02-20-2016, 04:39 PM
(02-20-2016, 02:20 PM)TINK_imp Wrote: Wait until it dies.
The modern AGM (Absorbed glass mat) batteries (or just "mat" batteries) will live for 5 to 8 years typically (yes, got 8 years out of one).
Usually refereed to as Maintenance Free or Sealed batteries.
The down side is they are expensive; the YTZ14S is $196 at Revzilla. The up side is they last 5 to 8 years.
Don't go for the cheaper old tech wet lead acid battery. These batteries are NOT maintenance free, they require you check the water (acid) levels annually... which most owners rarely do.
The other major downside is that they must breath! They have a breather hose that will spit acid all over your paint and chrome! Bad, very bad for your bike.
Buy and use a trickle charger. This will help extend the life of your battery.
All my bikes (I have 4) are on trickle chargers at all times. I personally use a timer to turn on the chargers overnight for 4 hours.
You can also just leave the charger on 24/7 and rely on the chargers brain to adapt.
Bottom line; Just go ride and enjoy your CB1100 and don't worry about the battery.
TINK
(02-20-2016, 01:59 PM)Motogeezer1949_imp Wrote: Test your battery each time you do an oil change or more frequently if you wish. When you notice it starting to weaken and losing performance, pop in a new one. Why wait 'til it inconveniently dies and leaves you stranded. That said, the DLX's battery is still measuring up fine
My experience with the modern AGM batteries is that they will just up and die on you one day.Typically they do not show a decrease in performance over time.
My ST1300 battery died suddenly last summer when I was 100 miles from home. I managed to bump start the bike and get home on the alternator.
I'm told that the AMG battery death is caused by an internal short that kills it.
That was exactly what happened to my stock AGM battery. Started up just fine and rode to the post office. Mailed a letter, came out, hit the starter and nothing happened.
AGM and flooded cell batteries are only good for a few years here in the desert heat. If I get to year 3, I feel lucky. I've been running a lithium ion battery for almost a year now. Supposedly not as susceptible to heat related failure, plus it has a built in capacity meter for periodic health checks.