Originally posted by crazy steve
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I need a battery - HOLY CRAP! $100?!
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Nathan
KD9ARL
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1978 XS1100E
K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace
LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
Green Monster Coils
SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally posted by crazy steve View PostI do agree that AGM batteries are a waste of money.Marty (in Mississippi)
XS1100SG
XS650SK
XS650SH
XS650G
XS6502F
XS650E
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Originally posted by jetmechmarty View PostNot always. I also ride a XS650. It rattles apart a wet cell every season. The current AGM has been in there seven years or more. It is obviously more resistant to vibration than the wet cell. Of course, that isn't such an issue with the XS11.Richard
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Originally posted by jetmechmarty View PostNot always. I also ride a XS650. It rattles apart a wet cell every season. The current AGM has been in there seven years or more. It is obviously more resistant to vibration than the wet cell. Of course, that isn't such an issue with the XS11.Nathan
KD9ARL
μολὼν λαβέ
1978 XS1100E
K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace
LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
Green Monster Coils
SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore Roosevelt
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Originally posted by natemoen View PostThe agm setup is intended to be much more resistant to vibrations.
I'm also on a Sportster list, and if there's a bike that needs vibration resistance, that's one of 'em. There was a big stampede over there to AGM 3-4 years ago, and they just didn't measure up. Most guys were only getting 2-3 years out of them (mine lasted 2 years), not good when the prior 'conventional' battery in mine went almost eight and cost less. That result was all-too-typical, with the longest I've heard of one lasting was five years. They claim they're 'better' but I just haven't seen it.
I've had by far the best luck with conventional batteries in the bikes. I do maintain them, maybe most owners don't, I dunno... I just know I won't buy another....Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two
'78E original owner - resto project
'78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
'82 XJ rebuild project
'80SG restified, red SOLD
'79F parts...
'81H more parts...
Other current bikes:
'93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
'86 XL883/1200 Chopper
'82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...
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Originally posted by GTXS1100 View PostIf you want to try and save your old battery make sure the water level is correct. There should be a line on the side of it with a mark like acid level or water level. You can pull the plugs on top of the battery and fill each cell with distilled water. Once each one is full i replug each one and charge it on a low amperage like Steve said 2amps or as low as your charger will go and i usualy leave it on there for at least 10 to 12 hours. If it doesnt work then i get a new one. This way all im out is my time and not my monney. But to each there own.
As an aside, I did go back to walmart and bought the battery TopCat suggested. It's sitting happily unopened in a dark corner of my garage. While I generally push my car batteries to around 8 years with the help of my trusty solar-powered trickle charger something tells me that after two years of UTTER neglect I've got another season or two (MAYBE three) with the battery currently in the XS. And when battery prices inevitably rise I will be laughing.
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Originally posted by Rasputin View PostOh and by the way our buck is close to or higher than a US buck right now, so no comments about funny money OK.-- Clint
1979 XS1100F - bought for $500 in 1989
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I am only on my second year with two of my bikes with AGM batteries. Both bikes started up this spring as if I had only put them in storage last week. There was no hesitation or anything. My bikes always seem to winter well, as I charge them before storing but the AGM's seemed to have more juice in the spring.
I have had very good luck with the acid filled batteries as well and many have lasted for 7 yrs. I just decided to give these a try as they are supposed to handle vibration better. Thing is as I was getting 7 yrs battery life with an acid filled one how long do I need to wait to declare one is superioir to another?
While your battery may be better than mine I like what I have seen so far out of the AGM's.2-79 XS1100 SF
2-78 XS1100 E Best bike Ever
80 XS 1100 SG Big bore kit but not fully running yet.
Couple of more parts bikes of which 2 more will live!
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My understanding of it is that the AGM batteries will charge OK with most standard alternator systems. If you let it get low it most likely should be charged with a "smart" charger that has an AGM setting. Gel cells on the other hand are very fussy about how they are charged.
I have had excellent luck with AGM batteries. This spring I had to get a new battery for my ATV, talk about vibration problems!!! The only one I could find that anyone had on hand was an AGM so I bought it. This ATV is over 20 years old and has an alternator system on it similar to the XS11. I am extremely happy with this battery, never had one that worked this well. With wet cell batteries in it I had to pretty much keep a battery tender on it all the time I was not actually riding it or it would not start. Have not needed one on it since I changed. Next one in the Fire Dragon WILL be an AGM!!!
Both of my lawn tractors have had AGMs in them for several years now and have never given me any trouble. They NEVER get maintained, I just turn the key and go. Both of them have an unregulated straight three amp alternator system in them with just a single diode in the system and have had no trouble with the AGM.
Worth the extra money in my opinion.The Old Tamer
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1979 XS1100SF (The Fire Dragon)
1982 650 Maxim (The Little Dragon)
another '82 650 Maxim (Parts Dragon)
1981 XS1100SH (The Black Dragon)
If there are more than three bolts holding it on there, it is most likely a very important part!
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