Battery Information

Does anyone know of a battery that lasts more than a year that doesn't cost hundreds of $?

I have used "Super Start" brand from local auto parts stores, and "BikeMaster" brand from Z1 Enterprises and they only last one year. Every spring, they will not hold a charge. I have them on a 1.5 amp maintainer all winter but obviously that seems to be a waste of time.

I installed a Scorpion AGM battery from batterystuff.com back in August. around $75 shipped.
12.79 VDC straight out of the box & it has held it's charge. Ctek US 0.8 smart charger & VC97 digital multimeter.
Yuasa may have a reasonably priced AGM battery. made in USA. I didn't think to check those. doh.

I've owned my 1977 KZ650-C1 since it was new (39 years). I have never had a battery last less than 5 years; usually they last at least 7 years. I have always used Yuasa or Die Hard batteries. If your batteries are shot after only a year or two I recommend the following:

- Check your bike's charging system. If the charging system is over or under charging the battery it can shorten the battery life.
- NEVER charge a motorcycle battery with a charger that puts out more than 2 amps as that will shorten the battery life
- Always ensure the battery fluid level is kept at the proper level, and use DISTILLED water when topping it off.
- Don't let the battery go dead or uncharged. I start my bike once a week during the winter and let the engine run about 15 minutes to keep the battery charged and also to prevent gum from forming in the carbs and to keep oil on the cylinder walls and other parts.

Ed

Is it necessary to filter a standard charger through another battery to properly charge an AGM?

650ed wrote: I've owned my 1977 KZ650-C1 since it was new (39 years). I have never had a battery last less than 5 years; usually they last at least 7 years. I have always used Yuasa or Die Hard batteries. If your batteries are shot after only a year or two I recommend the following:

- Check your bike's charging system. If the charging system is over or under charging the battery it can shorten the battery life.
- NEVER charge a motorcycle battery with a charger that puts out more than 2 amps as that will shorten the battery life
- Always ensure the battery fluid level is kept at the proper level, and use DISTILLED water when topping it off.
- Don't let the battery go dead or uncharged. I start my bike once a week during the winter and let the engine run about 15 minutes to keep the battery charged and also to prevent gum from forming in the carbs and to keep oil on the cylinder walls and other parts.

Ed

Ed, lamp.kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/5977...ator-rr?limitstart=0

I had charging problems last year. Long story short, I replaced the stator and regulator and a bunch of wiring. Never did really get to the bottom of the problem. What I ended up doing is bypassing the "Headlight Reserve Unit" so I could turn off the headlight. After I did this I had higher voltage and didn't have anymore battery failures for the season.

I maintain the water levels. This winter I will start running the bike over the winter. Perhaps this will help with my carb woes as well.

My batteries would last 3-5 years no matter where I bought them Now it's hard to find a good one that will last more than two at the prices I was willing to pay. Get what you pay for I guess.
Steve

Standard Yuasa has been the best for me too...... I swear the original lasted maybe for 15 years (unless my mind is playing tricks on me) and then I forgot the key on for 2 times within a week and killed it...... then went through 3 or 4 from Walmart and Farm and Fleet and bike sat from 2006 to 2012) I then went back to Yuasa and its still going strong ..... 1 amp charge every 1st of the month for 2 -2 1/4 hours through the winter. (set a timer)

I have a maintenance free Duracell that I just left for 4 months over winter and had great charge at the end.

The_Proletariat wrote: Does anyone know of a battery that lasts more than a year that doesn't cost hundreds of $?.

Definitely Scorpion AGM is the way to go.

BTW: if your bike has the "lights always on" when the starter cranks, that will shorten battery life by at least 50%.

The_Proletariat wrote: Is it necessary to filter a standard charger through another battery to properly charge an AGM?

No. AGM charges same as any lead acid.

I've had pretty good luck with this company
www.chromebattery.com/m2214y-motocross-battery-yb14l-a2.html

Batterystuff.com: Scorpion AGM. $60 ~ $70, free shipping.

Nothing has come close to what that battery does. I have two, in different bikes. They are coming up on 6 and 7 years. The longest any other battery lasted me was two years.