10-03-2018, 03:51 PM
I needed to replace the battery on my 2013. It had the original Yuasa YTZ14S that retailed from Honda for $188. The YTZ line is Yuasa's best technology, but I thought I'd look at cheaper replacements, and there were plenty.
I've had good luck with them in the past, but when I ordered one for under $40 shipped, I received something a much lighter one. The original battery weighs 8.6 pounds, but the replacement weighed 2.2 pounds less, even though the model was the same. (KMG brand YTZ14S, made in China of course)
They were among several Yuasa battery models with the same footprint and the same or similar height, with different amp rating and cranking amp, and of course, weight. Mine correlated to a YTX9-BS that had only 135 cold cranking amps, compared to the original's 230cca rating.
Still, I needed a battery, so even though it had over 13.1 volts, I charged it overnight for its best chance of longevity. The next day it had 13.8 volts, I installed it, and the bike cranked over willingly.
Four cylinders crank evenly with much less effort than a twin or single, and I'm in a warm climate. Even so, I don't trust it as much as the original, but I'll keep an eye on it.
Caveat emptor
I've had good luck with them in the past, but when I ordered one for under $40 shipped, I received something a much lighter one. The original battery weighs 8.6 pounds, but the replacement weighed 2.2 pounds less, even though the model was the same. (KMG brand YTZ14S, made in China of course)
They were among several Yuasa battery models with the same footprint and the same or similar height, with different amp rating and cranking amp, and of course, weight. Mine correlated to a YTX9-BS that had only 135 cold cranking amps, compared to the original's 230cca rating.
Still, I needed a battery, so even though it had over 13.1 volts, I charged it overnight for its best chance of longevity. The next day it had 13.8 volts, I installed it, and the bike cranked over willingly.
Four cylinders crank evenly with much less effort than a twin or single, and I'm in a warm climate. Even so, I don't trust it as much as the original, but I'll keep an eye on it.
Caveat emptor