Question on which Battery to get

[tlh]

was going to drop in a new battery proactively so i don't run into a problem on a trip (has happened before) and had a question.  was thinking about putting in an absorbed glass mat battery (AGM) instead of regular Maintenance free.  i had a battery short out once on a trip which i attributed to a low quality battery not handling the vibration so i thought an AGM battery would be best.  but looking at bikemaster battery site i see their AGM is only 120 cold cranking amps vs the YUASA Maintenance free being something like 200......so am now wondering if just best to put in a Maintenance free YUASA.  ..or are there other brands of AGM people recommend? (PS: I don't want a Gel battery as i understand you need a special charger for them and already have a bunch of battery tenders around)

thanks

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I took my YUASA out when it was 10 years old because like you I did'nt want trouble on the road. I bought another YUASA from the local Honda dealer the best I can remember it was around $85.00 out the door....The old YUASA is in my Honda 450 Foreman and still works great.

[R J]

Yuaasa (sp) makes a lot of batties for other brand names.

Somewhere there is a cross reference to brand by brand.

I'm looking for that link but as of right now I can't find it.

When I find it i will modify this post.

Not the one I really wanted but this has most of the information.


http://herehydro.weebly.com/uploads/9/3/9/1/93913/battery_manufacturers_and_brand_names_list.pdf

[Michvalk]

I put an AGM battery in my Interstate about 7 years ago, and I believe it was a 200 cca battery. It was more expensive than a standard battery, but I thought well worth it. Never had a problem with it. But, I think if I had it to do over again, would probably just go with a standard battery, for the difference in price. Really, just a matter of what YOU think

[salty1]

YUASA is tough to beat for dependable service.  $67 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/YUASA-YTX14-BS-Maintenance-Free-Battery/dp/B000WJX4BQ/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=GL1500C%2FCD%20Valkyrie%7C17893&Year=1998%7C1998&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=motorcycle

[Ricky-D]

Pretty much all motorcycle batteries that you can buy are AGM type batteries and it's AGM batteries that are lots of time referred to as GEL batteries.

Here's a bit about gel batteries:  http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/frequently-asked-questions/powersports-batteries-faq/does-my-motorcycle-have-a-gel-cell-battery.html

Same with maintenance free batteries - They all are pretty much maintenance free, meaning no need to add water.  Look at the tops of the batteries.  Big letters  DO NOT OPEN, means maintenance free.

You can confuse yourself with all the hype and exaggeration going around.

As to how long they last, well they are not guaranteed past a few years at best (motorcycle batteries),,, and any additional years of service should be looked at as a bonus.

***

[hubcapsc]

I got a warm fuzzy feeling about making sure my new YUASA was the made-in-USA kind,
they aren't all.

Read the instructions on whatever you get, you'll see you're not supposed to just throw it in
and go on down the road. It will work, but the instructions will say to get it properly charged
first...

One of the FAQs down at the place RickyD posted talks about how they take care of the initial charge
for you, and describes a typical proper initial charge...

http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/frequently-asked-questions/powersports-batteries-faq/will-i-need-to-charge-my-motorcycle-battery.html

-Mike

[Gryphon Rider]

AGM and gel are two different technologies.  The Yuasa maintenance-free batteries that came with Valkyries are AGM.  You can't go wrong finding the best deal on an identical Yuasa battery.

[sugerbear]

well, if your looking for cca

how about 360

http://www.impactbattery.com/braille-b14115-ytx14-bs-upgrade.html

yes it fits

[valky1500]

I've been using Interstate Batteries ever since.
http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Search.aspx/Motorcycles/HONDA-MOTORCYCLES/1500-All-Valkyrie?dsNavigation=Ns~Capacity|101|1|,N~38-4282938601-4282937840

[Farther]

I've been using Interstate Batteries ever since.

Ever since what?

[whitestroke]

AGM and gel are two different technologies.  The Yuasa maintenance-free batteries that came with Valkyries are AGM.  You can't go wrong finding the best deal on an identical Yuasa battery.

+++1

[Led]

I took my YUASA out when it was 10 years old because like you I did'nt want trouble on the road. I bought another YUASA from the local Honda dealer the best I can remember it was around $85.00 out the door....The old YUASA is in my Honda 450 Foreman and still works great.

YUP!!!   I go to my local Honda shop to by my batteries. Those things last a LONG time!  I tried a place like a "Batteries Plus" once........a year and a half later, the battery was toast.......back to the Honda shop!!
I may be due for a new one. It has been so long that I cannot remember when I bought my last battery. I know it has been at least 8 years now........She fired every time this year.....but the "punch" on the starter motor was lacking a bit........

[Steve K (IA)]

I took my YUASA out when it was 10 years old because like you I did'nt want trouble on the road. I bought another YUASA from the local Honda dealer the best I can remember it was around $85.00 out the door....The old YUASA is in my Honda 450 Foreman and still works great.

YUP!!!   I go to my local Honda shop to by my batteries. Those things last a LONG time!  I tried a place like a "Batteries Plus" once........a year and a half later, the battery was toast.......back to the Honda shop!!
I may be due for a new one. It has been so long that I cannot remember when I bought my last battery. I know it has been at least 8 years now........She fired every time this year.....but the "punch" on the starter motor was lacking a bit........

About Batteries Plus...I was in a Batteries + about 7-8 years ago (not looking for a M/C battery) and seen a Yuasa M/C battery on a shelf.  Commented to the salesman about them carrying Yuasa batteries and how I thought they were the best.  He told me that the Yuasa's they sold were counterfeit, and the only way to get a genuine Yuasa is to get it from a M/C shop. 
I have tried Walmart batteries in both Valks because some guys here said they were great... yea right, neither one made it 2 years, so I went back to Yuasa.  I think the Walmart batteries were $79...Yuasa at the bike shop was $90.  Long story short, I wasted a lot of money. 

[t-man403]

I took my YUASA out when it was 10 years old because like you I did'nt want trouble on the road. I bought another YUASA from the local Honda dealer the best I can remember it was around $85.00 out the door....The old YUASA is in my Honda 450 Foreman and still works great.

YUP!!!   I go to my local Honda shop to by my batteries. Those things last a LONG time!  I tried a place like a "Batteries Plus" once........a year and a half later, the battery was toast.......back to the Honda shop!!
I may be due for a new one. It has been so long that I cannot remember when I bought my last battery. I know it has been at least 8 years now........She fired every time this year.....but the "punch" on the starter motor was lacking a bit........

I have tried Walmart batteries in both Valks because some guys here said they were great... yea right, neither one made it 2 years, so I went back to Yuasa.  I think the Walmart batteries were $79...Yuasa at the bike shop was $90.  Long story short, I wasted a lot of money. 

Wal-Mart has different levels of batteries.
I payed $107.00 for mine, not that that makes a difference, but I did choose to buy from Wal-Mart cause everywhere you go ............ there they are. I thought that if I did have a problem, I am in they're system and warranty would not be a problem.

[Mildew]

I used swap my battery every 23 months from Wally world but uni quit doing that just because. Bought my last one at batteries plus 2 or 3 years ago. I think it was $69. Probably made in China

[Brian]

YUASA is tough to beat for dependable service.  $67 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/YUASA-YTX14-BS-Maintenance-Free-Battery/dp/B000WJX4BQ/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=GL1500C%2FCD%20Valkyrie%7C17893&Year=1998%7C1998&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=motorcycle

I just bought this one yesterday from Amazon. They have a $5 off special on anything over $25. With free shipping $62. Sweet.

[whitestroke]

[/quote]

About Batteries Plus...I was in a Batteries + about 7-8 years ago (not looking for a M/C battery) and seen a Yuasa M/C battery on a shelf.  Commented to the salesman about them carrying Yuasa batteries and how I thought they were the best.  He told me that the Yuasa's they sold were counterfeit, and the only way to get a genuine Yuasa is to get it from a M/C shop. 

[/quote]

Anyone else ever heard of counterfeit batteries?   

[Ricky-D]

Yuasa batteries are made in many countries.

He's probably referring to the batteries made in China. I've heard they are not the "good-uns".

They're all Yuasa however.

***

[Brian]

YUASA is tough to beat for dependable service.  $67 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/YUASA-YTX14-BS-Maintenance-Free-Battery/dp/B000WJX4BQ/ref=au_pf_pfg_s?ie=UTF8&Make=Honda%7C59&Model=GL1500C%2FCD%20Valkyrie%7C17893&Year=1998%7C1998&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=motorcycle

Update for those of you out there looking to buy one of these from Amazon. I just received mine today. It is made in good old USA. The acid is seperate, this will need poured in and the battery placed on a charger. The unit came with instructions. The whole procedure appears to be really simple.

[whitestroke]

Good choice.
How much $.

[valky1500]

Good choice.
How much $.

I buy the Interstate motorcycle, car and truck batteries ever since...

and they are just as good as the yusa or any other. 

[old2soon]

The Yuasa I M H O is the only way for me to go. I paid a little more at my M/C dealership but i needed the battery NOW. I'm not complaining but i do know i have a very reliable battery in my Phatt Ghurl. She really do need a battery that is as reliable as she is.  RIDE SAFE.

[Cotton Mouth]

Thanks for the link to the battery on Amazon. Glad to see it's made in the USA. I've learned that I can't afford to buy cheap stuff. When I would, it always cost me more sooner or later. Buy the best you can afford, you'll actually save money.

[cookiedough]

i'd stick with Yuasa still going strong now 5+ years now and hopefully expect another 2-3 for sure i hope.  For the price, can't be beat I don't think, not too many have issues with them first 5-6 years of owning for piece of mind hard to beat. 

Whatever you do, don't go to batteries plus and get their brand name ones they sell will ONLY last 2-3 years tops and be dead.

[Ricky-D]

That is all they are warrantied for regardless!  Any of them!

***

[CoachDoc]

Yuasa makes an upgraded version of the stock YTX14-BS battery, designated as the "High performancë" YTX14H-BS. This is also an AGM battery, same dimensions, 0.5 lbs. heavier, and boosts CCA from 200 to 240. Adds about $25-30 to the cost.

http://www.yuasabatteries.com/motorcycle.php?action=showListing#formanchor

[north-aurora]

I just bought this one yesterday from Amazon. They have a $5 off special on anything over $25. With free shipping $62. Sweet.

Is the $5 off special still available? How did you get that.

[Brian]

I just bought this one yesterday from Amazon. They have a $5 off special on anything over $25. With free shipping $62. Sweet.

Is the $5 off special still available? How did you get that.

I apologize for not seeing this post north-aurora. That $5 off special ended the night I sent in the order.

[Wingster1980]

Hi Guys....well not too sure for the Val...but I have purchased a Shorai Lithium- Iron,  for my other bike(1983 Suzuki 1100E-Cafe racer and absolutely no issues what ever.!!) Starts each and every time with just one punch of the starter. I can tell you I will get one for my Val as soon as the one I have now hits the graveyard. It may be a while though as I keep it charged and works with just one  and maybe two hits of the starter. They(Shorai) are a bit pricey(list about $225(?) each-) but "says" five to seven year life span(?) and it's way so light. If any measure of reliability can be determined by the one I have now I think it will be a done deal.

[Farther]

I am technology challenged so I can't seem to figure out which Shorai fits, other than by measurement.  If you figure out which one it is, please post here.

[Momz]

I prefer to use the American made DEKA AGM batteries.

[steve 3054]

I only by Harley Davidson batteries...in a pinch I have bought others but they soon fail and I go back to H.D.....probably made by Yuasa

[Bone]

Made is the USA

The World's Largest and Most Modern Battery Manufacturing Facility
Over 2 million sq. feet under roof on a 490+ acre plant site.

 
 East Penn Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Deka Road
Lyon Station, PA 19536 USA
 

[Momz]

I though DEKAs were made in China.

Nope,......US made (in PA) and better warranty than any batteries. They also have double terminals to add accessories.

[Wingster1980]

Farther - Try this one:
http://www.batterystuff.com/all-products-by-brand/shorai. Hopefully you'll get the answer your looking for. It's pretty straight forward. I know electrical stuff gets my goat too....but this is pretty easy....

[Wingster1980]

Farther - if the other one doesn't work try this one....just look up the model # for your type motorcycle and then you'll be pretty well set. Give me a write if there is any other issues.....
http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/lithium-iron-batteries/

danny

[Wingster1980]

Farther -
And finally

http://www.atbatt.com/motorcycle-batteries/b/honda/m/gl1500-valkyrie-1500cc-97-03.asp

Later!

[Farther]

Thanks for the links!