Shopping batteries notice a huge range in price all if them 1st Gen recommended.

[Chango]

I realize how little I know about motorcycle batteries. When I do a search I have so many choices but no information as to how to make a solid choice in battery. From what I understand I want a "maintenance free" battery. If someone doesn't mind schooling me on battery buying 101 I would appreciate it. thanks in advance.

 

[1busa]

Pretty much every battery nowadays is maintenance free. You can buy a cheap 1 @ advanced auto parts and it will say that on the box. Some still are running their factory batteries with no issues from years & years ago. There are traditional batteries and Lithium batteries. Lithium batteries cost more and are lighter & smaller and some brands provide more CCA's (cold cranking amps) so you bike will start easier.

Either type you'll still have issues if you have bad wiring or a parasitic drain from an accessory. You'll still run in2 problems regardless if you have it sitting for months on end especially in the cold without at least hooking it up 2 a battery tender occasionally..... So there really is no such thing as "maintenance" free IMO. Because if maintained properly you can extend the life of your battery exponentially

 

[dadofthree]

Three advantages the Life has over the SLA is weight, shelf life, and longevity. The Life weighs less than 2 lbs, can sit disconnected about 1 year, and will last about 10 yrs.

 

[jellyrug]

With a lazy butt, an alarm that draws 4mA and a bike that often gets parked for a long time, my batteries don't go much beyond 2 years. I always order online direct from Yuasa, put in the fluid, charge and good until the next one.

Use a Volt meter and a couple of days after charging if the Volts drop below 12.5V for the conventional sealed battery, it is kinda kaput.

 

[RedBusarider]

What ever battery you go with - make sure it has a 2 year warranty.

I have had 2 that lasted 20 months or so and I got new replacements for free.
If I had batteries with only a 1 year warranty I would have been SOL so to speak.

I charge my batteries about every 4-6 weeks during the wintertime and have no problems unless the
battery is defective, like the ones I had replaced.

 

[smac]

As of tonight, I installed a Ballistic evo 12cell, very light about 2/3 the size and about 2.4lbs.

 

[1busa]

Thats what I got in my busa!!

Thing is frickin awesome!!