Some Odyssey battery questions

[Gearhead]

Happy New Year!

 

I've got some questions about batteries. I'm sold on AGM technology, but why Odyssey in particular? I hear "more power" as a reason. But according to spec sheets (using the PC680 for the first gen as an example), there are other AGM batteries that have more. CCA - some have 300-350 range, Od. has 220. AH - others are rated at 22, Od. is 17. This makes sense because the Od. is actually a little smaller and lighter physically. So why go with Od. instead of the others? Are they more honest about their ratings and actually as powerful or more powerful than the others? Is it quality? Reliability? Life? I've known other brand AGM batteries to last 5-6 years in a bike or quad, which as you know is probably double the average for wet cell.

 

Also, why does Od. specify the "MJ" version for the Venture when some other bikes call for the standard PC680? Does the batt compartment in the Venture get much hotter than others?

 

Anybody got an opinion, rumor or lie they would like to share about this?

 

Thanks,

Jeremy

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Happy New Year!

 

I've got some questions about batteries. I'm sold on AGM technology, but why Odyssey in particular? I hear "more power" as a reason. But according to spec sheets (using the PC680 for the first gen as an example), there are other AGM batteries that have more. CCA - some have 300-350 range, Od. has 220. AH - others are rated at 22, Od. is 17. This makes sense because the Od. is actually a little smaller and lighter physically. So why go with Od. instead of the others? Are they more honest about their ratings and actually as powerful or more powerful than the others? Is it quality? Reliability? Life? I've known other brand AGM batteries to last 5-6 years in a bike or quad, which as you know is probably double the average for wet cell.

 

Also, why does Od. specify the "MJ" version for the Venture when some other bikes call for the standard PC680? Does the batt compartment in the Venture get much hotter than others?

 

Anybody got an opinion, rumor or lie they would like to share about this?

 

Thanks,

Jeremy

 

On one of the Odyssey websites there is a page explaining ratings, and that they rate their batteries differently because other makers rate for best case scenarios, blah blah blah....

 

Hey, they are kinda pretty though!

 

 

[lonestarmedic]

I looked at the Odyssey 680. You don't need the MJ model. That adds weight and expense for a metal jacket. On the 1st Gen it is about 1/2" taller and about the same narrower. I see the cold crank and amp-hour ratings also. I picked up an AGM battery with 24 amp-hours and 350 cca. The first one was defective. The second one cranks up a storm. I may get an Odyssey and put it in storage for later. The main draw is the length of service life and the construction. As to the cranking, I will have to get with another 1st Gen owner and compare amp draw and voltage drop. I got my AGM at Batteries Plus. Cost was $86 plus tax. I also put on an automatic 3/4 amp battery tender. My opinion is that the cables are too light for the application. 150-200 amps through the stock wires just don't sit right with me. In a perfect clean conection world probably ok.

 

JB

[Venturous Randy]

I looked at the Odyssey 680. You don't need the MJ model. That adds weight and expense for a metal jacket. On the 1st Gen it is about 1/2" taller and about the same narrower. I see the cold crank and amp-hour ratings also. I picked up an AGM battery with 24 amp-hours and 350 cca. The first one was defective. The second one cranks up a storm. I may get an Odyssey and put it in storage for later. The main draw is the length of service life and the construction. As to the cranking, I will have to get with another 1st Gen owner and compare amp draw and voltage drop. I got my AGM at Batteries Plus. Cost was $86 plus tax. I also put on an automatic 3/4 amp battery tender. My opinion is that the cables are too light for the application. 150-200 amps through the stock wires just don't sit right with me. In a perfect clean conection world probably ok.

 

JB

 

JB, one of the routine upgrades on 1st gens is to go to #4 cables. This really does help the hot weather starts also. There are several post on here about the cable upgrade.

RandyA

[Guest tx2sturgis]

..........My opinion is that the cables are too light for the application. 150-200 amps through the stock wires just don't sit right with me. In a perfect clean conection world probably ok.

 

JB

 

I dont doubt that heavier cables make a difference in starting, especially as the cables age, and connectors corrode, but I dont believe the starter pulls THAT much current!

 

Big, high compression V-twins might pull 100 amps...maybe 150 when cold...but these 1300cc V-4s pull probably less than 100 amps...maybe less than 50...at least when not terribly cold!

 

Has anyone ever metered the starting current on these bikes?

 

I could be wrong...

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GeorgeS]

On 1st Gen, the PC680 is Smaller then the battery box. Maby the other brand, is a Closer Fit, and is actually a larger battery. ?? Just a thought.

 

Spec Sheet: Carefully compare the Spec's on the Odyessy main Web site. To whatever other brand AGM you are considering.

 

Cables: If you do not Replace the Cables, the least I would do, is Resolder the End connectors on your Old Cables. Heat ends with a Propane Torch, and dip Hot into Soldering Rosin Paste.

Then Resolder, useing Rosin Core Solder. ( Do not use Acid Core solder , or paste ) Be sure to clean the Neg. cable where it connects to the FWD RT, Corner of the Engine. This Bolt will have corroded threads, if you have never pulle it out.

 

I found the Stud on my + Cable at the Starter to NOT BE Soldered, and it was badly Corroded. ( The Stud that is, where crimped to the cable) However I did install New Cables. ( If I was doing it again, I would just Resolder the Studs on the old ones )

 

If you bike is over 50K, I would highly Reccomend Replaceing your Starter Solinoid! The Internal Contacts, do get Carboned, and burned. No way to fix this, except replaceing the Solinoid.

 

I have the Odyessy batteries on Two bikes now, and very happy with them.

My 89 starts, with just a " Touch " of the button. Ever since installing the Odyessy.

[Condor]

I'm sure there are other good AGM batteries out there, but I think the reason so many go with the Odyssey is reputation?? I haven't heard of a bad experience with an Odyssey yet... The Metal Jacket ,PC680(MJ), recommendation is only for one bike... The Harley. Seems they viabrate enought to cause problems. At least that's the explanation given to me by their customer service dept.

[Gearhead]

Thanks for all your input. I will say, though, that the application chart on Odyssey's own website calls out the PC680MJ for the Venture Royale, FWIW.

 

Jeremy

[lonestarmedic]

Hi Randy - I recently put 4 gauge welding cables on my 1st Gen. I think it made a difference. As I work on the bike, I will put an amp gauge on and check starter draw. Although the compression isn't as high as a V-twin, we are cranking over 1300cc, the transmission, and whatever oil might be in the system. I think the Odyssey has built a reutation for reliability. I am sure other batteries perform just as well.

 

JB

[Gearhead]

I sent the same question to Odyssey that I asked here a few days ago. Here is their response:

 

CCA is a very old standard and not a good reflection of power. CCA measures the battery after 30 seconds of crank at zero degrees. We at Odyssey don’t want the bike to start in 30 seconds; we want it to start immediately. The PC680MJ puts out 680 amps after 5 seconds which is 2 ½ to 3 times more power than any other battery on the market. We are the only battery company that uses pure lead technology. All other batteries use recycled lead. Using pure lead allows us to make much thinner grids which translates to more power. You will find other companies that fudge the numbers by testing at 32 degrees instead of 0, or by testing at 20 seconds instead of 30.

 

 

We do recommend the MJ version for the Venture because we have found it be hotter with less circulation

[Z Factor]

While we must consider the source of the info, it is nice of you to have made the effort and then posted the reply.