Gel batteries vs standard lead batteries

[696DCRider]

I am in need of a new battery.  I noticed that BikeMaster sells TrueGel batteries and they are a bit more expensive.  I'm wondering what the differences are between these gel batteries and the standard lead ones.  I couldn't really find anything on the googles.

[skurvy]

Looking at the site it seems:
BikeMaster's new TruGel battery uses a unique gel electrolyte that provides higher cranking amps, lasts twice as long as conventional batteries, resists vibration, is non-spillable even if the battery is cracked, and operates in any position. The BikeMaster TruGel battery also comes with a 2 year warranty.

and the regular BikeMaster Maintenance Free Battery:
Maintenance-free, no-spill battery with a long life. Comes with pre-measured acid tubes that dealer easily empties into battery. Includes a seal that is then placed across top of battery to create a sealed, spill-proof battery. Never needs refilling but may need periodic charging. 6-month manufacturer warranty.

[696DCRider]

So they claim it works better.  Interesting.  Thanks for finding that.  I wonder if that is just marketing hype.

[skurvy]

I was checking the price differences between the BT12B-BS and the TruGel 78-0507, seems like the TrueGels are twice as much at about $100. I may have used a regular maintenance free BikeMaster batt in my old CBR but I can't remember anything good or bad about it. I've been using Yuasas in the S2R and I'm getting about 3 years out of them. I usually have it plugged into a battery tender when parked.

[696DCRider]

100 is twice as much as BT12B-BS? How much are you getting your YUASA BT12B-BS batteries for?  The cheapest I found is 90 bucks or so.

I was checking the price differences between the BT12B-BS and the TruGel 78-0507, seems like the TrueGels are twice as much at about $100. I may have used a BikeMaster batt in my old CBR but I can't remember anything good or bad about it. I've been using Yuasas in the S2R and I'm getting about 3 years out of them. I usually have it plugged into a battery tender when parked.

[skurvy]

oops sorry, that's a BikeMaster BT12B-BS. Googled it and it came up on Amazon for $51. Not sure what it comes out to with S&H. Also checked BikeBandit's site, on back order, but also $50.

[696DCRider]

Oh okay, gotcha.  I was going to say, hook me up with your site!  I think I'm going to go with the YUASA battery.  That's a big difference between the regular bikemaster batteries and the yuasa ones.  I've heard that they are better, but that could just be hype though.  I don't have access to electric in order to use a battery tender though, so it will probably serve me better to dish out the extra cash for the yuasa.

[skurvy]

I'm sure the True Gel is a good battery too, whichever one you go with make sure the battery is activated properly and gets the recommended initial charge.   

[NAKID]

Why not use this as an opportunity to lighten the bike a bit? The Shorai batteries for Monsters weigh less than 2 pounds and run about $160...

[He Man]

any maintenance schedules for those batts?

[NAKID]

The Shorai? Not from things I've read.
http://www.shoraipower.com/t-faq.aspx
I have heard some other LiFe batteries require some kind of "balancer" though....

[Howie]

The Shorai? Not from things I've read.
http://www.shoraipower.com/t-faq.aspx
I have heard some other LiFe batteries require some kind of "balancer" though....

You would want the Shorai charger since it has the balancer built into it  for a perfect full charge.

[koko64]

The instructions that came with both of my Shorai batteries stated that overchrging is an issue. The local advertising here stated that normal chargers can be used.

My concern is in regards to overcharging if your charger cut off is set too high or if it doesn't have an over charging cut off. These batteries may not tolerate an overcharge for very long and have their internal safety fuse popped. At least it stops a melt down, fire and molten lava engulfing your bike (and balls).

Maybe they have an inbuilt balancing circuit? Might check with Motowheels.

[Howie]

The instructions that came with both of my Shorai batteries stated that overchrging is an issue. The local advertising here stated that normal chargers can be used.

My concern is in regards to overcharging if your charger cut off is set too high or if it doesn't have an over charging cut off. These batteries may not tolerate an overcharge for very long and have their internal safety fuse popped. At least it stops a melt down, fire and molten lava engulfing your bike (and balls).

Maybe they have an inbuilt balancing circuit? Might check with Motowheels.

Overcharging is an issue with lead acid batteries also, so not much of a change there, except the Shorai has protection, (good) news to me.  There is no balancing circuit in the battery, but there is one in the Shorai charger.  As I said before, the Shorai rep says the batteries do balance over night on their own.  If you are using a conventional charger with a Shorai battery or any battery the correct method to prevent overcharging is to replace the amps that were used and no more, in other words, if you have a 10 AH battery that measures half charge you need to put 5 amps back.  If your charger puts out 10 amps, charge for 30 minutes, 2.5 amps, charge for 2 hours.  The open cell voltage/ state of charge table is totally different for the Shorai.  The table  is in FAQ on their web site.  http://www.shoraipower.com/t-faq.aspx

[koko64]

When topping up the Shorai I hook up a volt meter and keep an eye on it and the ampmeter on the charger with that chart in mind.