In need of a new battery

[Guest]

Hello everybody.

My uncle gave me his old 1982 GS650 GL that had been sitting in his garage for close to 30 years. It is in pretty good conditions but needs a little bit of love(carb cleaning, new paint, etc...) One thing I definitly need to change is the battery. So my question is: Is there some sort of substitute model of battery I can use, like a more recent model(better yet, if they still make the original model), or do I have to use exactly the old 1982 one? If so, where can I find an old and functionnal battery?

Thanks for your anwser, I really want to make it running again!

L.Leblanc

[rphillips]

Not a lot new in bike batteries since "82". There are newer sealed, AGM's & gel cells, & Lithium-ions that you never need to add water to, but not a big improvement over the regular old wet cell batteries. Wal-Mart, AutoZone, O'Rileys, EBay, they're everywhere. Welcome & good luck getting that old GS back on the st. Folks around here almost require pictures, some say without pictures it ain't true.

[Guest]

Check this out!

EBC5F8AA-28D2-49A3-BB55-CE965D4C467D.jpg Thats my bike if anyone was wondering. P.s: sorry for bad quality

[Rob S.]

I recently bought a new Yuasa AGM battery for my Suzie, and I believe that's the brand that came with my Sportster (RIP). So, same old brand, new technology.

[hannibal]

When I got my bike, I installed a regular wet cell battery. It worked fine for 2 years. When I overhauled my charging system, I replaced it with a AGM style battery. I should have used an AGM the first time.

[Rob S.]

I should have used an AGM the first time.

Exactly true. But it's still not maintenance-free.

[fbody_mike]

I've been getting my batteries on Amazon lately. Cheaper, no cores, and delivered to my door.
I have stayed with traditional wet lead acid batteries. AGM will last longer if not abused by the price isn't there for me. My last MC battery was $32 delivered to my door.

[fbody_mike]

I just checked again and take it back. AGMs have come down a lot in price. Go for AGM.

[Guest]

Not a lot new in bike batteries since "82". There are newer sealed, AGM's & gel cells, & Lithium-ions that you never need to add water to, but not a big improvement over the regular old wet cell batteries. Wal-Mart, AutoZone, O'Rileys, EBay, they're everywhere. Welcome & good luck getting that old GS back on the st. Folks around here almost require pictures, some say without pictures it ain't true.

Is there any point in spending on a lithium one? I think my current one is fine, but it is somewhat low on power (been probably like half a year since driven, I sometimes sit on it and rev it inside the garage tho).

[LAB3]

Is there any point in spending on a lithium one? I think my current one is fine, but it is somewhat low on power (been probably like half a year since driven, I sometimes sit on it and rev it inside the garage tho).

It's my understanding that when switching to a lithium battery you also need to replace your regulator for one that's compatible with that battery.

Over the years I've tended to have my best luck with AGM batteries.

[wymple]

AGM for all my bikes. They are not expensive.