battery choice

[rdunbar123]

I wonder if anyone could help me on choosiing a new battery. I would like a battery with the max CCA rating  that I can get. I have the magnacharger and feel that the extra power will help start when it gets colder. I problably will steal  my wifes electic blanket to keep the bike warm in the garage.

[Momz]

Get a Deka battery.
The ones they currently sell for the Valks are Gel Cells. Longer life, more amperage, no acid to spill, lighter and cost around $85.00.

[John U.]

The OEM battery for Valks is a Yuasa YTX14-BS @200CCA.
Yuasa used to make a YTX14-HBS @240CCA. I can't find it at any of the outlets I had saved. They are both AGM batteries and have proved to have a long life if treated well.
Maybe you'll have better luck. Let us know if you find them

[rdunbar123]

I found a website that offers a YTX14H-bs that claims a 260CCA for $89 it is www.batterystuff.com

[Jess from VA]

I wonder if anyone could help me on choosiing a new battery. I would like a battery with the max CCA rating  that I can get. I have the magnacharger and feel that the extra power will help start when it gets colder. I problably will steal  my wifes electic blanket to keep the bike warm in the garage.

Bud, the OE Yuasa battery for Valk has all the power you need.  One of my two '99 Interstates still has the original battery.  How, you ask?  Simple.  I ran Battery Tender Jr's (and one Plus) to each of four motorcycles (now only two interstates) since the early 2000's, twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year on all motorcycle batteries, unless I am actually riding (or on a trip).   They do not overcharge any battery, but just keep it at optimal charge continuously.  (I have a new Yuasa for the '99 interstate original battery, but it shows no sign of failing).  When I pull in from a ride, I turn the key off, the petcock off, and plug in the SAE battery tender pigtail wired to the bike battery.

I have never lost a battery or a Battery Tender since I have been doing this, continuously for years.  It gets cold here in No VA in Winter, below freezing, but it will get decent enough to ride periodically throughout the Winter.  Keeping a Battery Tender (or other maintainer with a brain, not a constant trickle charger) hooked up full time keeps the battery in top charge and warm at all times.  Even if you are off the bike for weeks or months at a time in the Winter.

I see no need to look for a better CCA battery.  The Battery Tender Jr. is around a third of the cost of a new battery, and will make any battery last 8-10 years if used continuously.  They pay for themselves.  And it is nice knowing that your battery and charge is perfect each and every time you go out to get on the bike...... esp in February. 

Note:  When I have gone to start the bike in frigid cold weather, even though the battery tender has the battery warm and topped up, I plug in one of those miniature ceramic heaters and put it under the crankcase facing up and turn it on for an hour or so.... then the engine and oil is all warmed up before I hit the starter. 

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S/ref=sr_1_6?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285596085&sr=8-6

http://www.atbatt.com/product/6839.asp

http://www.powerwerx.com/batteries-chargers/battery-tender-junior-jr-12v.html?gclid=CNSrn6Ljp6QCFQ8E5QodFyyE3g

The Plus, charges at a higher/faster rate (not necessary if used continuously)

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0128-Plus-Charger/dp/B00068XCQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285596085&sr=8-1

[flcjr]

the battery in my bike died last night left me stranded at costco. started fine drove there came out dead only 6 volts in battery trailer it home put on charger no help bought a new agm battery at carquest today 220cca installed biked fired up and alternator is putting out over 14.3volts.

[Farther]

This one may work:  www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/YTX14H-BS.html  Here is some more:  www.google.com/search?q=ytx14h-bs+yuasa&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADFA_en

[Mr. Nuts]

I had great service and a great price on an oem type from Tri-State. You fill it and charge it yourself thereby ensuring a fresh battery and not one that's been sitting on a shelf for who knows how long. Price was great too at $59.95 shipped....

http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?products_id=732

[John U.]

Tri-State has the YTX14-BS for 59.95, free shipping
One of Farther's links led me to Powersport Superstore. They have YTX14H-BS for 78.19, no mention of shipping but I didn't complete the checkout process.
19 buck may be too much to pay for 20% more CCA. I agree that unless you have a serious current draw, or a hard starting Valk, the stock battery should be sufficient. Ultimately your alternator has to be able to handle the current demand anyway.

[R J]

John U, he is running a blower, they need all the help they can get in cold weather.

Don't ask how I know.

[aslondon]

DEKA have used them for years absolutely great battery.

Al
Vrcc #4321

[John U.]

The only Deka I could find that fits is a 200CCA. BTW Dekas for Valks are AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries just like the Yuasa or the Motocross by Yuasa. They can't spill and are more resistant to vibration damage.
I checked the Powersport Superstore again and they want 16.00 for shipping. That makes Batterystuff.com @89.00 shpped a better deal.
Good luck

[flcjr]

I only paid $70 at carquest for a 220cca agm battery it was there brand no experience with this battery but most batteries are made by one of three makers and branded as needed. i only bought thiers because they had one and delivered it to my work first thing monday morning

[Hotrodwing]

+1 on the DEKA

[John U.]

The Deka is American made, I think the Yuasa is as well. Yuasas have performed very well (and long) for most of us
There are a bunch of Chinese batteries out there theses days, let the buyer beware!

[BIG COUNTRY 23321]

Anyone know if Optima Make a red Top Battery for our Bikes?