Yakia battery

[Steve]

Anyone know a gel battery in the YB12-B2 size

doesn't look like there is a gel type, but am finding a couple YB12B-B2 equivalent AGM batteries ...

IMHO, AGM batteries beat gel cell batteries for longevity hands down.

One of the biggest advantages to a modern sealed battery (whether it's AGM, gel, or magic electron slinging gnomes in there) is the simple fact that there's no vent tube to puke acid all over your bike's frame. Much safer and neater all around.

I know it's probably more technical than most of you want to handle, but I like calling things what they are.

MOST of the batteries that you call "gel cell" are, in fact, not a gel cell battery.
Here is a copy from the battery tutorial on batterystuff.com
(colored text is my emphasis)

3. Wet Cell (flooded), Gel Cell, and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) are various versions of the lead acid battery. The Wet cell comes in two styles; Serviceable and Maintenance free. Both are filled with electrolyte and are basicly the same. I prefer one that I can add water to and check the specific gravity of the electrolyte with a hydrometer. The Gel Cell and the AGM batteries are specialty batteries that typically cost twice as much as a premium wet cell. However they store very well and do not tend to sulfate or degrade as easily as wet cell. There is little chance of a hydrogen gas explosion or corrosion when using these batteries; these are the safest lead acid batteries you can use. Gel Cell and some AGM batteries may require a special charging rate. If you want the best,most versatile type, consideration should be given to the AGM battery for applications such as Marine, RV, Solar, Audio, Power Sports and Stand-By Power just to name a few. If you don't use or operate your equipment daily, AGM batteries will hold their charge better than other types. If you must depend on top-notch battery performance, spend the extra money. Gel Cell batteries still are being sold but AGM batteries are replacing them in most applications. There is a some common confusion regarding AGM batteries because different manufactures call them by different names; some of the more common names are "sealed regulated valve", "dry cell", "non spillable", and "Valve Regulated Lead Acid" batteries. In most cases AGM batteries will give greater life span and greater cycle life than a wet cell battery.
SPECIAL NOTE about Gel Batteries: It is very common for individuals to use the term GEL CELL when referring to sealed, maintenance free batteries, much like one would use Kleenex when referring to facial tissue or "Xerox machine" when referring to a copy machine. Be very careful when specifying a battery charger, many times we are told by customer they are requiring a charger for a Gel Cell battery and in fact the battery is not a Gel Cell.

AGM: The Absorbed Glass Matt construction allows the electrolyte to be suspended in close proximity with the plates active material. In theory, this enhances both the discharge and recharge efficiency. Common manufacturer applications include high performance engine starting, power sports, deep cycle, solar and storage battery. The larger AGM batteries we sell are typically good deep cycle batteries and they deliver their best life performance if recharged before allowed to drop below the 50% discharge rate. The Scorpion motorcycle batteries we carry are a nice upgrade from your stock flooded battery, and the Odyssey branded batteries are fantastic for holding their static charge over long periods of non use. When Deep Cycle AGM batteries are discharged to a rate of no less than 60% the cycle life will be 300 plus cycles.

GEL: The Gel Cell is similar to the AGM style because the electrolyte is suspended, but different because technically the AGM battery is still considered to be a wet cell. The electrolyte in a Gel Cell has a silica additive that causes it to set up or stiffen. The recharge voltage on this type of cell is lower than the other styles of lead acid battery. This is probably the most sensitive cell in terms of adverse reactions to over-voltage charging. Gel Batteries are best used in VERY DEEP cycle application and may last a bit longer in hot weather applications. If the incorrect battery charger is used on a Gel Cell battery poor performance and premature failure is certain.

As you can see, you are probably looking for a sealed battery or an AGM battery. Most of us speak highly of the AGM.

.

[twr1776]

Maybe try the Scorpian AGM battery @ $ 54 shipped. This is what they list for a 450. Not US made but I have one and it has been a good battery so far.

http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/sYT10L-A2.html

[wazz]

Maybe try the Scorpian AGM battery @ $ 54 shipped. This is what they list for a 450. Not US made but I have one and it has been a good battery so far.

http://www.batterystuff.com/batterie...sYT10L-A2.html

+1 on the Scorpion from batterystuff

To date I've never replaced one once installed on our bikes. Quick shipping also included in the pricing.

[Joe Nardy]

You've probably checked out this thread as part of the research?
To cut to the chase, here's the link to a battery shootout, where the Motobat performed very well.
http://www.intruderalert.com/cafe/in...topicID=176271

Tony,

Thanks for this link. I need a battery for the FJR and went with the Motobatt based on this info.....

Joe

[Mysuzyq]

Tony,

Thanks for this link. I need a battery for the FJR and went with the Motobatt based on this info.....
Joe

You're welcome Joe.
I bought one too, couple months ago, for my 1100 (MBTX14AU), and all is well, so far. I found the terminal bolts a bit fidgety, as they require a small Allen wrench (3/16 IIRC), instead of the usual slotted, screwdriver-friendly items that are easier to fasten, once the battery is placed in the bike. The battery I retired was a 7 year old Yuasa that was still functioning acceptably.....it'll be interesting to see how the Motobatt fares, in terms of longevity.