Best start battery

[grog]

Im a good old Aussie. I sure do have millions, weeds in the garden that is. I agree Yuasa very good. 9 yrs from original. My C Tek is often used. 2 cars/2 bikes. After Yuasa i got Motobatt, not at all good, over $200, not even lasted 2 yrs. Could never get 200cca from it. Original also never over 200cca, quite often reset clock from low volts but always started bike. HVT8, only just a year old, best cca was 365. Hasnt been charged, bike hardly used, rain, just tested at 355. So far a great battery, bike spins over so much faster. Yet to see how long its life. Bike charges at 13.7 all the time, voltmeter on bars. Johno, hope it works good for you also, can only state what i find. Posted by a rich Aussie, i wish.   

[Irish in Oz]

In OZ they're all Rich !!

All of Oz (and NZ) are not like Tony Nitrous & Irish. 

I'm richer here, even though I went from millionaire to almost half a millionaire.

[GSXKING]

Aussie dollar dropped two cents this week against the US. Trump vs Xi causing us a headache 

[Johno]

How much do batteries cost in Oz @Johno ?
I know that you seem to pay a huge price for consumables in Oz and Nz compared to the UK.

A Yuasa in the UK is about £70 0r 129AUD.
I can get a DID X-Ring chain and JT sprockets kit for £80 (149AUD) here.

I see some scary prices for what you guys are buying "down under"

Well I bought the battery in April and have just got around to installing it in the 1400.

Long story short I have been working temporarily and have now resumed my retirement. No more getting out of bed in the dark and no more weekend work for the moment.

There was no rush required to replace the old battery as the current Katana brand which was fitted in 2015 was still turning the old girl over OK.

However this battery wasn't originally bought for the GSX but happened to be on the garage shelf when the GSX had a completely dead battery in the garage one day. I hadn't had the GSX for very long and there were no signs it was checking out.

So ever since I have been noting the response at start up and after 4 years and with winter around the corner decided I would replace the battery and not be left stranded somewhere.

I was at a Sydney Caravan and Camping Show and happened across a trade stand for SSB promoting their wares for 4WD and deep cycle units for vans and motor homes. The reps were happy to talk bikes and so I was able to follow up on Grog's recommendation for their 300 CCA unit. After hearing that the cost would be around $150 AUD I was pleased to get it for $118 delivered. Maybe a show special.

The old Katana battery showed 12.55 v when taken out of the bike. The new SSB tested at 13.2v and had been sitting in the garage for over a month since delivery.

I think I got a bargain but I won't Know until it needs replacing.

Here are photos of the old Katana unit and the new SSB.

[grog]

Johno, mine still working fine but only one year old. Will give it a test tomorrow and post cca.

[Johno]

I don't have the knowledge to test Cold Cranking Amps. I assume you load test. I'm sure grog will explain.
However I did go back and tested the voltage at the battery with the engine running - 14.5v @ 2,000 rpm.

[KiwiCol]

You need a special meter to test the residual CCA in a battery.  Grog has one (or 3) for his work. 

I brought the cca meter on his recommendation. I also have a 500amp carbon pile load tester.

[grog]

Diavel in shed has a Lithium battery. Only does about 40ks per month, never gets charged as its really hard to get to and plug under seat is Ducati specific. Amazes me that it always cranks perfectly. Cost was over $400 so i guess it would want to be good. Yeah, i guess a charger for it should be purchased.

[SheepDog]

How much do batteries cost in Oz @Johno ?
I know that you seem to pay a huge price for consumables in Oz and Nz compared to the UK.

A Yuasa in the UK is about £70 0r 129AUD.
I can get a DID X-Ring chain and JT sprockets kit for £80 (149AUD) here.

I see some scary prices for what you guys are buying "down under"

............

I was at a Sydney Caravan and Camping Show and happened across a trade stand for SSB promoting their wares for 4WD and deep cycle units for vans and motor homes. The reps were happy to talk bikes and so I was able to follow up on Grog's recommendation for their 300 CCA unit. After hearing that the cost would be around $150 AUD I was pleased to get it for $118 delivered. Maybe a show special.

.............

Just done some quick looking and found reasonable price for the HVT-8 12V VRLA (AGM) Battery 300 CCA. $105 delivered. I think that's sweet. 

https://www.thebatterystore.com.au/hvt-8-12v-vrla-agm-battery.html

[grog]

Sheepie, good price, good battery so far. I paid $140 and was happy.

[Johno]

That's a great price. If these batteries last as long as you would expect on these bikes with little electronics etc to operate then they are a bargain. I got five years out of a Deka AGM battery that was manufactured with Harley's in mind. It was around $130 in 2014. It worked out to be good value. However it was in a 1981 GS1000G. The only electrics it had to operate were the running lights and the starter and ignition system.

Only time will tell in this age where things seem to be manufactured to a price and not necessarily a level of quality or performance.

[MrErling]

Sorry for late answer.
i purchased a YUASA YTX 14-BS  

https://www.yuasabatteries.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/battery-image_YTX14-BS.png