AGM Battery

[Guy_b_g]

I had an Odessy AGM on my Guzzy, it lasted 8 years with no problems, and the bike was stored outside under a cover in Kansas and upstate NY. It was also smaller than a similar power conventional battery. It always started the bike the next spring, until the 8th year when I replaced it with another Odessy.

[thewright1]

What's up guys,

I need to buy a battery for my bike, and I need to find out what the best choice is. I'm reading these posts, and it looks like AGM is a nightmare (with the exception of the post right above this one)? I've been seeing a lot of them on eBay, but just wanted to know what everyone else recommends.

[bikerphil]

Cheapest is Walmart, usually good for 2-3 years, YMMV. If it craps out, you're only out $45.

[thewright1]

Nice, good price, I just went to their website but couldn't find anything under YMMV, is there a specific model number?

[WMarshy]

Well, last year when I got my bike the battery came with it. They seller said he would put the tender on it every month or so (while it was in the bike) but it needed a jump to get it running when I picked it up to drive it home. After a hour and a half to get it home it must of charged and I never had a problem getting it to start last season. I put my bike away last fall and decided to leave the battery in it and thought I would just eat the cost of a new one this spring. Well, on friday I got the bike out and had to do a few things to get it ready to ride. I poped the key in it and hit the start button and it turned over 4-5 times so I decided it was salvageable. Pulled it out added an inch or two to a couple of cells and let it charge for 14 hours. I guess I got lucky or it's stronger than I had though. I will be taking the maintenance free battery back that I shelled $100 out for.

[bikerphil]

Nice, good price, I just went to their website but couldn't find anything under YMMV, is there a specific model number?

YMMV = your mileage may vary, lol. Take your old battery to Walmart and match it up, easiest way. I'll see if I can find the P/N for you.

Ever-start P/N ES50N18LA3
Dimensions: 8 1/2" X 3 9/16" X 6 3/8"
Pro rated 6 mo.
free replacement 1 mo.

[thewright1]

YMMV = your mileage may vary, lol. Take your old battery to Walmart and match it up, easiest way. I'll see if I can find the P/N for you.

Ever-start P/N ES50N18LA3
Dimensions: 8 1/2" X 3 9/16" X 6 3/8"
Pro rated 6 mo.
free replacement 1 mo.

Lol, YMMV, I see why I couldn't find it.

[thewright1]

Thanks for the info guys. I just picked the battery up from Walmart, and I'm gonna go home tonight and plug it up. Wish me luck!

[bikerphil]

After filling, charge it up some on low (2 amp) before starting the bike. It'll have a longer life span.

[thewright1]

After filling, charge it up some on low (2 amp) before starting the bike. It'll have a longer life span.

I'm glad you mentioned that cause when i get excited, i don't read directions, I would have just taken the battery out and let her rip. Should I take it to Kragens or AutoZone to get a charge? My charger is kind of slow, it might take a while to charge it up completely.

[bikerphil]

Slow charge is good. The battery will be about 3/4 charged when you put in the acid (chemical reaction). Just let her rip on the slow charger for a while, and you'll be good to go. Fill the battery to the upper line, but not past it.

[thewright1]

Slow charge is good. The battery will be about 3/4 charged when you put in the acid (chemical reaction). Just let her rip on the slow charger for a while, and you'll be good to go. Fill the battery to the upper line, but not past it.

Will do, while I'm charging it, I guess that can give me some time to fix my blinkers and put my license plate holder on.

[MeatTooth]

I bought a agm battery from batteries plus. It was the biggest that would fit under my rear cowl 220cca (I think) and it cranks like crazy. I had the bike stored since mid Oct. without a charger on it and it cranked over last week! The battery cost 75$ and it was well worth it in my opinion.

[lakecountrydave]

I thought I'd chime in and agree with oldyam80sg. My last bike I got in 2003, and I bought a Yuasa battery. I stored it winters inside, but without a tender. I sold the bike to my buddy in 2007 when I bought my XS1100. My buddy did not pick up the bike until last October. When I got my XS11 I bought a tender, but I only put my buddies battery on the tender when I was riding my bike. I put gas in the tank and hooked up the battery and the bike fired right up! I was impressed!

[nightpilot]

I too got an AGM battery that went dead and actually fell apart from batteries plus. I will never buy anything from batteries plus again.

Although I had misgivings about AGMs I gave in and got one from Advance Auto Parts for eighty bucks that came with a three year warranty. I know I can replace it for three years but I still dont have much faith in it and am concerned because I have never been successful starting the xj by pushing it.