BMW R100RT Battery
The BMW R100RT (1000cc) takes a YTX22L battery, about 280 CCA and 22 Ah. It is a sealed agm (maintenance-free), and a lithium drop-in fits the same case.
Key takeaways
- Battery: YTX22L.
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free), around 280 CCA, 22 Ah.
- Lithium drop-in fits the same YTX22L case - lighter, longer-lived, needs a lithium charger.
- Covers 1987.
- Chemistry (OEM)
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- 280
- Capacity
- 22 Ah
- Engine
- 1000cc
- Fits model years
- 1987
The BMW R100RT uses a YTX22L - sealed agm (maintenance-free). Around 280 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold. About 22 Ah of capacity - the reserve that runs lights and electronics with the engine off.
AGM is the safe like-for-like: cheapest, tolerant of standard chargers and trickle tenders, and heavier. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins in the same case size cut weight by roughly 60-70%, hold voltage better, and self-discharge far slower - but they cost more and need a lithium-aware charger, not an old lead-acid trickle charger.
Buy the battery for your BMW R100RT
AGM is the safe like-for-like: cheapest, tolerant of standard chargers and trickle tenders, and heavier. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins in the same case size cut weight by roughly 60-70%, hold voltage better, and self-discharge far slower - but they cost more and need a lithium-aware charger, not an old lead-acid trickle charger.
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Installing it
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last. Powersports batteries are small and light, so this is usually a 10-15 minute job with a couple of hand tools.
Frequently asked
What battery does a BMW R100RT take?
The BMW R100RT takes a YTX22L battery, a sealed agm (maintenance-free) rated around 280 CCA and 22 Ah.
Is the YTX22L an AGM or lithium battery?
Sealed AGM (maintenance-free). You can also fit a LiFePO4 lithium drop-in in the same YTX22L case size for less weight and longer life - just use a lithium-aware charger.
How many cold cranking amps (CCA) does it need?
Around 280 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold.
Can I put a lithium battery in a BMW R100RT?
Yes. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins are made in the same YTX22L case size, so they fit the tray and terminals. They weigh far less and last longer, but need a lithium-compatible charger rather than an old lead-acid trickle charger.
How do I change the battery on a BMW R100RT?
Disconnect the negative (-) terminal first and reconnect it last. Powersports batteries are small and light, so this is usually a 10-15 minute job with a couple of hand tools.
Other motorcycles that take a YTX22L
See every model that uses a YTX22L battery →More parts for your BMW R100RT
We cover the other consumables for your machine too - the exact fit, cited, in one place.