Bikemaster Platinum II AGM Battery

[TxGSrider]

Ok, so I went atv riding last weekend and discovered the battery was dead in my atv. I put the trickle charger on it and it was ok, but after I got there it was dead again. I tried charging it but it wouldn't hold a charge. So I pulled the battery and found some cracks in the case. It was a little odd, but since its in an atv they are subject to allot of bouncing and vibration, so I ended up going to walmart and getting another battery.

Soooo... the weather has been great this week and I decided to start up m GS and ride I into work. I haven't started it in probably 2 months and of course the battery was nearly dead. I put the charger on it and it wouldn't hold more than 10.7 volts according to my smart charger. So I removed it and found the case was cracked in several places. We don't get really cold here so I cant imagine they froze (and the atv was in my garage all winter).

Here's what they both have in common.... they were both Bikemaster Platinum II AGM batteries size YB14 but they have the terminals on different sides.

 

[limeex2]

I worked in a dealership for 20 years. Use Yuasa brand batteries. Bikemaster, Wal-Mart etc. m/c batteries are JUNK. For your ATV get, I believe, a HYB14 battery. ATV batteries are heavier, heavy duty and better built for abuse. They can be used in bikes too. I typically get 6-7 years out of a properly set up and maintained Yuasa brand battery. You save no money if have to buy 2 cheap batteries to every 1 good one.

 

[cowboyup3371]

I use the Motobatt AGM batteries in both of our bikes and the only thing I did this winter was to connect the maintainer to them for about 8 hours each a week ago. Both bikes started up like a charm

 

[bwringer]

I use the Motobatt AGM batteries in both of our bikes and the only thing I did this winter was to connect the maintainer to them for about 8 hours each a week ago. Both bikes started up like a charm

Yep, I've had a couple of MotoBatt batteries, and they are indeed a cut above most other AGMs.

The gray case batteries made by Deka in the US are also excellent. They're sold under a few different brand names, like Big Crank. Look for the unusual solid block terminal:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-big-crank-etx14l-battery.html

I've also found these at Advance Auto under their brand name.


Yuasa batteries are US-made and high-quality according to almost everyone. That said, I've had quite a few problems with them, but perhaps my experiences have been unusual.

Other brands of AGM batteries are a very mixed bag. Sometimes you get a good one, and they can be a lot cheaper, but it's just not worth the hassle IMHO.


Unless you're completely desperate (you're stranded at a Walmart and the zombies are coming), old-fashioned acid-puking "wet" batteries are beneath consideration. Dangerous, disposable junk.

 

[850 Combat]

At my place in Tillamook, I haven't found a battery in stock for my GS yet. I've bought a couple from the O'Riley's and also from Les Schwab, which are both in town. They ship to the store in one day. So far, so good.

 

[Chuck78]

Yep, I've had a couple of MotoBatt batteries, and they are indeed a cut above most other AGMs.

The gray case batteries made by Deka in the US are also excellent. They're sold under a few different brand names, like Big Crank. Look for the unusual solid block terminal:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-big-crank-etx14l-battery.html

I've also found these at Advance Auto under their brand name.

Very good to know Brian, thanks for posting this.
I had put those bikemaster AGM batteries in a couple of friends' bikes in the past few years, and had no trouble, but now one of them says his bike won't even begin to crank over, and it was stored in a garage attached to his house all winter. I have yet to make it over there to look at it, but am curious what happened with it.

 

[TxGSrider]

Very good to know Brian, thanks for posting this.
I had put those bikemaster AGM batteries in a couple of friends' bikes in the past few years, and had no trouble, but now one of them says his bike won't even begin to crank over, and it was stored in a garage attached to his house all winter. I have yet to make it over there to look at it, but am curious what happened with it.

Start by looking for cracks in the case.

 

[gustovh]

I just pulled my Bikemaster battery out of my 850 L this year, after 8 years of service. Would not take a charge any longer. Replaced it with another one.

V

 

[eil]

I believe I have the same AGM battery in my bike for a while now and it's still going strong despite a couple of dumb near-total discharge incidents that were my fault. Hope it holds on a little longer.

 

[rphillips]

A few yrs. back. I bought a brand new "INTESTATE" for my bike, from the Interstate whse.. When I got home & opened the box, there was a "YUSA" battery & an "INTERSTATE" sticker that had never been peeled off & stuck on there. I had to make the decision if I wanted a "YUSA" or an "INTERSTATE". I opted for the "YUSA" & put the Interstate sticker on my tool box.