Battery Ideas???

[latexeses]

Anyone have suggestions for a good strong battery for the XS??
I have Optima batteries in everything else but they don't make bike batteries. I really would prefer a maint. free battery(sealed). I am open the any ideas from Channel 11. I figure bikes have to be harder on batteries than a cage so there must be as many opinions as there are battery choices. What works for you?
Thanks for the input.

Rodger

[FJ111200]

If you can get them over that side of the pond, Bosch batteries are very good.

[tarzan]

I bought batteries from Batteries Plus for both my XS and Virago.Both seem to be pretty hardy.

[Cobia]

I bought the battery for my '80G at the local Yam dealer two years ago and it's still runing great.
The batts for the '82J and the '79F came from WallyWorld and are also very good. The warranty is outstanding in comparison.

[ManitoulinLad]

Hi - This is my 1st post I hope i do this right. I have had great results with YUASA sealed maint.free batteries. I have an xs650 special & they are vibration kings - this battery has already lasted 2yrs - your standard one lasted less than one season. The secret is to use a battery tender - during the off season especially. I have one currently ordered for my LH. They are a bit pricey but they pay for themselves as they outlast other brands. I expect to get another season or 2 out this one on the 650.

[webbcraft2150]

AGM sealed battery from Battery Specialists. Good warranty. Initial cost may be a bit pricy but they seem to last longer than the cheapos. Look at what you save by not having to pull the seat and undo all the stuff to get the battery out to check the water. And ditto on the battery tender (not charger), even a el-cheapo one will save you alot of grief in the long run. I hardwired a 2 pin trailer connector to my battery. Its a simple plug in process to hook it up. It worked well enough that I did it to the stash of batteries I have under the bench.

[latexeses]

Thanks for the input. I really am leaning to the sealed batteries. After having them in everything else around here I hate the thought of going back to a lead acid leakage battery. There is a Wall-Mart everywhere though. Not too bad insurance.
The battery tender brings up the question about good vs. better with that unit. I'll try and see if I find a thread on battery tenders when I finish here.
I definitely am going to hook up some sort of battery rack for winter storage and set up some sort of plug-in system for a tender.
Thanks again,

Rodger

[MaximPhil]

Hi - This is my 1st post I hope i do this right. I have had great results with YUASA sealed maint.free batteries. I have an xs650 special & they are vibration kings - this battery has already lasted 2yrs - your standard one lasted less than one season. The secret is to use a battery tender - during the off season especially. I have one currently ordered for my LH. They are a bit pricey but they pay for themselves as they outlast other brands. I expect to get another season or 2 out this one on the 650.

Hi ManitoulinLad,
Welcome. Great to have someone from the
Biggest Freshwater Island in the World As i am a cheap bastard i use a regular battery from Canadian Tire. New one in the fall and experimenting with teh Battery Tender under more controlled conditions this year.
Maxim Phil