What Battery do I get

[somaticshorty]

before I make a newbie mistake.

Is this battery what I replace with? http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/3/Batteries/UtilityPowersportBatteries/PRDOVR~0271007P/Motomaster%252BPowersports%252BBattery%25252C%252B 12-Volt.jsp?locale=en

I have a 81 Suzuki GS400L (though the casing says L i am not sure that it is, as it doesn't have the cruiser style bars.) the bike is a mismatch of parts.

Also I cant get the seat to lift up. I have opened the side panels and can access the battery but was not sure how to get the seat up.

thanks for your time

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the forum. My network settings won't let me look at your link but you should have some sort of a key lock either on the back of the seat or on the side of the bike. Use your ignition key to open that and lift the seat.

Basscliff will be along later with the official welcome. Read and follow through that and things will run great for you.

[bccap]

When you get to Canadian Tire they will tell you the battery is $79.95. And that you can pick it up tomorrow after its charged. I phoned my local Suzuki shop was quoted $39.95 and to come by in a couple of hours to pick up my charged battery. He can also tell you which battery you need.Are you in Vancouver ?

[somaticshorty]

Thanks!

Yes, I am in Vancouver. I have used "Modern Motorcycling" in Vancouver for a few things, didn't even think they would sell a battery. Ill give them a call.

[EJMAMMO]

First, somethings not jiving with your post/picture, your bike definetly looks to be a "L" with the handlebars changed out. Is it a GS450L or a GS400? If it is a 81 GS450L then the battery would be a YB10L-A2 with most manufacturers having some version of this, if you go with an AGM, the numbers will be slightly different, but the store can hook you up.

[somaticshorty]

Okay thanks. GS400L is what is marked on the bike.

[bccap]

Modern has good prices. That's where I went.

[SVSooke]

First, somethings not jiving with your post/picture, your bike definetly looks to be a "L" with the handlebars changed out. Is it a GS450L or a GS400? If it is a 81 GS450L then the battery would be a YB10L-A2 with most manufacturers having some version of this, if you go with an AGM, the numbers will be slightly different, but the store can hook you up.

OP is in Canada,we got TSCC 400's rather than the 2 valve 450's the US got.Suzuki Canada does things like that.

[1_v8_merc]

Sadly, I'm back to the wal-mart batteries.

My local shop just can't seem to charge the Yuasas correctly.

I'd rather go spend $45, and mix everything myself....

If I'm dropping $75 for a battery, I expect it to last me a little longer than 1/2 of the summer. Especially if I'm trickle-charging and keeping an eye on it.

[Nessism]

Motobatt

[SqDancerLynn1]

I have had good luck with WalMart batteries. Just don't plan on putting it into service the same day you buy it. Unless it is an emergency.
Fill with acid, let it set for an hour, recheck the acid level and top up as necessary..
Then charge it overnight at a rate of no more than 1 amp

[tom203]

Sadly, I'm back to the wal-mart batteries.

My local shop just can't seem to charge the Yuasas correctly.

I'd rather go spend $45, and mix everything myself....

If I'm dropping $75 for a battery, I expect it to last me a little longer than 1/2 of the summer. Especially if I'm trickle-charging and keeping an eye on it.

This seems strange- " 1/2 of the summer" ? are you sure your bike charging system is working correctly? Maybe you should rig up an on board meter to see what's happenning as you ride.

[1_v8_merc]

This seems strange- " 1/2 of the summer" ? are you sure your bike charging system is working correctly? Maybe you should rig up an on board meter to see what's happenning as you ride.

I just found out my Stator isn't working correctly....big surprise!

So I guess it's possible that the battery got dangerously low, at some point, and just couldn't re-charge properly after that point.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. somaticshorty,

Sorry I'm late. Anyway, to get you started, let me point you in the right direction, dump a TON if information on you, and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff