MF Replacement Battery

[gs11ezrydr]

Would any one possibly know where to get a maintenance free battery for a 85 GS1150. My local bike shop doesn't show a replacement, nor do some of the part houses around.I believe because of the battery fluid level sensor, they don't show a MF repl. A part # and where to get one would be greatly appreciated. I believe that all I have to do to the sensor wire is to hook it to the + battery term. Correct me there if I'm wrong.Been a while. Thanks in advance for any info...

 

[oldGSfan]

Check that where you finally get it is an authorized dealer. I learned a $100 lesson on Amazon with a Yuasa AGM, it croaked after the 60 day return and no recourse. I'm going back to simple lead acid that you add the acid to, never a problem with those.

 

[LAB3]

I'd bet that if you where to google "replacement battery 1985 gs1150" you'd have more choices than you could shake a stick at, I did! The only piece of advice I'd give you when choosing one is to avoid Lithium batteries, the charging characteristics don't play well with the charging system unless you also change the regulator/rectifier.

 

[fastbysuzuki]

Have a look here https://www.motobatt.us/parts-finder?type=4&make=57&year=1985&model=GS1150E,S
being sealed the level sensor is not needed

 

[Gorminrider]

Shopping Locally? It's common you won't find a catalogued *battery......Measure old battery, all sides. then (important) OBSERVE where terminals are placed or your existing cables won't be long enough.
TAKE your tape measure!
Pretty much any 12Volt AGM that fits will work. Go a little smaller rather than larger if there's any doubt.

*Catalogues have all these measures too.... Most batteries are made by very few manufacturers. IE: Yuasa by another name....

 

[alke46]

The Motobatt AGM I use has 4 places for the cables. If one direction doesn't work, just turn the battery around and voila!.

 

[rphillips]

That dang light just seemed silly anyway. You had a 1 in 6 chance the sensor was in the cell that was low of water. Haven't had a 1150 fro several years, but I'm thinking it was a YB-14LA2 (or equivalent). Our Wal-mart usually keeps them. I don't think you will find a sealed with a sensor.

 

[bwringer]

It uses the same 14L-A2 size as a skrillion other GS models and many other motorcycles. If they give you any crap, tell them it's for a 1983 GS850G, or a 2004 Kawasaki KLR650.

As noted, the only difference is that you'll need to deal with the stupid sensor wire in some other way. I think you can pull the bulb, or hook the wire up differently.


Do NOT install an old-skool "wet" acid puker battery. FFS, it's 2021. Drop in an AGM. Live a little...


I am quite partial to the US-made Deka battery, sold under a zillion stupid brand names. Look for the distinctive light gray case and the weird chunky lead terminals.

For example, "Big Crank" brand ETX15L
https://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank-ETX15L-Battery.html
Great battery, one of the dumbest imaginable brand names. Oh well. There's one in my KLR, but at least you can't see the sticker.

BatteryMart is a fantastic supplier. This battery also appears at auto parts store chains with different stickers (it appears to be sold at Autozone right now wearing a "Duralast" sticker); look for the distinctive features, and do not accept cheap Chinese AGM substitutes.


MotoBatt batteries are also fantastic, next-level batteries:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-mbtx14au-motobatt-agm-battery.html



I've dealt with too many defective Yuasa batteries to trust that brand. YMMV; some people think they're great because they're expensive or something.

 

[Guest]

All good suggestions. I would add that the sensor should be connected to a switched power wire, rather than directly to the battery. Not sure how much power it might draw (if any), but no need to have it powered all the time.

 

[bwringer]

All good suggestions. I would add that the sensor should be connected to a switched power wire, rather than directly to the battery. Not sure how much power it might draw (if any), but no need to have it powered all the time.

Good to know what to do with that sensor wire. I knew there was a way to deal with it, but couldn't remember exactly. It was a terrible idea in 1985, and it's an even worse idea in 2021.

 

[hank2]

I am quite partial to the US-made Deka battery, sold under a zillion stupid brand names. Look for the distinctive light gray case and the weird chunky lead terminals.

For example, "Big Crank" brand ETX15L
https://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank-ETX15L-Battery.html
Great battery, one of the dumbest imaginable brand names. Oh well. There's one in my KLR, but at least you can't see the sticker.

BatteryMart is a fantastic supplier. This battery also appears at auto parts store chains with different stickers (it appears to be sold at Autozone right now wearing a "Duralast" sticker); look for the distinctive features, and do not accept cheap Chinese AGM substitutes.


MotoBatt batteries are also fantastic, next-level batteries:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-mbtx14au-motobatt-agm-battery.html

I've dealt with too many defective Yuasa batteries to trust that brand. YMMV; some people think they're great because they're expensive or something.[/QUOTE]


I've also had great luck with 3 or 4 relabeled Deka AGM batteries sold as Big Crank by Batttery Mart. The price has gone up dramatically in the past couple of years, but what hasn't? The posts have mount holes top and side, so with some extra bolts you can use both.

I would add Exide to the avoid list if they still make bike batteries.

 

[Grimly]

Likewise, I used to trust Yuasa, but the last two I've had have been no great shakes.
Used to be I'd get five or six years out of a Yuasa, but in recent times only got two years or so.
I've been using Motobatt in two bikes for the past four or so years, with no complaints so far.

 

[gs11ezrydr]

Good to know what to do with that sensor wire. I knew there was a way to deal with it, but couldn't remember exactly. It was a terrible idea in 1985, and it's an even worse idea in 2021.

100% Thanks...Good thinking..

 

[gs11ezrydr]

Shopping Locally? It's common you won't find a catalogued *battery......Measure old battery, all sides. then (important) OBSERVE where terminals are placed or your existing cables won't be long enough.
TAKE your tape measure!
Pretty much any 12Volt AGM that fits will work. Go a little smaller rather than larger if there's any doubt.

*Catalogues have all these measures too.... Most batteries are made by very few manufacturers. IE: Yuasa by another name....

Thank You That seems to be the most logical..

 

[gs11ezrydr]

That dang light just seemed silly anyway. You had a 1 in 6 chance the sensor was in the cell that was low of water. Haven't had a 1150 fro several years, but I'm thinking it was a YB-14LA2 (or equivalent). Our Wal-mart usually keeps them. I don't think you will find a sealed with a sensor.

Yes the terminal locations are different..Reversed Hence the 'L" Not too worried about the sensor.. Thanks..

 

[gs11ezrydr]

Likewise, I used to trust Yuasa, but the last two I've had have been no great shakes.
Used to be I'd get five or six years out of a Yuasa, but in recent times only got two years or so.
I've been using Motobatt in two bikes for the past four or so years, with no complaints so far.

Thanks not sure about Motobatt here in the states, But I will surely check....Yuasa is made in Pennsylvania anymore..I agree not the same batteries that came from Japan..

 

[gs11ezrydr]

I am quite partial to the US-made Deka battery, sold under a zillion stupid brand names. Look for the distinctive light gray case and the weird chunky lead terminals.

For example, "Big Crank" brand ETX15L
https://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank-ETX15L-Battery.html
Great battery, one of the dumbest imaginable brand names. Oh well. There's one in my KLR, but at least you can't see the sticker.

BatteryMart is a fantastic supplier. This battery also appears at auto parts store chains with different stickers (it appears to be sold at Autozone right now wearing a "Duralast" sticker); look for the distinctive features, and do not accept cheap Chinese AGM substitutes.


MotoBatt batteries are also fantastic, next-level batteries:
https://www.batterymart.com/p-mbtx14au-motobatt-agm-battery.html

I've dealt with too many defective Yuasa batteries to trust that brand. YMMV; some people think they're great because they're expensive or something.

I've also had great luck with 3 or 4 relabeled Deka AGM batteries sold as Big Crank by Batttery Mart. The price has gone up dramatically in the past couple of years, but what hasn't? The posts have mount holes top and side, so with some extra bolts you can use both.

I would add Exide to the avoid list if they still make bike batteries.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info,, Interesting and educational.I once purchased a Deka battery for a Honda that had a Deka sticker stuck over the original Yuasa printed on the batt...Wierd..