Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: mdelvecchio on May 26, 2009, 11:19:51 AM

Title: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: mdelvecchio on May 26, 2009, 11:19:51 AM
hey all,

i have a 2001 Monster 750, which i bought about 4 years ago. the battery in it is sealed, seems to be on its last legs as its constantly going dead. (i have a Battery Tender, which lets me get the bike started but it drains soon after)

im going to replace the batter, anyone have good experiences or brand suggestions? looking for sealed. one search turned up this:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/ (http://www.odysseybatteries.com/)

...going to do a bit more research.


thanks!
matt
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: Howie on May 26, 2009, 12:28:21 PM
This one is a direct fit and used by Ducati as original equipment:
Yuasa YT12B-BS

You could buy it locally or at        http://www.ca-cycleworks.com (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com)
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: mdelvecchio on May 26, 2009, 01:12:32 PM
Quote from: howie on May 26, 2009, 12:28:21 PM
This one is a direct fit and used by Ducati as original equipment: Yuasa YT12B-BS

that appears to be a wet/unsealed battery? the one in my bike is dry/sealed, which id prefer to stick with.
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: Howie on May 26, 2009, 07:46:01 PM
Quote from: mdelvecchio on May 26, 2009, 01:12:32 PM
that appears to be a wet/unsealed battery? the one in my bike is dry/sealed, which id prefer to stick with.

No, it is an AGM battery (sealed, maintenance free).  They are shipped with the acid on the side, but once it is activated and the caps are installed the battery is sealed and there is no loose acid, which is why it can be mounted horizontally, as it is on the '02 and later monsters.  The plus is the battery is not affected by shelf life.  The negative is you have to activate it.

From California Cyclework's website:

Replace your leak-prone OEM GS battery with the Yuasa. While not guaranteed to be leakproof, Yuasa claims this battery is superior to the GS series of sealed battery and is designed to be used while laying on its "back." It has identical dimensions to the OEM battery.
description   fitment   pn   price   
Yuasa YT12B-BS AGM battery    2001+ Ducatis    YT12B-BS    $116.00    add to cart

After tha acid damage from the GS batteries that were not supposed to leak the Yuasa YT12B-BS became the Ducati OEM battery.  I'm not sure, but I think California Cycleworks activates the battery for you.  If you have to do it, following the directions is crucial.

I'm not sure if they activate
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: Norm on May 27, 2009, 06:27:13 AM
Try this site, they have a good selection and good pricing.

http://www.ebatteriestogo.com/Motorcycle_Batteries.htm (http://www.ebatteriestogo.com/Motorcycle_Batteries.htm)
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: mdelvecchio on May 27, 2009, 10:36:30 AM
Quote from: howie on May 26, 2009, 07:46:01 PM
No, it is an AGM battery (sealed, maintenance free).  They are shipped with the acid on the side, but once it is activated and the caps are installed the battery is sealed and there is no loose acid, which is why it can be mounted horizontally, as it is on the '02 and later monsters. 

gotcha, ok. so the sort like i have (no acid to add) is called a "gel" AGM? wouldnt gel be the best protection against leaks?


matt
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: scduc on May 27, 2009, 02:57:11 PM
I will most definately be going with the speedcell. 7lbs lighter. It's cheaper than liposuction. Honestly thought, they are a little pricey but with some handy sheet metal work, you can really clean up that area. I think they are about 1/3 the size.
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: mdelvecchio on May 27, 2009, 07:59:19 PM
Quote from: Norm on May 27, 2009, 06:27:13 AM
Try this site, they have a good selection and good pricing.

http://www.ebatteriestogo.com/Motorcycle_Batteries.htm (http://www.ebatteriestogo.com/Motorcycle_Batteries.htm)

i ended up getting the WestCo, which my local shop carried:

http://ebatteriestogo.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EBTG&Product_Code=12V12B-4 (http://ebatteriestogo.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EBTG&Product_Code=12V12B-4)

...its a gel, sealed AGM. will report back.

thanks!
matt
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: dlearl476 on May 27, 2009, 08:23:49 PM
Quote from: mdelvecchio on May 27, 2009, 07:59:19 PM

...its a gel, sealed AGM. will report back.

thanks!
matt

fwiw, Gel, and AGM batteries are two different things.

http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery_gel_agm.html (http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery_gel_agm.html)
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: mdelvecchio on May 28, 2009, 08:18:30 AM
Quote from: dlearl476 on May 27, 2009, 08:23:49 PM
fwiw, Gel, and AGM batteries are two different things.

http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery_gel_agm.html (http://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery_gel_agm.html)

ah, sweet. good site. ok yeah the WestCo is a sealed AGM, then. not gel.

thanks!
matt
Title: Re: replacement battery - suggestions
Post by: Duc Fever on May 28, 2009, 10:00:51 AM
Since we are talking batteries here is a great FAQ on just this subject.

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm (http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm)

Very informative.