Replacement Battery

[dave]

I know there are existing threads discussing batteries, but I've created a new thread because I have questions that have not been addressed, and I am hoping that a newer thread will gain more attention, and responses.

I need to replace my battery, and my first choice is to purchase an OEM YUSA YTZ14S battery. I am researching prices on the internet, and the prices for this particular battery vary wildly! Ferret stated in another thread that he would only purchase a Honda, factory YUSA battery because non-Honda YUSA batteries are not manufactured to the same quality levels. Partzilla sells a Honda OEM battery for $230.10. But, they also sell the EXACT same YUSA battery with a Yamaha OEM number for $175.63. Why would this be?

Prices on Ebay vary from $120.00 (plus $16.00 S&H), to $265.95. Amazon has a YUSA YTZ14S battery listed for $160.00, with free shipping. Cyclegear sells this battery for $265.95.

I found a DieHard battery sold at Advance Auto Parts for $79.99! This battery has 500 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), compared to the YUSA brand's 230 CCA, and it comes with a 90 day warranty. I read on another thread where someone had good results with a DieHard battery.

Can I please get some feedback / recommendations concerning which battery to purchase? Also, does anyone have any evidence that a non-Honda YUSA battery would not have the same quality as a Honda OEM YUSA battery?

Thank you.

[GoldOxide_imp]

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=3454]PB - isn't that something you recently iterated through trying a department store vehicle battery in your CB1100, but had a bit of a hassle?

[peterbaron]

[url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/member.php?action=profile&uid=3454]PB - isn't that something you recently iterated through trying a department store vehicle battery in your CB1100, but had a bit of a hassle?

The only 2 hassles I had were:
* CT sold me a defective one (first) that failed 3x AVR tests in a row (print out: replace)...saying "needs recharging"...and they booster charged it with a 20 A rate (IDIOTS!!!), so I stepped several feet back in case of an unexpected AGM explosion...and then, they tried to sell me a second one with a "bad cell" (I took my portable AVR tester to CT store and got my money back right away)
* I needed right away, cos had a scheduled ride that afternoon.
Finally, I went to a different CT store and bought a C$160 Motomaster Eliminator AGM/filled, rated 220 CCA for my white standard. The previous battery, also AGM, lasted about 4 years and passed an AVR test but failed 3x in a row cranking tests.... did not want to take a chance.

For my DLX, I also bought an AGM with a separate acid container . This set was priced C$95 and came from FortNine.
.....and my next one will be similar to the one I bought from FortNine, not CT.

No regrets at all for any battery I ever bought, either for my motorcycles or cars within last 40 years...checked specs + price = made decision.

"While motorcycle batteries are not universal, they do share a lot of similar characteristics that can be compared when deciding which is right for your motorcycle.
There are different types with their own pro’s and con’s. Refer to manufacturer recommendations for specifications. Pay attention to CCA’s and Ah’s and purchase a trusted brand. Following these principles will direct you to getting the best fit for your bike."...and pocket!

Ride more and worry less , life is already too complicated to create more obstacles >>

Oh, almost forgot... and my old, good two batteries, I instantly sold on kijiji for C$25

[Cormanus]

I bought my bike second hand in 2013, a year after it was first purchased. The first battery (and I don't know what it was) died in 2016 and I replaced it with a DynaVolt MG14ZS supplied by a Honda dealer—I was on a ride and needed whatever I could get in a hurry. It cost A$95.

It lasted until April 2021 and I replaced it with a DynaVolt MG14ZS-C which cost A$120. I could buy the same battery at the same price today whereas a Yuasa YTZ14SY would cost me A$324. At the price it would want to guarantee nearly 15 years of use to be worth it.

[rboe]

I've had such good luck with those small booster batteries for the cars that I picked one up for the bikes (I just have to remember to bring it with me!).

That way, battery failures are not such a problem (heat in Phoenix kills batteries quickly and too often without warning).

So I offer that up so that maybe you can take some stress out of a purchase.

[LongRanger_imp]

And for a contrarian view, I buy the least expensive AGM batteries that I can find on Amazon, as long as they meet or exceed the OE specs. They’re usually in the $40-$50 ballpark, delivered. I keep my bikes connected to Battery Tenders when not ridden and these cheapo no-name batteries last 7-8 years with no issue.

[sethrose_imp]

I actually just bought a battery tender brand AGM battery off amazon this year for my 2013. BTZ14S-FA it’s not a bad battery for the price.

[satchit]

My original Yuasa worked flawlessly from Aug 2015 to Jun 2020. My riding reduced drastically due to the pandemic and in Jun 2020, the bike would just not crank. I trickle charged the battery and got it to work again - but I was always concerned it would stop working when I was away from home.

I finally replaced the battery with a NoCo Lithium battery in Nov 2021 (around $100). No issues so far. I also got the [url=https://no.co/gbc007]GBC007 cable which would get you a pig tail connection for jump starting the battery using a NoCo jump starter.

[GoldOxide_imp]

My original Yuasa worked flawlessly from Aug 2015 to Jun 2020. My riding reduced drastically due to the pandemic and in Jun 2020, the bike would just not crank. I trickle charged the battery and got it to work again - but I was always concerned it would stop working when I was away from home.

I finally replaced the battery with a NoCo Lithium battery in Nov 2021 (around $100). No issues so far. I also got the [url=https://no.co/gbc007]GBC007 cable which would get you a pig tail connection for jump starting the battery using a NoCo jump starter.

Fortunately in a pinch, the CB1100 can still be push (or bump) started.

[pekingduck]

Because the CB1100 was a special bike for Honda, where possible, everything was made in Japan. The cost of parts was higher than for other models, OEM battery 31500-MCR-D02AH included. Replacement Yuasa YTZ14S batteries are most commonly made in the US, and somewhat cheaper, but nowhere near the cost of Chinese made batteries.

I used to buy only Yuasa batteries, always used a Battery Tender, but had been finding they didn't work any better than cheaper batteries, and in many cases, didn't last as long. I now buy well-rated batteries from Amazon, as much for the convenience as for the price, and have yet to be disappointed. Adios Yuasa.

As far as Li-Ion batteries, the only advantage to me is light weight at great expense. A couple pounds saved on a 540 pound motorcycle is not worth triple the expense.