battery for an 80' GS1000G, and possible Parallel with another.

[Guest]

Don't kill me, but I need to know what battery exactly I need for my bike, and, I have another battery that apparently isn't right for it due to lower amp battery. I could install it into my trunk box, if running them in parallel would be a decent idea, or is this a horrible idea? would it kill my electrical system, or would it make for a stronger system this way?

[Steve]

The best battery for your bike would be an AGM (that's a construction style, not a brand name) that typically has a 14 AH (amp-hour) rating.

The stock battery was likely a Yuasa YB14L-A2, so look for similar numbers. It's not obvious in that nomenclature, but the A2 is significant. It places the positive terminal on the RIGHT, as you look at the battery.

An AGM battery is sealed, so there is no chance of it puking acid all over your frame, and it usually has a few more cranking amps, to boot.

There is no need for another battery in the trunk or anywhere else on the bike. Can't imagine why you thing you might need extra battery capacity, unless you use your bike for your job and need to add lights and siren. I probably have one of the most-loaded (electrically) bikes on the forum and have no problems. I run in full touring mode, which includes intercom, CB radio, satellite radio, extra gauges and a few extra lights. ALL of my lights are LEDs, which helps, but I have plenty of them.

Have you checked the charging system? If your battery died for reasons other than old age, it's the charging system that probably killed it, and they are a known problem on GSes.

.

[Joe Garfield]

Using 2 batteries in parallel technically does increase the capacity, but it's not the best idea. They'll draw down at different rates, and if one is weak (or becomes weak) it will end up taxing your electrical system. I appreciate the thought behind the idea but I think there's more risk than reward. You'd be better off with a new el-cheapo battery that's the right size, and that is fresh (if sealed) or that you mix yourself and properly charge.

If you were to use 2 batteries (and one or both was not in good shape), you would be putting a bigger load on your charging system. The stock charging system on these bikes already has a tendency to burn itself up, so you'll do more harm than good. If you're looking for more capacity to power electronics/accessories, the best thing you can do is the upgraded 'series' regulator, along with the general cleanup as detailed in the Stator Pages. With a new stator and series regulator, my bike charges at idle without over-working the stator.

In the nomenclature in Steve's post, I believe the '14' is related to the capacity of the battery, and the 'L' is the overall shape of the battery. I'm not 100% certain, but I think there's a 'regular' 14, a 14H (maybe for high) and a 14L (maybe for long).

[shameless]

i have another battery that's the same size, dimension wise, but I don't think its a 14 amp battery, I think its less

[posplayr]

i have another battery that's the same size, dimension wise, but I don't think its a 14 amp battery, I think its less

Two 12V batteries of similar construction connected in parallel will simply load share till they are both charged to the same level.

Steves point is that there is no need if the charging system is working properly.

If you want to improve your electrical , start replacing teh incandescent bulbs with LED. It will dramatically reduce the power (about 1/8).

You will need a series R/R to do this.

[hannibal]

I'm running a 12Ah battery cause it was cheaper and I didn't know the bike's condition. Haven't had a problem but if all goes well, I'll upgrade to a proper 14Ah AGM battery when this one dies.