Battery Suggestions?

[Mike V]

Here's one I haven't heard much about.  I'm very impressed with mine after 5 years.  I'll be buying another ... when it's time.

http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/Battery-BMW-R-Aihread-and-K-BAT-ETX14L-p/bat-etx14l.htm

[Mainerider]

That looks like a pretty good deal, Mike. I think the BMW gel battery is made by Deka and is about $200!


Steven

[Mike V]

I couldn't be happier with my Deka Steve.  And dealing with John Rayski at EME is always a pleasure.

-Mike V.

[wmsoller]

Thanks all. Silly question, but do the Grubers require a special charger or something?

[Bob_Roller]

No special charger is needed for their batteries .

I use Harbor Freight battery maintainers, if the bike is going to sit for a few weeks between being ridden .

I've always wondered about motorcycle batteries requiring a special charger, let's face it, a motorcycle charging system is not the most stable charging system there is !!!!

[Barry]

You won't need to charge it often if at all as they have a very low self discharge rate. I've monitored my new battery carefully and it's not needed any additional top up charging at all. I'm in much lower temperatures than Bob though and that makes a big difference to self discharge rates. If you are going to charge it this is what you need to know.

The thing with any VRLA battery (and both AGM and Gel are VRLA's) is that they are more sensitive to overcharging than a wet cell. So the No1 rule is not to over charged them.  

Valve regulated means they are sealed but still have a safety vent and if overcharged they will gas off through that vent.  Overcharging for long enough will kill the battery as unlike a wet cell what comes out of the vent can't be put back in again.  

So to make sure it's not overcharged it's best not to use an unregulated battery charger. A simple automatic charger that limits the maximum output voltage to something like 14.5 volts will be fine if the battery really needs charging otherwise a regulated float charger at 13.5 - 13.8 volts could be left connected between use.

[Mainerider]

I pulled the trigger on the Deka from Euromotoelectrics this morning. With 2 day shipping it was under a hundred bucks. I sure hope it comes before I leave for the Downeast Rally Friday Morning.


Steven

[Mainerider]

Wow! My 20 Amp Hour Deka battery came today from Euromotoelectrics. I ordered it late Monday morning. How's that for service? Thanks, Jody!



Steven

[nhmaf]

Have fun at the rally!  I've been meaning to go to that rally for some years now, but always, something comes up - and it has again this year.  Once of these years I'm just going to have to dive in and say "I'm getting my first lobstah of the season this weekend and to heck with everything else!"