How to shop for a motorcycle battery

[giganticflying]

I just bought a '79 GS850 that's been sitting outside for a while. When i got it to my garage, I found out it didn't have a battery.

Normally, with my car, I just go out and try to find the cheapest battery available, usually from a battery exchange or something. I just noticed there are a couple different kinds of batteries for bikes.

Are the more expensive ones better? What are the real differences? How do you shop for a motorcycle battery?

I found this: http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/suzuki/1979/850cc-gs850g-gl/

 

[Andrew Vanis]

1) if you're not sure if you'll keep the bike get the cheapest ~$35 at Walmart. Tend to last about 2 years (outliers on longevity in either direction exist)

2) if you think you'll keep the bike (and not sure of charging system which is typically bad) consider a lifetime warranty battery ~$80 http://www.cyclegear.com/CycleGear/Parts/Batteries/brand/MEGABOOST/Batteries/p/36686_47076

3) If you're a battery geek get into esoteric batteries AGM, LI Ion, etc. $100 - $300 (but I'm guessing you're not a battery geek if you're asking this practical question)

 

[blowerbike]

AGM is the best for your buck.
i bought a big azz battery for my polish motorcycle for 53 bucks with free shipping.
vented batteries are a thing of the past...look at the damage they have already done to your bike and most other bikes on this planet.
here....
have a look............
http://www.chromebattery.com/

 

[koolaid_kid]

Cheap - easy to find.
Best - AGM. Also helps if you want to sell the bike, AGM lasts for many years.

 

[Alan Schlosser]

http://www.batterystuff.com/
Free shipping. It's my first AGM and so far, I'm very impressed.

 

[blowerbike]

just checked and chrome battery was 16 bucks cheaper than battery stuff for the same size AGM i bought for mine.

 

[giganticflying]

So does the brand of AGM battery matter?

 

[blowerbike]

ask yourself if you are one of those people that feel better paying more for a "known" brand....if so, then yes it matters.
when you can buy an AGM for within 10 bucks of a vented paint eater...
well you know the answer to that

 

[Dogma]

So does the brand of AGM battery matter?

Whatever AGM AutoZone sold me has been excellent. It even soaked up some overcharging to get another rider's bike home. Still using it, something like 4 years later.

 

[giganticflying]

Awesome. Thanks everyone.

 

[Big T]

Just go to Batteries Plus, they usually have one in stock and it has a guarantee

 

[portdave]

Plus one for chrome battery on ebay. I have bought 3 from them.

 

[FoxyBLankworthy]

AGM has been fantastic for me too. Although, before spending the cash on it you might want to verify that your changing system is healthy. I found decent prices on mine at www.partsnmore.com

 

[Guest]

Yellow ones are good

 

[blowerbike]

Plus one for chrome battery on ebay. I have bought 3 from them.

buy straight from chrome and save $$$$$.
i saved 5-8 bucks and had it in 2 days.
happy happy happy

FYI
it's pretty easy folks to compare prices.
i have and chrome is the cheapest with free shipping and a good warranty.

 

[Guest]

I bought my last battery online. I have a 1327 that I race and wanted as much cranking power that I could find. Is there a better advertisement than ' BIG CRANK' on the side of a battery? It also always starts the bike which is a bonus. AGM is the winner for cheap money.
Curt

 

[giganticflying]

I bought mine from Chrome battery in the end. about $11 dollars cheaper than everyone. Thanks for all the info.