Panasonic LC-X1220P Battery -- anyone use one?

[rdsmith3]

Since my battery is four years old (original one) I will replace it this year when I feel like taking the stupid gas tank off.

The Odyssey 680 gets lots of recommendations. However, does anyone use the Panasonic LC-X1220P? I think Mike Cam does? Anyone else?

It is a sealed lead acid battery. It is cheaper than the PC 680, also.

What's not to like?

[MikeCam]

RD,

You tagged me. I ordered four and resold three to other mid-Atlantic Roadster owners, who might chime in.

Digi-Key sells a boxed set of 4 for under $45.00 each shipped. Slightly higher for singles. Much less expensive than PC680 (about which I have only heard very good reports).

The terminals on the 'P' model are correctly positioned to line up with the Roadster cables POS and NEG but the lead terminal posts are not a good fit. I drilled out the POS and NEG to make it a better drop in solution (probably from 8mm to 10mm or so).

These batteries come pre-charged and boast a long shelf life which means they also resist mild parasitic drains like the Roadster clock. I hooked them up out of the box and achieved 95% charge immediately while obtaining 100% in less than 30 minutes.

Best of luck.

[rdsmith3]

Mike, thanks.

There is so much information, and MISinformation, on the various forums that it is hard to know what to believe.

I had read that the Panasonic battery was not designed for motorcycle use. It is really meant for UPS standby duty. OTOH, people that use them are very happy with them.

Also, do you know if the Battery Tender Plus will work with it? Or do I need a new trickle charger?

[beemer-biker]

RD,
Digi-Key sells a boxed set of 4 for under $45.00 each shipped. Slightly higher for singles. Much less expensive than PC680 (about which I have only heard very good reports).

Mike, actually I got my Odyssey on ebay, brand new, including shipping for about $60. Considering they sell for $100 or so, plus shipping, everyplace else, I think I got a pretty good deal. This was for only one.

[MikeCam]

Battery Tender, BT Plus, BT Jr all work well with the AGM chemistry of these batteries. I also heard about the 'not for' intended use. Short of Panasonic not bothering to go through DOT HAZMAT certification for vehicular uses, I don't know the reason. They are inert, non-liquid, safe for tip-overs, etc. I did see a post elsewhere that the deep cycle is not as deep on these as it is on PC680. No reason not to credit that as good info. I do not know how deep is deep enough.

Good luck.

[beemerphile]

I had a Panasonic battery fail in a crazy way on my airhead R100RT. It was an intermittent open cell that spiked the voltage up like it was charging a capacitor. The voltmeter was hitting the peg and the bike was misfiring like crazy. If it had been my R1150 I suspect it would have fried some electronics. This may have been the only one in the world to fail this way, but it happened to me, so I have hereafter used the Odyssey batteries with 100% good results. In fact, my R1150 now has two Odyssey PC545 batteries in series located where the ABS junkola would have been. Can you say cranking amps? - Lee

[wncbmw]

I was one that bought into Mike's deal. I don't know how to evaluate the battery yet except that it starts everytime!

[rdsmith3]

rats! Digi Key is out of stock until OCTOBER!

I guess I will have to go with the Odyssey.


EDIT: Apex Battery has the Panasonic for $35! I will try that. The cheapest price I could find for the Odyssey is $85, including eBay.

[NoRRmad]

In fact, my R1150 now has two Odyssey PC545 batteries in series located where the ABS junkola would have been. Can you say cranking amps? - Lee

Sure you don't mean they're hooked in parallel? If they're in series, you're putting 24 Volts into the starter. (Can you say "ZAP?")

[baltm604]

bought the panasonic last year, it failed after 6 months.

drove up to chicago bmw (about 2 miles from my house ..) and bought a sealed bmw version out the door for about $80. Seemed a good deal once you through in shipping, but it still cost me almost 9% sales tax ......

I have had an issue since, including 4K winter miles many of which were well below 32f. down to 8f on one occasion.

Bill

[beemerphile]

Sure you don't mean they're hooked in parallel? If they're in series, you're putting 24 Volts into the starter. (Can you say "ZAP?")

My bad. Definitely in parallel. The two negatives are bonded together and bolted to the frame with a piece of 1" aluminum angle. The two positive are jumpered as well. Good catch - Lee

[hotzuk]

Hey RD,

I replaced the stock battery on my 2002 baby with the Odyssey battery. I believe the model number is PC-680. I also got mine off Ebay for abut $60 shipped to my door. The battery is awesome. The Odyssey batteries are able to sit on the shelf for like 2-3 years and not lose charge. I have had no problems with the battery within my bike. I went with this battery because it is such a pain in the a... to get to the battery on our bikes. I hope this helps.

[rdsmith3]

Son of a gun

I was duped.

I did not buy a PPanasonic battery for $35. I bought a Universal Battery UB 12180 made in China. I should have known that the price was too good to be true.

EDIT

I got a real Panasonic battery from Amazon.com for $50 plus $10 S/H. Installation was easy. I am now maintenance free.

[Parkblu]

Many thanks for the advice! My battery is giving up too (2004 R), and I was slightly comatose this morming when my local delaer told me "$109 out the door".

On top of that, I learned that batteries hate the Florida heat, and that it's always a good idea to look for a better alternative than the OEM versions.

[Lean Angle]

My '02 original batt finally gave up last week after exactly 4 years (37k kms). BMW was asking about $200+ for their wet and almost $300 for the gel. I ended up getting a Yuasa 51913 for $120. Ironic how stuff in the 3rd world are so much more expensive. At least now I can actually "see" the acid level