Battery Question

[the Ferret]

I'm on the "just get a new one bandwagon". I had a similar quandry just before last summer's "Three Amigos Ride Again" trip. I pulled the weak battery, went to Advance Auto Parts, and for about $130-$150, I bought myself peace of mind that will last for several more years. Plus, they offered Die Hard Batteries, which I've always had a great deal of confidence in.

BTW - I previously tried an very expensive L-ion battery and only got about 2 years out of that piece of crap. So, I'm hooked on "old school" wet batteries, based on cost and longevity.

Buy the battery, buy the battery, buy the....!

Yes I'm thinking I should but the darn thing just seems so strong. There have been zero signs of age. When I go to put a trickle charge on it it shows over 80% every time. My other two bikes have brand new batteries and don't always show that. I just dislike replacing something that's working fine.

As Charlie Bravo suggested, a load test would essentially demonstrate just "how strong" the battery is.

Alternatively, hook up a voltmeter across the battery and note the droop when the starter is asserted. If it drops below 10V, it is definitely time and the battery is not strong. Some argue 10.8V is the minimum it should droop. Strong batteries will droop in the 11.x voltage range.

As Charlie Bravo suggested, a load test would essentially demonstrate just "how strong" the battery is.

Alternatively, hook up a voltmeter across the battery and note the droop when the starter is asserted. If it drops below 10V, it is definitely time and the battery is not strong. Some argue 10.8V is the minimum it should droop. Strong batteries will droop in the 11.x voltage range.
My new 2021 NC (6 mo old 8,000 miles) has a battery voltage meter in the dash. When I turn the key on it registers 12.4 to 12.5. It will drop to 10.6 to 11.3 (sometimes a little lower if its cold out, like today at 31 degrees F) when the starter is hit and jumps to between 14.3 and 14.6 when running.

 

[PowerDubs_imp]

Buy this tester- you will thank me later!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z67MMGC/ref...UTF8&psc=1


One of the best tools I have ever bought- I use it all the time- everybody’s cars, motorcycles, lawnmower…you name it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[The A-man]

Ok, if you're looking for the cheapest option, just drive down to my place (WNC). I've got a load tester. We'll test out the battery under load, so you can be 100٪ certain. Heck, I'll even provide free beer while we're doing this strenuous garage task. Then there will be no question of whether you're spending your money wisely! So, where's the flawed logic in this plan?

 

[Houtman_imp]

I use the Testmate Sport batterie tester (load tester ) very well made and easy to use.

Ok, if you're looking for the cheapest option, just drive down to my place (WNC). I've got a load tester. We'll test out the battery under load, so you can be 100٪ certain. Heck, I'll even provide free beer while we're doing this strenuous garage task. Then there will be no question of whether you're spending your money wisely! So, where's the flawed logic in this plan?

The flaw is that you do not pay for the gas I spend coming to do this test , as you probably realize that I am cheap........

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Ok, if you're looking for the cheapest option, just drive down to my place (WNC). I've got a load tester. We'll test out the battery under load, so you can be 100٪ certain. Heck, I'll even provide free beer while we're doing this strenuous garage task. Then there will be no question of whether you're spending your money wisely! So, where's the flawed logic in this plan?

Ah man! That is so tempting. Dang.

 

[KiowaEagle_imp]

As Charlie Bravo says, just get the battery drop tested, aka load tested, and it should give you a good picture on its health. The gauge or digital readouts will give an unambiguous recommendation.

Yes, I agree. At this point I'm really just guessing.

Buy this tester- you will thank me later!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z67MMGC/ref...UTF8&psc=1


One of the best tools I have ever bought- I use it all the time- everybody’s cars, motorcycles, lawnmower…you name it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

And this looks like the right tool to do it. Thanks PD!

To be honest I do not understand why people take the risk of getting stranded somewhere because they did not on time change a part what only has a certain life span .

That was what I was wondering. What is the life span? I realize that can depend on many factors but there should be an average to go by.

Ok, if you're looking for the cheapest option, just drive down to my place (WNC). I've got a load tester. We'll test out the battery under load, so you can be 100٪ certain. Heck, I'll even provide free beer while we're doing this strenuous garage task. Then there will be no question of whether you're spending your money wisely! So, where's the flawed logic in this plan?

I don't know if I have till August....:angel::biker:

 

[Nachodaddy]

Buy this tester- you will thank me later!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z67MMGC/ref...UTF8&psc=1


One of the best tools I have ever bought- I use it all the time- everybody’s cars, motorcycles, lawnmower…you name it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm all over it, Boss! I know my batteries are good for about three years in this heat, but this will keep me from finding out the hard way. Also, I never pass up the chance to get a new tool.

 

[Cormanus]

I’m on my third battery. The others lasted about 4 years, but, as others have said, they die without a lot of warning.

 

[the Ferret]

The original in mine lasted 4 years and 2 months before it wouldn't start after a stop at a gas station. That was on 5/12/2018. I'll be replacing mine in May this year, 4 years after the last one was replaced.

 

[tory_imp]

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lifepo4 battery 12v 20a very happy

 

[j3gq_imp]

Guess you have to make up your mind, preventive maintenance (here: replace battery on a calendar date - hopefully before it dies) or not (wait until she dies). The problem is any time span chosen for the preventive maintenance can be badly wrong.
I had at least one car battery which lasted over 8 years(checked invoices as I couldn't believe it), and it's obsolete technology is clearly less dependable than any AGM. The way my CB's battery maintains charge over winter (in her 5 winter since manufacturing) is simply stunning. What if she last another 24 months ? Getting rid of this thing is hard to justify ... I'd rather put her on a "minder" ... when I remember ...:worship:

 

[Houtman_imp]

I do not think that it is worth taking the risk trying to find out how long the batterie last and than being stranded somewhere . I replace my car batterie every 4 years and bike batterie every 3-4 years .

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I typically wait for the first warning, then shop for the replacement.

This is not ideal, but I've been lucky forever that batteries tend to give me an early warning.

 

[Rocky_imp]

I typically wait for the first warning, then shop for the replacement.

This is not ideal, but I've been lucky forever that batteries tend to give me an early warning.

Twice in the last 30 years I was far from home and the battery suddenly went weak and barley started the bikes.
In both cases I had plenty of gas and beat it straight for home and bought new batteries the next day.
Since then, I've been keeping a record of the ages of the batteries from new and start thinking of a replacement when they get to be 6-7 years old.
Batteries in our cooler climate have a longer life and so far, I haven't been let down.

 

[mason2637_imp]

My original battery just died after 8 years. Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement?

 

[Lord Popgun]

The dealer. Get the OEM Japanese made Yuasa. Yeah it’s pricey.

 

[the Ferret]

But it's the best. Not an aftermarket Yuasa. Order it by Honda part number.

 

[Cormanus]

Why not an aftermarket Yuasa?

 

[DBM_imp]

I went with a AGM from my local auto parts store. Works great.

 

[the Ferret]

Why not an aftermarket Yuasa?

The aftermarket Yuasa's have always had a poor reputation when compared to the Japanese Yuasa's. Now whether that is still the case I don't know, but I'm not willing to risk it when I'm spending that kind of money and depending on my battery when I'm on trips.

I know people that have sworn they got great service out of Bike Master, Batteries Plus, Meijer and Walmart batteries, so ya spends your money and takes your chances with them all I guess. I might buy one of them if I was on a trip and my original battery died and there were no Japanese Yuasa's available. Would beat pushing.

I believe in Honda and the products they use. I use Honda oil, filters, spark plugs, brake pads, air cleaners, chains and sprockets because they have always given me what I consider the best service.