F650GS Won't Turn Over...

[Hardware]

Had Mrs. Hardware's little GS in for servicing at the local BMW dealer last week.  Rode it home in the rain - ran fine, no issues.

We decided to go for a ride today and she couldn't get the bike to start.

Turning the key, the gauges would light up (maybe faintly) but the starter would only click.

I checked the sidestand ignition switch - that wasn't it.

Figured I'd try to bump start and rolled it to the top of our sloped driveway - discovered that the clutch was sticking as even with the lever pulled, the bike wouldn't roll when in gear.  

Put the charger to it and it eventually started.  Took it for a rip and caned it.  Got back.  Shut it off - wouldn't start again.  But at least the sticking clutch issue went away.

Bike's an '08 and the battery's original.  Is this a normal lifespan for the battery in these bikes?

We also got an EWS error message on the computer - one possible source was the clutch not engaging - that went away before I even got the clutch unstuck...???

Suggestions?

[falconati]

It seems like a pretty straightforward battery issue.  My 2003 still had the original battery in 2007, but it depends on how the person took care of the battery.

[RBEmerson]

Is this a sealed or open wet cell battery?  Three years of service from a sealed battery is kinda short.  If the battery is open (little plugs in the top for adding water), and it wasn't treated well (cells left to dry out, for example), then, yeah, three years of service is quite possible.  Wet cells don't like being discharged fully - use a trickle charger (Battery Tender is a good bet) to keep the battery fully charged if the bike sits for a few weeks or longer.  It's also possible the battery was pulled at the dealer and the connections weren't properly tightened afterwards - check 'em, of course.  But I think you're in the market for a battery.  

[Major 662]

use a trickle charger (Battery Tender is a good bet) to keep the battery fully charged if the bike sits for a few weeks or longer.  

Beware that some BMWs require a special BMW (i.e. expensive) charger, if you're going to charge via the accessory outlet.  On my K13S, the bike turns off the accessory outlet after a minute or so, so my Battery Tender can't charge that way.  Direct to battery works for the Battery Tender, although BMW adds warnings in the owner's manual about frying the bike's electronics.

[Lawn Dart]

The F650GS battery is NOT a maintenance free battery.    You must add distilled water to it and keep it topped off.

Does that suck?  Yes.  Yes it does.  I believe there is a fitable Oddysey battery out there though.

PS:  Yep, that's a dead battery.  My wife's F650 went through exactly the same situation.

I recommend going to a "Batteries Plus" location to get a replacment.  BMW are pretty expensive for an old-school lead acid battery.

[ConPilot1]

Best price I've found on batteries online.

http://www.batterymart.com/

[scrape]

Beware that some BMWs require a special BMW (i.e. expensive) charger, if you're going to charge via the accessory outlet.  On my K13S, the bike turns off the accessory outlet after a minute or so, so my Battery Tender can't charge that way.  Direct to battery works for the Battery Tender, although BMW adds warnings in the owner's manual about frying the bike's electronics.

A slight less expensive CANBUS compatable charger is available here too for BMW accessory outlet charging (also can be used for standard bikes so you really get two chargers in one):  http://www.tecmate.com/optimate4dual_detail.php.