Dumb ques. of the week- battery, how old is too old?

 

Does my stock battery on my XR650L from 2001 need replacement?

I haven't been able to find any info out there about how long I can
expect it to last.

It's led a fairly sheltered life, don't think its been fully
discharged even once, last 3 years it hasn't even seen temperatures
below 40F.


Dave

 

XR650L_Dave wrote:

does it make your bike start when cold, when you have to crank it for
more than 10 seconds? If yes, no, you don't need replacing :-)

people around here are using UPS batteries, those for computer power
supply systems. They are cheaper and often made with gel, allows you
to turn the bike upside down and it doesn't leak and strand you in
middle of nowhere. Of course, battery warranty is automatically lost
when you connect it to the bike...

the battery in my bike is 2 year old and still doing fine.

-- Tiago

 


My battery has been turned in all directions, above and below the
water! It must be nicely sealed, but its not gel filled.

I hear the hot ticket for my bike is to replace the stock battery with
a 450X battery, its lighter and smaller and can be put in the airbox,
but I have to imagine I'm giving up something if its lighter and
smaller.

TANSTAAFL

(there ain't no such thing as a free lunch)


Dave

 


Probably 450X's battery has a less ampere/hour rating and probably
could cause problems starting such a big engine as your 650 in cold
weather when you haven't started your bike for a week...

I'm using motorcycle specific sealed batteries. The first one lasted 4
years and I replaced it thinking it was bad, but it was actually the
starter relay, that on Honda's design it is in the current flow path
from the regulator/rectifier to the battery... I am very happy with
the battery I have. Yuasa, 12a/h, sealed, has been in every possible
and imaginable position, but not under water yet and hopefully,
never :-)

-- Tiago