always something

[GARTHXS]

So I had planned to go on a ride today put my windshield back on and cleaned up my horn button. Pulled the bike out of the garage and tried to fire her up, got a couple of cranks and then lights out. Checked the fuses and connections in the bucket nothing turns out my battery is toast . Frigin agm batteries suck they just quit with no indications. So it looks like I will be shopping for a new one again, any recommendations?

[Cobia]

Garth,
I don't think it pays to go for those really expensive batteries any more. The battery I bought from the Yamie dealership ($60) for my G when I went to test it before buying it, is still giving me good service. That was five+ years ago!!!
The battery I bought for the J, from Wally World, three years ago, is still going very strong and only cost me $40.
Is there a lesson to be learned here? Don't know, but $40 and three years of service seems pretty good to me.

[petejw]

mine did the exact same thing a cpl of days ago,
usually i could milk a battery by charging it
over nite for a month or so but this one just died,

u guys get batterys for cheap,
i was quoted between $100 and $110
but was lucky to get it at a trade price for $60.

[lakecountrydave]

I have had good luck with Yuasa batteries. I also recommend a battery tender.

[crazy steve]

Garth, I'll agree with you on the gel batteries; it's rare that they last beyond 3 years. And to make matters worse, you pay more for them to boot.

I've had the best luck with the 'conventional' ones; I had one go almost 8 years, and most go over five, all without using a tender on them. The critical thing is making sure they've been activated/charged right before putting them into use, as failure to do this (and don't depend on the seller to do it!) will shorten their life a bunch. I'd recommend buying one 'dry' and doing the fill/charge yourself, following the charging instructions that come with the battery. I'll note that you can't use an 'automatic' charger (one that reduces the charging rate when it 'senses' a full charge) as these won't properly or fully charge a new battery; you need a manual model that charges at a set 2 amp rate until you shut it off.

The Yausas are good, but I've had luck with other brands too.

[Tom Andersen]

My first WalMart battery lasted 7 1/2 years, I'm on my second one at 3 1/2 years. Around $40 as has been said.

[GARTHXS]

Well lets see I spent 90 on the last two battereys I could have had almost five Wally world battery's. Maybe I will get two of em when one craps out I will have a spare

[planedick]

Yuasa

Just replaced the battery in mine as it was getting weak and wouldn't crank for more than 15 seconds. I got the same as was in it as it was the one that came with Pathfinder from Texas in '04. I don't know how old it was before I got it. So for now I'm with Yuasa. As I recall, was around $60.

[GARTHXS]

I think the real problem is she is jealous of my truck, but I told her to play nice you might need a ride someday

[Electronhammer]

I also think that it isn't a good idea to allow the battery to be subjected to below freezing temps for extended periods especially if it is just sitting without any type of maintenance charge. So I take my battery into the house over the Winter and give it a few maintenance charges over the Winter. My battery never sees a temperature much colder than freezing unless I am using it in the bike (ie riding in weather colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit). I too have had the same battery for over 3 years. Occasionally checking the battery acid level is always a good idea. Plates should always be completely covered. Any thoughts on my statements?

[GARTHXS]

Uhh if it gets below freezing here I will move south

[Electronhammer]

I agree,GARTHXS

[jetmechmarty]

I have had a XS650 for many years. Typically, I put a new battery in it every year. That twin shakes the lead-acid battery to pieces. I put an AGM battery in it six years ago! Still going strong! I put one in the XS1100SG last year. I bought a DEKA, made in the USA. I guess I'll find out how good it is. Checking the water level on the XS11 is a PITA.

[Electronhammer]

Ya, checking the water(acid) level in the battery in my Honda CB750k is also a bit of a pain, but I think is should probably be checked once in a while.

[Poprock]

I got 5 years out of a Walmart battery. Used a Walmart trickle charger when the bike was idle. Replaced it with a Dennis Kirk "heavy duty" battery, about $90 what with having to buy the acid to put in it. I'd have used a Wallyworld one again, but the local (70 miles away) store was out of that size, so I got one off UPS. I keep the trickler on it while the bike is hybernating. We get the occassional sub-freezing temp here. My garage seems to amplify cold too, so the charger may help the battery resist it.