Battery replacement - Beware aftermarket

[pekingduck]

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

[Roper_imp]

I replaced my battery last year with a much lighter lithium ion battery. No worries so far.

[LongRanger_imp]

If the YTZ is Yuasa's best technology, then I'm not impressed. The OE Yuasa on my CB only lasted four years and it was nursed on a Battery Tender when not ridden. On other bikes, I've gone 7-8 years on so-called "cheap" aftermarket batteries from Amazon. YMMV.

[clearviewx]

7-8 years.

[misterprofessionality]

I replaced my battery last year with a much lighter lithium ion battery. No worries so far.

which one specifically, and what was the weight savings? (i'm sorry if you made a thread about it).

[pekingduck]

If the YTZ is Yuasa's best technology, then I'm not impressed. The OE Yuasa on my CB only lasted four years and it was nursed on a Battery Tender when not ridden. On other bikes, I've gone 7-8 years on so-called "cheap" aftermarket batteries from Amazon. YMMV.

I'm in agreement. These newer factory-sealed YTZ batteries from Yuasa may not last as long as batteries that you fill yourself. I had to replace one on another bike after 4 years that, like yours, was on a battery tender all the time.
Although I know you probably mean the batteries that have acid packs that you seal off, I remember even old style batteries with separate fill caps often lasted 6+ years.

[LongRanger_imp]

Nope, I'm referring to aftermarket no-name AGM batteries which match the OE specs.

[the Ferret]

4 years is about average around here. We have 13 members of the family that ride and I can't remember anyone getting more than 5 years out of a battery, car or motorcycle. I keep mine on a tender whenever I'm not riding and 4 years is about it for me.

[peterbaron]

My 2 cars, one 11th year and still OK (long distance commute= 52 km each way) but before winter may??? need replacement.
The 2nd one, was 11 years old, more frequent start ups and shorter distances, already replaced.

CB; I removed OEM from 2013 and put in to 2014...and for the new owner of my 2013, I bought new one, so my 2014 CB battery is now 4-5 yrs old. In winter, I only charge it during weekends .

[HondaJon_imp]

Yuasa quality seems to be lacking - After my second one died after only two years, I bit the bullet and went with Shorai lithium ion in the CB and B-King.

A little pricey (had to by the Shorai charger too) but they seem to have the best product.