Battery Options

Discussion in 'Sport Classic' started by SP4S, Feb 21, 2014.

  1. Fellow members,

    I'm looking to replace the battery on my Paul Smart with something a little more upmarket as I don't use the bike much and the cheaper makes die within a couple of yrs. I really wanted an Odyssey, but they don't manufacture one to fit in the tight space of the battery carrier.

    Question is, are Motobatt any good or any recommendations?

    It's a YT12B-BS

    Many thanks
     
  2. Any recommendations guys?
     
  3. No idea myself as I've never replaced mine.
    A lot of the U.S. guys(on .ms) are trying battery packs installed under the seat and replacing the battery box altogether, I don't think thats a cheap option but its meant to be an aesthetic one to clean up the clutter.
     
  4. SP, you can spend the money on a Motobatt or get the same spec AGM battery for 20-40 quid less with a Yuasa AGM MF or a Varta Funstart, both of which will last 4 or 5 years or more if they are maintained correctly. Don't believe the websites that sell Motobatts as upgrades or gel batteries they are just AGM replacements at a premium price and in many cases the claimed higher CCA is actually lower than the alternative AGM spec batteries. All these batteries will only last a couple of years if you don't keep them charged as all batteries self discharge, if they are left for a few months over winter in a low state of charge it will kill them. Also if you don't drive your bike that much or use it only for short journeys you need to charge it much more often as it can take as much as 15 miles or more to replace the charge lost during a cold start. Most bike manufacturers use Yuasa as OEM and they can last exceptionally well if cared for, 5-10 years is not uncommon. Bottomline is any of the known brands will be ok if you keep them maintained, if you dont have a charger and just leave them in the bike then don't waste your money on an expensive one and get the cheapest you can.
     
  5. Denzil

    Thanks for the advice mate, much appreciated, I'm inclined to agree with you, depends on how you maintain them, I constantly have my batteries on a optimate all yr round, firstly to stop it going flat, secondly to stop it drying out, I've lost enough batteries in the past by not maintaining them.

    Cheers.
     
    #5 SP4S, Feb 27, 2014
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2014
  6. I put a motobatt on my 999 2/3 years ago and its on its way out. Its always been kept indoors and charged from time to time in cold weather and used regularly otherwise.
     
  7. Thats good to know, i have a battery on my 851 that is 5 yrs old and it still holding its charge, most likely as a result of it being on my optimate all the time.
     
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