hi all

[hsteil4356]

electrical question: I own a 1980 gs 550 e and would like to know whether
from a charging system standpoint a gel battery can be used, or is a lead/acid battery the only option? the gel would fit nicely under the cafe seat and be service free as I understand. any drawbacks? thanks in advance
Peter ,ny city.

[Killer2600]

electrical question: I own a 1980 gs 550 e and would like to know whether
from a charging system standpoint a gel battery can be used, or is a lead/acid battery the only option? the gel would fit nicely under the cafe seat and be service free as I understand. any drawbacks? thanks in advance
Peter ,ny city.

It makes no difference as long as the battery is purpose built for the application (a starting battery for use in a power sport vehicle). Gel is old technology, alot of guys on here are pushing AGM batteries in place of Gel. AGM gives the same benefits and is supposed to be better.

[Steve]

What many people call a "gel" battery is actually an AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat, battery and technically, is still "lead-acid", just built a little bit differently.

There is no problem using one in a GS. Most AGM batteries work better if the voltage is just a bit higher, so make sure that your system is in peak condition. Of course, you should do that anyway, it's just a bit more important with an AGM battery.

.

[FiremanBob]

Yup, gel battery would be fine. If you are striving for the ultimate in lightness and small size, a Shorai lithium-iron battery would be even better, at a higher cost of course.

[Killer2600]

Yup, gel battery would be fine. If you are striving for the ultimate in lightness and small size, a Shorai lithium-iron battery would be even better, at a higher cost of course.

I wonder if I can get a chopper built out of this Shorai "lithium-iron" stuff, then the bike frame itself would be the battery and frame ground would be taken to a whole new level

[hsteil4356]

battery question...

thank you all for your responses..