replacement battery - suggestions

[mdelvecchio]

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/

...going to do a bit more research.


thanks!
matt

[Howie]

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

[mdelvecchio]

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.

[Howie]

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

[Norm]

Try this site, they have a good selection and good pricing.

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

[mdelvecchio]

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

[scduc]

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.

[mdelvecchio]

Try this site, they have a good selection and good pricing.

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

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

thanks!
matt

[dlearl476]

...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

[mdelvecchio]

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

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

[Duc Fever]

Since we are talking batteries here is a great FAQ on just this subject.

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

Very informative.