Best Gen I Battery?

[Iron_Raptre]

Hello all! Time to replace my '03's battery, and I'd rather not settle for the one option (Yacht) in town. I'm up to go somewhere in the $100-150 range; I'd like to make it last.
I am a very casual rider and rarely ride in sub-45 weather (though it does get cold here in UT.) and with my touring work and the seasons it mean I don't ride the machine often nor hard.
What I think:
Lithium batteries are +$$ but smaller, lighter, and have a tough time starting in the cold.
My dad suggested finding a sealed premium grade, +$
User-filled seem to be lowest price and better to start the battery life when you choose. Is there room for breather tubes packed in that upper cowling? Or are they filled up, then "sealed" without the breather?

There seems to be a lot of discussion but few clear decisions. Just looking for suggestions of what brand to buy, and where. Thanks!

 

[bluesdog]

I'm still on the original, and will replace it with a OEM Yuasa when required.

Cheap batteries are false economy, as they are unreliable

Jury is out on the new technology, (lithium), as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Twigg]

Following recommendations here, all the other times this was discussed, I went with the Motobatt.

I've been happy with it.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

OEM is the best for me

 

[mcatrophy]

...My dad suggested finding a sealed premium grade, +$

User-filled seem to be lowest price and better to start the battery life when you choose. Is there room for breather tubes packed in that upper cowling? Or are they filled up, then "sealed" without the breather?...

If you buy a Yuasa, you will fill it, it is then sealed for life.

If it was me, that's what I'd go for.

Yes, you can get less expensive batteries, but you are more likely to regret buying cheaper.

 

[Madmudder]

Yuasa was my choice a short while back & all is well!

 

[Warpdrv]

Ive replaced my battery evey time with a Westco.... top of the line batteries.

Here's a deal I searched ebay for..... https://www.apexbattery.com/westco-12v14b-4-battery.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=78242866386&gclid=CjwKEAjwndqrBRC16IyeqPicp3ASJAB-vB-cseueU_TYcJfODsyh5veWBKWQoeR_DaLBz9hcd-4QKxoCZePw_wcB

In all honesty - I have always bought my stuff BikeEffects - Jeff has always treated me very well.

https://bikeeffects.com/products.asp?cat=8551

there is a forum discount

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=23

 

[Hornet Pilot]

I've been using the Lithium battery for 3 years now and couldn't be happier.

 

[rbentnail]

The first question I have is what is (was) in your '03? And are (were) you happy with it?

Really, my '07 still has the OEM Yuasa battery in it. 8 yrs, 80k+ miles. Proven service, never let me down. Why change to something else if you've gotten great service?

 

[Iron_Raptre]

My last battery was a WPS CT14B-4.

Looks like YUASA Fill-and-Seal is the majority vote. However I was surprised to see they go for somewhere over $110, not including shipping.
Pricey Lithium tech doesn't seem to have found it's niche yet except the benefits of extreme light-weight.

I'm definitely tempted by the WestCo, Warpdrv says they're strong and 76 shipped seems like a good deal. Thoughts?

 

[wheatonFJR]

I've replaced my OEMs when the time comes with Westcos.

I'm sure that the more expensive batteries are replaced less often...but that's just me.

Opinions are like Bustanuts...every Forum has one.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I've replaced my OEMs when the time comes with Westcos.I'm sure that the more expensive batteries are replaced less often...but that's just me.Opinions are like Bustanuts...every Forum has one.

And they all stink. :****:

 

[TUCSONRIDER]

I AM ON 5 YEARS Lithium BATTERY *****

 

[RossKean]

I AM ON 5 YEARS Lithium BATTERY *****

And I am on 8+ years (130000 mi) of OEM Yuasa. The next (Yuasa) battery will out last the bike and our cool spring and fall weather is not the best environment for lithium; at least not in their current (pun intended) form.