What battery to buy?

[Joe Nardy]

I need to replace the battery in my '83 GS1100ED. The type is YB14L-A2. I don't need the sensor type, I disconnected the sensor long ago. Are there options for newer gel-type batteries I could try? Also any experiences, good or bad, you've had with particular brands of batteries would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

[Grandpa]

I got a sealed battery about a year ago from Motorcycle Batteries USA. Price was about $65 including shipping. No electrolyte to check or add. So far so good. http://www.motorcyclebatteriesusa.com/index.asp

[DMPLATT]

Joe, I was shocked when I happened to go to my local Sears and they had a Die Hard for my Gs for only - like $27 tax included - out the door.
I know Earl runs a Sealed battery and that would be my next choice, but at Sears - I couldn't pass it up.

Oh, and money and timing was an issue for me at the time.

[first timer]

give these guys a call see if they have a gel for you. i think i paid 50 for my gel on my 1k

http://www.illinoisbattery.com/

i can pick it up for you if you can wait a couple weeks till next time i see you.

-ryan

[Boondocks]

I recently bought a Lynn Vick WP14L-2 Sealed AGM Battery at Chaparral Motorsports for $43.99. I added a Battery Tender Plus for $34.97, five Hiflofiltro Oil Filters @$3.99 each (filters come with 2 O-Rings), and a rear axle clip for 1.69 to bring the total to $100.60. Orders over $100 ship free.

The battery was shipped fully charged, and it works fine. One thing that I did notice is that the packaging listed the battery as 12 AH. The battery configuration chart that I used to order this battery shows a WP14L-2 as being 14AH with 190 CCA. It's a size match for the YB14L-A2. I'm through with flooded batteries, no matter the price. Not ever having to check the electrolyte, greater reliability and longer battery life is worth the extra price to me.

[bwringer]

I also keep meaning to get a sealed (AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat) battery, but somehow I always end up grabbing one locally.

I know several other folks here have had good luck with AGM batteries. I think it would be nice not to have to deal with a vent tube and the potential for the associated corrosion.

WestCo is a well respected brand:

http://westcobattery.com/battery_page.php?bid=14&vid=-1

$67.95 with free shipping

I've ordered other stuff from BatteryMart.com and been happy. Their Big Crank AGM battery is $50 plus $8 UPS shipping:

http://www.batterymart.com

Here's a sealed Yuasa for $64.95, with free shipping:

http://www.motorcyclebatteriesusa.com/battery-details.asp?battery=271

[earlfor]

Thats the same battery size I use in the 1150E. I put a sealed, maintenance free battery in the bike about 3 years ago and its still doing fine (holding around 12.9v). I'll never go back to the hassle of adding water and spills. No drain tube either. :-) I think I paid about $65 for it. Go for it, you wont be sorry.

Earl

I need to replace the battery in my '83 GS1100ED. The type is YB14L-A2. I don't need the sensor type, I disconnected the sensor long ago. Are there options for newer gel-type batteries I could try? Also any experiences, good or bad, you've had with particular brands of batteries would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

[SqDancerLynn1]

I bought a new conventional battery for mine a few months ago $32.99 at wall Mart

[AOD]

Joe, maybe there's a separate post on it, but how do you remove the sensor thing? My light is on...always...

~Adam

[Planecrazy]

Joe, when you decide let me know. My battery (YB14L-A2) is completely dead, so maybe we'll order together and save some $$.

Regards,

[shortlid]

My Yusa has saved me from walking many times. I would stick with quality!!

[mlaalm]

Nice thread, getting ready to go with a Gel Battery in my 11fiddy

[Planecrazy]

So what are you thinking, Joe? ...and do you want to order together and try to save a few bucks?

See ya this weekend,

[Joe Nardy]

So what are you thinking, Joe? ...and do you want to order together and try to save a few bucks?

See ya this weekend,

After listening to opinions and gathering info I went with the $30 Interstate brand from Sam's Club. Gel types run $60-$65 and don't last twice as long as standard types. Since I run PODs it is very easy to check and fill my battery so maintenance isn't much of an issue. My bikes are garage kept and I charge the batteries before storage and again in spring. I just couldn't justify twice the cost.

Joe

[earlfor]

I removed the housing from the instrument cluster and removed the light bulb for the sensor.

Earl

Joe, maybe there's a separate post on it, but how do you remove the sensor thing? My light is on...always...

~Adam