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Battery Replacement - Which brand?

59K views 60 replies 33 participants last post by  silviefox 
#1 ·
Hey everyone,

I need to replace my battery. Suffice it to say, it was accidentally fully drained twice in the past year and now it simply will not remain charged. I was curious, does anyone have advice on which brand or should I just rebuy the original Yuasa battery? I can save as much as 50% by going with another off brand, but I'm worried about the quality compared to yuasa. Thanks for any advice!
 
#2 ·
I haven't looked, but I'd see if I could find an AGM battery that will fit. They last much longer. Always remember that the electronics continually drain the battery at a low rate, even with the ignition off. It's a good idea to use a small battery maintainer if it's parked for more than a day or two.
 
#4 ·
the only drain on a battery whent he ignition is turned off should be any alarm or possibly immobiliser.. as these typically drain in the milliamp range you shouldn't need to use an optimate or similar unless you are leaving the bike alone in a shed for months on end.. and if you do that post your name here so we can report you to the society for prevention of cruelty to motorbikes. :)

they shouldn't have a problem if left unstarted for a month or so. however I could well believe that if you try to start the bike in (freezing) cold weather after a month you may have problems.

as to a battery make I really don't think it matters to much providing the size and capacity is the same its fine. the only choice in my mind is if you try to find a gel or sealed battery in preference to conventional lead acid battery
 
#5 ·
Any battery will self discharge over time. And partially discharged batteries are subject to sulfation, which decreases the battery's capacity. Smaller batteries of the type used in motorcycles are especially affected because they have very little reserve capacity. Leaving any motorcycle battery in any state other than fully charged will shorten its life tremendously.

I've been using Battery Tender products for many years, and my batteries last 5 to 6 years, which is excellent for these small types. The large group 31 truck battery for my emergency generator has had a tender since brand new, and that was over ten years ago. I have one permanently installed in my 24 volt military jeep, and four more for the motorcycles kept in running order. Everything is plugged in if it's going to be idle more than a day, and this is easy because it only involves plugging the cord into a pigtail on each machine as it is parked. Considering the cost of new batteries, it's been much less expensive to use the tenders.

The Battery Tender Jr. is the best deal out there right now. It's fully automatic, made by a company with long experience, and it's also inexpensive. I recently bought two through Amazon.com for $44 including shipping. It would make sense to spend $22 and get triple the life from a battery, considering the replacement cost.

BTW, there IS a constant small current drain from the electronics in a Versys. It's mentioned in the instruction manual.
 
#6 ·
#7 ·
Well, I should have added some context I guess. I have always used AGM/sealed batteries since I had an old acid one that was a pain to maintain. I use a battery tender plus, and love it. It can even save some old batteries and make them work again at least for awhile. This battery went dead when I reluctantly let a friend borrow it to help move a project bike that ran, but didn't have a good battery. He left the parking light/brake light on and drained it for a few days. I have decided to order a WestCo. Battery, there were MANY options to choose from. The V battery is the same as in the 650R so they have had time to make replacements. Thanks for the advice!
 
#15 · (Edited)
So you like the Interstate (made by Yuasa) AGM battery? Did you get the CYCLE-TRON II (CYTX12-BS), or the CYCLE-TRON PLUS (FAYTX12)?

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/...2937905&Title=Cycle-Tron+II+-+180+CCA+-+10+AH
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/...37905&Title=Cycle-Tron+Plus+-+180+CCA+-+10+AH

I see now that RedRabbit got a WestCo AGM battery (made in Vietnam) for $73.95 including shipping:

I have decided to order a WestCo. Battery, there were MANY options to choose from. The V battery is the same as in the 650R so they have had time to make replacements.
http://www.westcobattery.com/battery_page.php?bid=49&vid=1&mid=761
 
#11 · (Edited)
#16 · (Edited)
I've been buying batteries at Batteries Plus lately. I discovered them as a source for bike batteries by chance, one time I needed a battery for the DRZ urgently and no dealer had one in stock. Usually cheaper than "brand name" batteries and they have a warranty. The riding in the dirt a lot will accelerate mechanical wear. Batteries Plus will give you a new one if it happens within 12 months (or whatever the warranty is for that battery). :thumb:

Gustavo
 
#19 ·
#24 · (Edited)
Nice find, stlee29! :thumb: Expensive, lightweight Lithium Ion technology.

Shorai batteries' cylindrical Lithium Ion cells in military spec carbon fiber composite case are nearly 7 pounds lighter, have much lower self-discharge rate, do not sulfate, holds charge for one year without maintenance, has twice to four times the service life of lead-acid batteries, and super-fast recharge rate.
SAFE - No explosive gasses during charge, no lead, no acid. Environmentally friendly, just discharge and dispose. Japanese engineering and components.

http://www.shoraipower.com/t-faq.aspx
 
#25 · (Edited)
Original AGM 180 CCA battery is Yuasa (made in China) YTX12-BS

Interstate (Yuasa) CYTX12-BS, FAYTX12
Motocross (Yuasa) YTX12-BS http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?products_id=731
Batteries Plus (USA) XTAX12-BS, X2-12 http://www.batteriesplus.com/produc...asaki/KLE650-Versys/650CC-2008-to-2010/1.aspx
Big Crank (USA) ETX12 http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank-ETX12-Battery.html
Deka- East Penn International (USA/China) ETX112, YTX12-BS http://www.dekacatalog.com/#
Energizer (Johnson Controls, USA) 02078210 (Walmart)
EverStart MAXX (Johnson Controls, USA) ES12BS (Walmart)
Power Max (China) GTX12-BS http://www.apexbattery.com/kawasaki...-batteries-kawasaki-motorcycle-batteries.html
Scorpion (China) YTX12BS http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/sYTX12-BS.html
WestCo (Vietnam) 12V12-B http://www.westcobattery.com/battery_page.php?bid=49&vid=1&mid=761
Champion 12BS
Delco GTX12-BS
NAPA 740-1866
Powersonic PTX-12BS
PowerStar PM12-BS
Sears 44016
Yacht CTX12-BS

BikeMaster (Taiwan) (Gel) MG12-BS (230 CCA) http://www.bikemaster.com/bmstrv2.nsf/Products/D0A5D51618DBEF8F862576B20074849F?opendocument
http://www.powersportsuperstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=MG12-BS
Yucell (China) (Gel) YG12-BS (140 CCA) http://www.yucell.com/gel.html

Shorai (Japan/China) (Lithium Ion) LFX12A1-BS12 (155 CCA), LFX14A1-BS12 (210 CCA), LFX18A1-BS12 (270 CCA), LFX09A2-BS12 (135 CCA).
http://www.shoraipower.com/s-43180-KLE650-Versys.aspx
https://www.motomummy.com/store/product.php?productid=18829&cat=255&page=1
 
#26 ·
Good info. This thread needs to join the Sticky threads.
 
#29 ·
I saw a Shorai Battery at the Motorcycle Show in Washington DC last Jan.15 and it was really light, the rep said that it should last twice as long than a standard battery. For fellow V riders who wants to shave some weight off your rides, this battery is for you. Also saw a very nice Wine Red 2011 Versys w/ almost all the accessories in place(no hugger) and the new Ninja1000.

Gerald:D
 
#34 · (Edited)
Which is best between AGM and Gel? http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/1081.pdf

http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf

What are the differences between gel batteries and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries?

Both are recombinant batteries. Both are sealed valve-regulated (SVR) – also called valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA). AGM batteries and gel batteries are both considered “acid-starved”. In a gel battery, the thixotropic gelled electrolyte does not flow like a normal liquid. The electrolyte has the consistency and appearance of petroleum jelly. Like gelled electrolyte batteries, absorbed electrolyte batteries are also considered non-spillable – all of the liquid electrolyte is trapped in the sponge-like matted glass fiber separator material.
The “acid-starved” condition of gel and AGM batteries protects the plates during heavy deep-discharges. The gel battery is more starved, giving more protection to the plate; therefore, it is better suited for super-deep discharge applications.
Due to the physical properties of the gelled electrolyte, gel battery power declines faster than an AGM battery’s as the temperature drops below 32ºF (0ºC). AGM batteries excel for high current, high power applications and in extremely cold environments.
 
#35 · (Edited)
AGM:

If you don't prep these right you will have an early failure... When you put the electrolyte in them, and pull the empty carton from the top, let them sit over night with the top off. BEFORE you hit them with current. This allows the liquid to fully soak the Glass Matting and permeate. Trust me on that one PLEASE

The TruGel batteries seem to hold up very well down here in the desert and have a good warranty. Personally if it wasn't a Yuasa, I would make sure it was made here in the USA, Japan, or at least Korea. I work with a lot of foreign vendors and a lot of low quality control GARBAGE comes from other places. It is hit and miss, just hard to know what you're gonna get from a battery maker. Otherwise I would pass... my .02
 
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