use lead acid 12 V batteries in their cars for powering the accessories, but these would only last just a few years before dying. They then switched to a lithium battery for the 12v system a few years ago. Since then they have proven to be incredibly reliable.
This is obviously a software/charging issue that BMW needs to address.
@@craigst1300 the fundamental thing wrong with lithium batteries as they do not like coal they do not like charging in the cold. I remind you that tesla preheat their batteries before they charge them if a lithium battery dies it’s dead unlike a Lead acid battery you can revive it why do you think they’re going back? They’re sick of the warranty claims.
I have a 2019 1250GS and a 2021 1250RT both have had Lithium batteries for 3+ years. I have had no problem with either. When in the garage they are on a BMW charger.
@@lpbonney it’s definitely the software on the bike. It’s too complex now and the lithium can’t deal with it. That is my opinion. They’ve reduced the amount of draw on the battery pre-ignition and I think that hasn’t helped.
Honda Africa Twins have used lithium batteries for years with good success. I put Shorai lithium batteries in numerous BMWs over the years with excellent results. I dont think the issue with the 1300GS battery performance is solely due to the battery being lithium. Its likely got to be in the battery charging and management system.
Yeah, but it’s not running the starship enterprise at the same time is it?
Too much technology, not enough brains and definitely not enough Braun in the battery
Do you think it could be aftermarket equipment added causing the issue? I’m curious because I’m hoping my GSA 1300 which is stock and at 550mi won’t leave me stranded. Its been flawless so far and the only concern I have so far is I haven’t seen the horizontal fog lamps on yet
Easy can was it for a horn and NO bmw jump on that straight away
I had a conversation regarding this with the service manager at my dealer in Peterborough last week. He wasnt aware of any ongoing issues with Lithium batteries? didn't know about the change? so im still non the wiser
@@andyphillips4370 well, it’s happening. Ring Pete at North Oxford in sales.
The new generation of batteries are much lighter, smaller and more powerful.
The snag is …. that if they ever get flat… they are ruined !
I agree with your observations. Your video is accurate.
@@maxflight777 well why do they keep going flat? Have you ever weighed one? They don’t weigh anything so there’s not much inside them. I’m very tempted to come on in half.
I always had trouble on my gs1250 with the lead acid. And BMW did not t have a solution. I changed it to an Antigravity HD battery and now i finally have a strong start and the use of heated Gerbing gear and accessories like Chiguee are not an issue. I won t go back. The only downside with LI is they don t work good when the temperature is very low. Therefore you have to give it a few seconds to warm up by activating it. Just awaken the battery by turning your bike on while you put on your gloves andd helmet and by that time it s ready to start. Time and time again. Sick and tired of jumpstarting the lead acid😅
Just give it time on the Chigee.... you will understand.
Same here. I’ve had an Antigravity battery in my 1250 GSA for 2 years now…480 cranking amps…no issues, even in winter temps where I live. Most don’t realize that it’s not a true lithium ion battery, it’s lithium iron phosphate (LiFeP04), which is a different chemistry, safer and doesn’t have the same thermal runaway risk as lithium ion batteries. Bike starts like a Honda now😂. I do monitor the battery health with a battery monitor paired with my smartphone, should the voltage ever drop into overdischarge range over the winter, but that’s never happened. I typically don’t put my bike away during the winter, since I’ll get out occasionally with heated gear if there’s no snow and ice on the road.
My 1300’s lithium battery went completely dead after about 11 months of intermittent rides. The dealer refused to honor the battery warranty as I’ve installed Denali accessories (despite them being plug & play) saying I’ve breached the warranty terms. Also, they didn’t have replacements on hand so the solution was to replace it with an AGM at my expense. I haven’t ridden it since because I’m currently overseas but have kept it plugged on a tender and so far, it has been one click whenever I ask a family member to start the bike up. I hope it stays that way until my return. 😁
@@siomaiting let’s hope
This is a good video.
Can you please elaborate on this business about K and L chassis? What is the difference and what production date should we look for to get the newer chassis?
@@ahmeda.3198 yes it alphabetical don’t buy one lower than a k it is the start of the chassis plate
@ Cool, thank you very much. I’m thinking I will go to purchase in March.
@@ahmeda.3198 L chassis is a good bike J K steer well clear
@ Thank you very much, I wasn’t aware that there are already three revisions to it. Thank you.
Honda been using them for years no problem?
I know of 3 1250gs's at least that have eaten batteries within about 20 months!!! And their lead acid.
Think it may be a BMW thing?
@@TimmyTookaLook well like I’ve already said Ho not running the starship enterprise with millions of census Hi to adjust this adjust that dust screen adjust temperature sensors the list goes on
To add confirmation, I'm getting a new R1300GS on Saturday and it's coming with an AGM battery. I'm partially glad because I already have an Optimate canbus charger which doesn't do lithium.
Same, mine comes in a month with AGM battery.
@@paulv22 that’s good news. I wish I had one on for a Morocco tour.
Can you still cancel the order ?
@@GPR111 Why?
I never really think about the battery on my old Honda VFR 800 thats done 112k, it still starts and runs perfectly 😉 Modern bikes are great.
@@GPR111 when you never used to think about batteries never they just went on and on and on and one day you realise your battery was 10 years old and it would die
@@lifeisarideuk thats true
A great video, thank you. I have a GSA on order, arrives March, I have a question for my dealer... :-)
Same ere bud, I’ve got a gsa 1st March, I’ll be asking for a lead acid ba Terry 👍
I have a standard GS due to be built early Feb.. so I guess it will be lead. I had lithium on my 1200 Tiger and it was ok to be fair.
@JazzFunkSoulHouseYT yes 👍
I need to test that!
cut and paste from a friends message : *“Definitely a misstep - the drain on the lithium battery was too much for the adaptive ride-height especially around town - the constant movement on little or no revs was flattening the batteries - there is an article on it on the BMW AFMB site which has been around for about six months documenting many issues. To give a battery capacity with enough capability in lithium would have cost them a lot of extra money.”*
Well, to be honest, they need to be changing everyone’s battery. I think this is a campaign. I might start.
New Flash: Any new tech is bound to experience teething problems! I have a 2024 R1300GS produced in January 2024 with a lithium battery, and it's been trouble-free. Of course, when I'm not riding, I keep it on an OptiMate Lithium battery tender. Your mate on the Morocco trip could carry a spare lithium battery and still be under your weight with the old-style lead acid battery! Still, I really don't blame you for being a Luddite on a trip to a remote area where you don't want to be proving new gear.
What's the difference between a "L" and "K" chassis??
@@robb8773 J was the first one that was known as junk K was the updated software few changes to hardware and Kay is the next chassis coming. The only change I know on that chassis number is it now won’t come with the lithium battery but they’ll be some improvement that they won’t tell you about never buy a J Used or new
Hi, may i ask where this information is from?
Ring BMW if you like to collaborate this information but if you look through the comments, somebody picked One up on Saturday and it had a lead acid battery that will save you a phone call
AGM/Gel with an optimate and bmw works for me for my two bikes.
@@herrdirektor1969 don’t change what isn’t broken. I wonder if they will adjust the weight in the brochure.
I had the issue with mine, went flat, took it back to the dealer for a recovery charge. It's now on the Optimate 2 so see how it works............the other thing is you cant get the steering lock off with a flat battery !
@@markwroblewski3821 and what if you had an auto and it locked in gear !!!
@@lifeisarideuk another BMW ''customer market research '' item. Not very well thought out .... great bike tho'''
For your info, my 4 month old RT shit its AGM battery whilst touring in Ireland this year, I pulled up for 3 minutes to take a picture and game over. Took BMW 7 hours to arrive and replace the battery so my advice is never assume anything is going to be 100% reliable.
Agreed
The configurator still says you'll get a lightweight battery. Any source confirming that BMW switched from LiFePO4 to AGM?
@michielvandepol6765 fabulous they’re up-to-date as usual. I’m trying to find out at the moment if you order a 1300 with longer travel front suspension, do you lose height? Adjust and that’s proving to be difficult anyone got any answers?
BMW are far to cleaver for their own good!
Not a fan of lithium batteries. Old school wet lead acid batteries in my boat.Two series 31 engine start batteries lasted 11 years and 9 months. Proper care, distilled water only, monthly level checks and kept spotlessly clean. Full time live aboard /cruising for 7 years now. Glad to hear BMW is going back to simple, proven reliable batteries. Screw the weight . Although the bike will be easier to push with the lithium battery.
For 4 years have had a BMWR1250R from new. Fantastic bike to ride, but have had constant starting problems, even on a warm engine, The engine cranks, but will not fire up. It is stressful, when I get on the bike. 'Will it start?' This is the 21st century, one should not have this stress. The bike, after filling at a garage, broke down 25 miles from home at Xmas and was left in a caravan park. Thankfully an elderly gent looked after it for me. I am now getting rid of the bike. BMW have been useless. Having had a few boxers over the years, now turned my back on BMW.
Well, that’s an interesting story. I’m sorry to hear that North Oxford Bmw are very helpful. I never have a bad word to say about them. Anybody wanting Service with five stars needs to go there.
Dude, just get a proper li-ion battery - i've had 5 GSs, li-ion batteries from Shorai and Antigravity and not a single problem.
@@joaosoares3719 nope / going back to lead
@lifeisarideuk Yeah, by the time I'm your age I'll probably be like that, too...
My battery must be changed becauce she died. And the funfact... the BMW Plus charger was connected.
@@x10alfa mmmm
@lifeisarideuk exactly that what I have said to my dealer.
And now I know: If you disconnect the Charger - please wait a few seconds. Otherwise the charger is only showing "charging" but it is not charging.
And by the way. If you get the completely new (old) Relais, you must have a softwareupdate. With these update my Burgerbutton-settings are not longer saved. Ignition off and on and both functions are on the first Entry...
And yes this fact is really annoying.
@@x10alfa they don’t know what they are talking about one of my Tour members are coming to Morocco with me next week was recommended a battery charger which wasn’t suitable for Phillip. He even got an email from the Dealer in the south of England telling him to use the battery charger he researched it and realised it was crap info .