need new battery for 2002 LeMans

[dp.guzzi]

Apologies for starting a new battery thread.  My Westco battery needs replacement.  It lasted for 4 years so I'm not complaining.  I have used Westco batteries for about 15 years, and they've all been good so far, but I recently read some complaints about them.

 

My battery is (LWH) 173 x 80 x 127 mm,  or in inches: 6 13/16 x 3 1/8 x 5, and I just weighed it:  11 pounds.

 

I am not concerned about the weight.  I just want something that will last a while and will fit.  As you know, the battery lays on its side and if it is too thick, the seat will not go on.  I don't want to go the Lithium route, because I have read on these forums that the cold weather affects them too much. Also, I have BMW chargers and Battery Tenders, so I'd prefer not buying another charger, and $250 for a battery does not appeal to me.  I've heard good and bad things about Westco, Yuasa, Odyssey.           I figure that nothing in life is perfect, but if you folks can recommend a specific battery that fits my needs, I'd be very appreciative. 

 

 

[docc]

This is the battery that is original specification for the V11: Odyssey PC545:

http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/PC545.html

 

(I picked that vendor randomly, but it seems $128US is a good price for these batteries.)

 

Having come to the time of year to be servicing batteries, I have re-posted on the Tech Topics thread some concerns about conditioning, charging and maintaining "float." The charger MUST have the correct charge and float voltages specific to the AGM:

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18838

 

While 4-5 years is seemingly good battery life, these AGM will go 8-10 years with carefully applied practices.

[O2 V11]

A Motobatt MBTX12U spins my crank.

[H-E-Ross]

I have an Odyssey PC 545 Brand NEW IN BOX that I will sell for $100. I purchased it for my LM TENNI pre-accident and never installed it. Unfortunately it will not fit in my replacement cycle. (GRiSO) It is not the same but I love it none the less.

[fotoguzzi]

I have an Odyssey PC 545 Brand NEW IN BOX that I will sell for $100. I purchased it for my LM TENNI pre-accident and never installed it. Unfortunately it will not fit in my replacement cycle. (GRiSO) It is not the same but I love it none the less.

I would grab that deal.. I've had a few odyssey batteries last over 7 years.

[Ray1150]

A Motobatt MBTX12U spins my crank.

If you can't sort out H.E.R.'s battery go for a motobatt.

Motobatts are glass plate gel technology, do not discharge as quickly as lead plate acid batteries and offer much increased engine cranking to start.

I've changed to mb's with both my stelvio and 1100c sport, the sport is a single battery replacement for the two battery original equipment and lays on its side.

These are really excellent products, have a look on fleabay for the best price.

[Kiwi_Roy]

I have had good service from a Yuasa, the first one I bought was faulty but replaced under warranty.
Whatever you buy get a warranty and stick it under the battery so you don't lose it.

 

Given my druthers I would have bought an Odyssey but Yuasa is what the Guzzi dealer was selling at the time.
 

[Hansson]

If you want to mount a modern battery in your bike, you can for example select an Aliant LIFEPO4 battery. Aliant recommend types YLP14 or X4 for the V11. The characteristics of these batteries is much better than the old batteries of AGM type. YLP14 weighs 0.76 kg (1.68 Lbs.) compared to, for example, Odyssey PC545 5.2 kg (11.46 Lbs). Significant lightening of the bike with Aliant battery! 

Aliant YLP14: CCA 245 Amp v.s ODYSSEY PC545: CCA 185 Amp. 100% charge in under 30 minutes with a Aliant CB1210 charger is not bad. YLP14: Lx114mm Wx69mm Hx90mm.

And Aliant batteries have more good qualities.. 

 

There is a Spark 500, factory fitted, battery in my Ballabio -04 and it still works!! That battery I give the highest rating for function! But for next season I will, as a preventive measure, change to a Aliant battery

 

http://www.go-aliant.com/web/battery/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=157&Itemid=760&lang=it-IT

[docc]

I am looking at purchasing the special charger needed for best results with the AGM.

 

What is the special charger for the LiFePO4? Is the charger costly?

[Hansson]

I am looking at purchasing the special charger needed for best results with the AGM.

 

What is the special charger for the LiFePO4? Is the charger costly?

 

AGM batteries have battery acid bound in a fiberglass mat between the lead plates, it does. that there is a slightly smaller amount of sulfuric acid and therefore these batteries often need slightly higher charging voltage to become fully charged. I'd chosen a smart charger for a AGM battery. As a suggestion, a CTEK XS 3600 charger. http://www.ctek.com/se/en/chargers/XS%203600 Or a CTEK Multi US 4.3, about $85

 http://smartercharger.com/battery-chargers/

 

There are different compatible chargers to Aliant batteries, but the best choice is probably Aliants own charger, model CB1210. http://www.go-aliant.com/web/battery/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=259&Itemid=822&lang=it-IT In Europe I can get a CB1210 for €78 ($85)

 

CTEK have a special charger for LIFEPO4 batteries, "CTEK LITHIUM US". Costs about $120.

[docc]

Great information, Hansson!

 

Really trying to learn and better understand the battery alternatives and the correct charging methods.

[Rox Lemans]

Get a good gel battery . I replaced mine with a Yuasa.. Battery light goes on after 2 weeks of no usage yet my charging system is tip top.. Blah battery..