Battery

[Rocket Scientist]

A battery is a RESERVOIR for the electrical system, so that when the ignition, fuel pump, fuel injectors, etc. out run the capacity of the charging system, the battery provides what is needed. If the battery is less than adequate, it no longer acts as a reservoir, and instead acts like a limitation. As a result, peak demand out-runs supply, and output suffers. I REGULARLY see 10% differences between a good battery, and one that starts well, but does not charge well.

Test your batteries!!!

How should we test them ? For static voltage or put a load tester on them (I don't have a load tester). When you say 10% difference do you mean engine horsepower ?

 

[Power-Tripp]

10% or greater loss in output - Torque - throughout the operating range. HP is just a calculation of torque at a specific engine speed.
Load test, as well as voltage test after charging and letting surface charge dissipate for 30 minutes.
Most automotive stores will load test batteries for free, you don't need to own you own load tester.

This isn't something new, I have seen this since my first dyno in 1986. Anyone who tests and tunes will see the same thing. This is why I connect a voltmeter on the dyno.

 

[RocketandRollit]

Hmmm.... I think a new battery is in order.
Who knew?
Thanks for the heads up!

 

[slidderhd]

Many of the off brand replacement batteries do not have the hca (hot cranking amps) that the good batteries provide.

The stock Yuasa YTX20L-bs is a good battery, stay away from the BIKEMASTER replacements. The only really good copy is the Scorpion:
YTX20L-BS Battery | Scorpion 12 Volt Motorcycle Battery

If you want over-kill, Shorai sells a 36ah battery that weighs less than 5 lbs and has 540 cca. It is a LiFePO4 cell, so it isn't cheap (retails for $369.95). I have one in my bike, and another on the shelf I can let you have well under MAP. PM me for price.

So, between the Scorpion and Motobatt, which one is best for us?

 

[rocket51]

I bought a Shorai LFX24L3 360cc amps at around $200. The battery didn't have enough power to start on cool nites. Shorai replaced with LFX27L3 405 cc amps and it is better but still not as good as I would like. Bike Bandit has a Power Source WPX20L-LS with 500 cc amps that is liquid free absorded glass mat 6month warranty for $105 shipped. The Power Source batter has 3 reviews all being best rating, one being a Rocket 3 owner that says it spins motor faster than most batteries and is a perfect fit. Shorai said if the LFX27 didn't work out they would refund my money, I am awaiting cold weather to see if it holds up. I bought the Shorai from 4wheels.com which stated that a LFX21L3 would work for the rocket and that the upgrade would be the LFX24LS. Now Shorai says that the LFX36L3 540cc amps is needed for the Rocket. If I return the Shorai I will probably go with the Power Source battery.

 

[moklodge]

I treated myself to a Shorai battery for my 45th birthday (I always take advantage of an excuse) and the battery guide suggested the 24 or 27. I went with the 24 and it spun the motor like I've never seen in the Summer but failed terribly when temps dropped into the 50s. My whole reason for switching from the stock lead acid battery was it would die if the motor didn't start promptly in cold temps and left me stranded a couple times. Well, I contacted Shorai with my complaint and they upgraded me to the 36 and so far it's been great down to 50 dgrees. We're getting cold nights now so we'll really get down to it over the month of November and see how it goes. The lead acid was useless unless just popped off the charger, an issue when you're on a multi day trip with cold mornings in the hotel parking lot. I'm also going to leave the Shorai off the charger for the Winter to see how she holds the charge. This is a feature they brag about.

 

[rocket51]

Moklodge, I think you are right the about recomendation being 24 or 27. I went with the 24 since it was 8 amps more than stock 18 amp battery. I notified Shorai of my lack of power and they upgraded me to a 27 amp for free but told me if the 27 amp didn't work they wouldn't be able to upgrade to a 36 amp but would refund my original purchase price. If the 27 amp works I will keep it and if not I will try something else. I don't want to pay $350 for the 36 amp Shorai battery. Will probably go with the AMG Power Source $106 500 cc amps if 27 amp 405 cc amp Shorai doesn't hold up.

PS. Now Shorai recommends the 36 amp battery but the site I bought mine from 4wheelonline.com still recommends the 24 standard or 27 duration

 

[kipper]

I've been usin this for a while wi no problems but on a battery tender at night.

 

[ksquared]

My OEM battery was fine - but it was 4 years old and I didn't relish the idea of being stranded somewhere because I was too cheap to replace an old battery. I considered the Shorai, but felt that saving 9# in weight wasn't worth the price differential. I bought the following:
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YTX20HL-BS Motocross 12v 310 CCA Sealed AGM Motorcycle Battery
Product Description

High output battery by Motocross (Motocross is Yuasa’s speciality reseller’s house brand). Made in the same factory, to the same specs as the OEM battery it replaces.

Motocross Battery, Inc. has been the leading manufacturer of motorcycle batteries in the world, building batteries in the U.S.A. to uncompromisingly high standards since 2000. They are the part of the largest American manufacturer and the largest distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles and personal watercraft

In addition to their vast replacement business with the Motocross brand, Yuasa is the preferred original equipment supplier to many of these same markets. By producing batteries that generate more power, last longer, and require minimum maintenance, Yuasa Battery Inc, via it’s Motocross line has achieved a leadership position in small engine aftermarket starting batteries. Continuous research and development, along with unvarying standards of manufacturing quality, will help maintain our position as market leader around the world

Features

• This is the High Performance version of this battery offering a whopping 310 CCA.

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Got it at BatteryStuff.com - 97.00 shipped. I never put it on a charger or battery tender - just dropped it in the bike and went on a 200 mile ride to charge it. It's been flawless since I installed it. Of course, other than 6 straight months of 90 degree+ heat - our environment down here in Florida is pretty easy on batteries.

 

[rocket51]

Only bike I bought new was a Honda VTX 1800, it came with a Yuasa battery, and as I got close to 5years on the original battery I bought a replacement but didn't install it till after a year because my original battery then being 6years old was still doing fine. Finally I installed new battery being concerned that it might be bad for the new battery to sit any longer. The original battery was still good when I sold my VTX so I put orginal battery back on the VTX and replaced my Goldwing battery with the new battery I bought for the VTX. I ride most every day of the year and I think that this is what keeps the battery going and I have never used a battery tender. If the bike sits for a week or so I put a trickle charge on before I ride if it seems a little weak.