Acid Battery Install/ventilation tube 1980 kz650

Patton wrote:

Forrest wrote: I am replacing my BikeMaster Acid Battery as of today. I am done with these type of batteries. I am going with a BikeMaster Gel battery. The Gel Battery does not require venting!....

If not already done, would also consider AGM battery (instead of Gel).

Good Fortune!

+1 for AGM (Absorbent Gas Mat). Gel batteries, while better than lead/acid, are still one generation behind the current AGM battery. AGM is presently the best out there for the price.

danpcali wrote: I will post a picture later on today of how I rearranged the placement of my vent tube. Forest brought up some good points and since I am modifying my bike into a cafe racer it might be best to go w a smaller more modern battery. A smaller battery would allow me to open up the space between the rear tire and the engine giving my bike more of a cafe look...but that's a topic for another thread I think.

You are most certainly welcome Dan. If I was opening up space and looking for weight savings, the Lithium Ion battery. They are the lightest, 4 lbs and smaller. Cost is higher but that may be secondary for the Cafe look and performance.

koolaid_kid wrote:

Patton wrote:

Forrest wrote: I am replacing my BikeMaster Acid Battery as of today. I am done with these type of batteries. I am going with a BikeMaster Gel battery. The Gel Battery does not require venting!....

If not already done, would also consider AGM battery (instead of Gel).

Good Fortune!

+1 for AGM (Absorbent Gas Mat). Gel batteries, while better than lead/acid, are still one generation behind the current AGM battery. AGM is presently the best out there for the price.

Absorbant Glass Mat(AGM) is good and maybe better weight wise over Gel but here is something to consider: Gel cells be can damaged such as in a crash or even be drilled through and they will not leak or fail. The battery will still work. AGM batteries still contain acid and if damaged could fail and leak acid. I want to avoid the dreaded acid leak going forward.

Otherwise, they are both equivalent. For my more modern bikes or special projects, I am going to go Lithium Ion as the #1 choice when replacing.

BatteryStuff.com - YT10L-A2 Scorpion 12v 170 CCA AGM Power Sport & Motorcycle Battery
1977-80 KZ650 models et al

BatteryStuff.com - YT12C Scorpion 12v 180 CCA Sealed AGM Motorcycle Battery
KZ650-CSR & various 750-4 models & some others

That there be some low priced AGM batteries! That is the price of a traditional battery! :ohmy:

Here is what I did with the vent tube...look good?

That should work, I see you found that loop ion the battery box. Originally, the vent tube ran in front of the swing arm between it and the engine at the same place the carb overflow tubes run. If you have a longer piece of tubing you may want to route it there. Ed

danpcali wrote: Here is what I did with the vent tube...look good?

Looks Good! Better than fitting on your swing arm grease nipple! :ohmy:

Go with what Ed says. If the vent tube is cut too short, has a hole burned in it, etc. then replace. That is if you have an liquid acid base battery that requires venting.

Just picked up my Gel battery today. $88 with sales tax! Let the Gellin begin!

Forrest

Where did you get your gel battery for $88? My battery is crapping out on me

danpcali wrote: Here is what I did with the vent tube...look good?

You should route it in front of the swing arm... the same as the other tubing.

danpcali wrote: Forrest

Where did you get your gel battery for $88? My battery is crapping out on me

Hey Dan, Got it from my local gear/supply guy, Racer Cafe. www.racercafe.com . I am in the Chicago, IL area. Not sure of your location. I am guessing "cali" stands for the state of CA. :unsure: My local supply guy offers some really good deals. This particular battery is a Bikemaster Brand Gel. Hope you can find a deal too! Feel free to contact Eric at Racer Cafe if he can help.