BMW R1200GS Battery
The BMW R1200GS takes a YTZ14S battery, about 230 CCA and 11.2 Ah. It is a sealed agm (maintenance-free), and a lithium drop-in fits the same case.
Key takeaways
- Battery: YTZ14S.
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free), around 230 CCA, 11.2 Ah.
- Lithium drop-in fits the same YTZ14S case - lighter, longer-lived, needs a lithium charger.
- Covers 2005-2013 (battery changed across years - see table).
- Chemistry (OEM)
- Sealed AGM (maintenance-free)
- Cold cranking amps (CCA)
- 230
- Capacity
- 11.2 Ah
- Fits model years
- 2013
The BMW R1200GS uses a YTZ14S - sealed agm (maintenance-free). Around 230 CCA of cold-start current. Meeting or beating the OEM rating is fine; going under it can cause hard starts in the cold. About 11.2 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 R1200GS
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.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
BMW R1200GS battery by year
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 R1200GS take?
The BMW R1200GS takes a YTZ14S battery, a sealed agm (maintenance-free) rated around 230 CCA and 11.2 Ah.
Is the YTZ14S an AGM or lithium battery?
Sealed AGM (maintenance-free). You can also fit a LiFePO4 lithium drop-in in the same YTZ14S case size for less weight and longer life - just use a lithium-aware charger.
How many cold cranking amps (CCA) does it need?
Around 230 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 R1200GS?
Yes. Lithium (LiFePO4) drop-ins are made in the same YTZ14S 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 R1200GS?
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 YTZ14S
See every model that uses a YTZ14S battery →More parts for your BMW R1200GS
We cover the other consumables for your machine too - the exact fit, cited, in one place.