When it comes to motorcycle batteries in South Africa, OUTDO Batteries has steadily built a strong reputation. Imported locally by Forbatt SA, the brand brings with it years of global experience, backed by advanced manufacturing and a clear focus on performance and reliability.
OUTDO isn’t just another battery manufacturer—they’ve proven their worth where it matters most: in motorsport and on the road. Their technology has been tested under extreme racing conditions, including endurance events where reliability is non-negotiable. This real-world testing has helped refine their battery performance, durability, and consistency.
Adding further credibility is their association with BMW Motorrad, a partnership that reflects a high level of trust in the brand’s engineering and quality. When a product performs at that level, it naturally filters down into the everyday rider’s experience—whether on the track or out on the open road.
We all understand that racing—especially endurance racing—is one of the toughest environments to test any product. But what about the adventure rider?
Adventure motorcyclists push their machines in a very different way. Long-distance trips mean heavily loaded bikes, constant strain on suspension, braking systems, and engines—not to mention the rider’s own endurance. Yet one component often overlooked is the battery quietly working under the seat.
Modern adventure bikes rely on more electronics than ever before, and they get used in more remote places than usual. GPS units, auxiliary lighting, charging ports for phones and power banks—these all draw power. And like anything mechanical or electrical, there’s always a limit. In the case of a battery, that limit shows up as a voltage drop or overload.
With plans to take on more serious adventure riding this year, I recently added a Husqvarna Norden 901 to the garage. As expected, it’s already running an aftermarket GPS and integrated spotlights, with more accessories planned—additional lighting, device charging, and other essentials for extended trips.
That got me thinking: Is the standard battery really enough?
The goal was simple—find a battery that fits the OEM space but offers increased capacity (Ah). Look at it this way, a higher Ah battery is similar to having a slightly larger fuel tank—the bike will start the same, but you can run the lights or accessories with the engine off for a bit longer.
Fortunately, Forbatt SA makes this process easy. Their website includes a comprehensive battery search tool where you simply enter your motorcycle’s make and model. With over 2,400 battery options available, it’s clear they’ve invested heavily in covering the South African market. For the Norden 901, the recommended option was the HC12A-BS (iGEL)—a direct-fit upgrade.
Now, choosing between AGM, Gel, or Lithium batteries isn’t about which is “best”—it’s about application. Each has its strengths depending on how and where you ride. For adventure riding, conditions are unpredictable: rough terrain, constant vibration, and temperature extremes. That’s where Gel batteries stand out. They’re known for their durability and resistance to vibration, making them a solid match for this kind of riding.
On the other hand, my road bikes tell a different story. Take my Aprilia RS 250, for example—it runs a lithium battery that’s incredibly lightweight, perfect for performance-focused riding where every kilogram counts. But that setup isn’t necessarily suited to the harsher demands of adventure riding.
Out of the box, the OUTDO iGEL battery presents well, with its distinctive orange casing—a nice visual match for the KTM DNA beneath the Norden’s design. One standout feature is the built-in battery tester. It’s a simple but incredibly useful addition, allowing you to check the battery’s charge state without needing a multimeter or charger. For bikes that sit between trips, this is especially practical.
On the scale, the battery weighs in at around 3.7 kg (300 grams lighter than my current battery), which is standard for its class. OUTDO also claims impressive temperature resilience, with operating capabilities ranging from extreme cold (-30°C to -50°C) up to high heat (65°C and above)—ideal for the varied conditions riders can face.
To round things off, Forbatt SA backs the product with a 1-year warranty, adding peace of mind for riders investing in reliability. At the end of the day, a battery might seem like a simple component—but for riders, especially those pushing boundaries in remote areas in Africa, it’s a critical piece of the puzzle.
We, motorcyclists and adventurers, want products that have been tested properly, not just in theory but in the real world. Knowing that OUTDO batteries have been pushed to the limit in motorsport and trusted by brands like BMW Motorrad adds a level of confidence that’s hard to ignore.
So, if you’re looking for a battery that’s built on proven performance and designed to handle the demands of real-world riding, it might be time to take a closer look at OUTDO.
