I'm thinking of replacing the lead acid battery on my 1981 GS450 with a gel battery. It would save me removing the battery every time I want to check the electrolyte level. The charging system seems to work well but I still like to check the level every couple of months. Do gel batteries require different charging characteristics or can I go ahead and fit the gel unit? Thanks
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Gel battery
- Thread starter ssco156
- Start date
Fitting a gel battery will be fine AGM battery's are good also and recommended.
AGM batteries differ from flooded lead acid batteries in that the electrolyte is held in the glass mats, as opposed to freely flooding the plates. Very thin glass fibers are woven into a mat to increase surface area enough to hold sufficient electrolyte on the cells for their lifetime.
AGM batteries differ from flooded lead acid batteries in that the electrolyte is held in the glass mats, as opposed to freely flooding the plates. Very thin glass fibers are woven into a mat to increase surface area enough to hold sufficient electrolyte on the cells for their lifetime.
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G
Guest
Guest
AGM batteries handily outsell Gel batteries because they are cheaper and generally more forgiving.
Steve
GS Whisperer
Let's not confuse terms. :-k
"Gel" is a special type of battery that does not do too well with high current draws that are typical when starting an engine.
"ATM" is the Automated Teller Machine where you get the cash to buy your new battery.
"AGM" is Absorbed Glass Mat, which is a construction style for a very good battery.
Many of the "sealed" or "maintenance-free" batteries will be good, but AGM goes a step farther with specialized construction. Many manufacturers provide AGM batteries. Expect to pay 1.5 - 2 times as much for one, but they usually last at least that much longer, so they are cheaper in the long run. Then you add in the fact that they won't be puking acid on your frame, the extra price is worth it.
.
"Gel" is a special type of battery that does not do too well with high current draws that are typical when starting an engine.
"ATM" is the Automated Teller Machine where you get the cash to buy your new battery.
"AGM" is Absorbed Glass Mat, which is a construction style for a very good battery.
Many of the "sealed" or "maintenance-free" batteries will be good, but AGM goes a step farther with specialized construction. Many manufacturers provide AGM batteries. Expect to pay 1.5 - 2 times as much for one, but they usually last at least that much longer, so they are cheaper in the long run. Then you add in the fact that they won't be puking acid on your frame, the extra price is worth it.
.
I have bought a few from this place. Good prices and free shipping.
http://chromebattery.shopgate.com/item/3734
Your item might be different.
http://chromebattery.shopgate.com/item/3734
Your item might be different.
I use a charger like this for my AGM battery. It lets you select the type of battery you're charging, STD GEL AGM.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-XCS15-15-10-2-Amp-Marine-Battery-Charger/15140196
sam000lee
Forum Mentor
I use this battery on my GS450, had it for a couple of years and never had a problem. This includes a week long trip I went on where my charging system failed and I had to recharge the battery with a charger several times.
BikeMaster AGM Platinum II Battery (MS12-10L-A2 BM)
BikeMaster AGM Platinum II Battery (MS12-10L-A2 BM)
Steve
GS Whisperer
Not exactly sure about this but I think the AGM batteries do NOT require monthly top offs with the charger while sitting over the winter. At least mine doesn't get charged monthly anymore and it is still going strong. It was in the bike when I purchased it back in 2008. That's serious longevity.
Good gods-that's amazing.
