Need battery for 2013 FJR

[JP1300]

Not having the best experience with batteries. Can anyone help with recommendations for best make / type battery. Need something that can function in the cold.

 

[Ignacio]

I've found that it's not uncommon for people to say a battery issue, but actually have wounded them because of something else--like fiddling or adding something to the bike electrically that drains the battery.

That said, I've found the Yuasa battery solid and performs well in the cold. If cold weren't a factor, I'd go with one of the lithiums talked about on this forum many times.

 

[RossKean]

My "Go To" battery is a Yuasa YT14B-BS. Not the cheapest but worth it, IMHO.
Good quality AGM battery. You will get lots of differing opinions.
For best performance in the cold, I would not recommend a Lithium battery.

 

[SkooterG]

What are you considering cold? I know everybody poo-poos lithium but the newer lithium batteries are better than they were 5-10 years ago. I have had no issue starting mine in the cold - high 30s to low 40s when I have been in those temperatures. I am a big believer in lithium batteries.

The Yuasa is definitely a good battery. Personally, I would try to get the GS series that comes OEM in the FJR. For lithium, the several Antigravity batteries I have have performed admirably.

 

[JP1300]

I've found that it's not uncommon for people to say a battery issue, but actually have wounded them because of something else--like fiddling or adding something to the bike electrically that drains the battery.

That said, I've found the Yuasa battery solid and performs well in the cold. If cold weren't a factor, I'd go with one of the lithiums talked about on this forum many times.

Thank you Ignacio, can you advise the Yuasa original type?

 

[harper]

What are you considering cold? I know everybody poo-poos lithium but the newer lithium batteries are better than they were 5-10 years ago. I have had no issue starting mine in the cold - high 30s to low 40s when I have been in those temperatures. I am a big believer in lithium batteries.

You don't know cold. But you do know hot. I was on a ride with Archer last summer and we were in some areas of over 100F. His lithium battery choked in the heat. The bike had to be left running during a stop or the battery needed an appreciable time to cool off in order to restart. You see 100F all the time. Have you ever had any heat issues with the lithium batteries?

 

[RossKean]

I know everybody poo-poos lithium but the newer lithium batteries are better than they were 5-10 years ago.

I agree 100%. I remember horror stories about the early Shorai lithium batteries. The starting procedure in cool weather was to put a high current load on the battery to heat it up first. People were recommending cranking the engine a few times, with the knowledge that it wouldn't start until the battery got warm enough (to the detriment of your starter, relay and bike electronics). (A simple resistive load like a halogen auxiliary light would be better.) Not needed so much these days.
No question that they are much better since that time. Battery management electronics make it far less likely that they will suffer a fatal (for Li batteries) deep discharge and some even have a feature that retains enough juice to start the bike if mostly "discharged" (i.e. Antigravity Re-Start). Lithium batteries also have the advantage of much less voltage "sag" when significantly depleted - they keep good cranking volts right up until they are mostly dead, unlike an AGM. Of course, they are much lighter than the AGM, but a saving of approx. 8 lb isn't a big deal when you are talking about a bike that weighs 650+. They can be safely charged at a higher rate than an AGM battery without damaging them.

Still, they are not the equal of AGM when it gets cold, although much better than they used to be.
They typically have lower total Ah capacity, although this is somewhat mitigated by retaining good cranking amps until discharged. It wont last as long as the typical AGM if you are running in a current deficit situation or leave an accessory (or ignition switch) turned on.
Considerably more expensive.
Requires a compatible charger or battery maintainer - many newer chargers have a Lithium mode, but not all.
Not as safe to jump start.
It is not safe to charge Lithium batteries at low (below freezing) ambient temperatures!
Longevity - can be very good if they are not mistreated, but I have done very well with my AGM lead chemistry batteries.

Your choice. All depends on your situation.

Note: I live in a region that gets seriously cold weather although I rarely ride when it is below 40°F - at least not intentionally. For me, the plusses of the Lithium battery do not outweigh the minuses. Still, if someone were to offer one to me, I wouldn't turn it down. I have a compatible maintainer...

 

[Geese]

I have a USB outlet which includes voltage reading. You can easily see a stator or other charging problem by keeping a loose eye on this. Saved me from starting out across 100 mi of empty country once on my Triumph Tiger (pre FJR bike). Started showing lower voltage across Oregon but still adequate. Left Bruneau Sand Dunes next morning was showing 11.8 voltage, turned around headed back to Mountain Home to deal with it.

Note: never got idiot light, no idea at what voltage they come on at.

 

[SkooterG]

You don't know cold. But you do know hot. I was on a ride with Archer last summer and we were in some areas of over 100F. His lithium battery choked in the heat. The bike had to be left running during a stop or the battery needed an appreciable time to cool off in order to restart. You see 100F all the time. Have you ever had any heat issues with the lithium batteries?

He must have had a POS lithium battery. I have had zero issues with them in the heat - up to 118 degrees. And they get used often in those temps. But then, I have had zero issues in cold temps too. Believe me, I wouldn't be spending the $$$$ if they didn't perform. It's the only battery I buy now. I've got five of them in my different motos.

 

[SkooterG]

Note: never got idiot light, no idea at what voltage they come on at.

There is no voltage idiot light or warning.

 

[Ignacio]

Thank you Ignacio, can you advise the Yuasa original type?

What Rosskean said.

 

[RossKean]

I have a USB outlet which includes voltage reading. You can easily see a stator or other charging problem by keeping a loose eye on this. Saved me from starting out across 100 mi of empty country once on my Triumph Tiger (pre FJR bike). Started showing lower voltage across Oregon but still adequate. Left Bruneau Sand Dunes next morning was showing 11.8 voltage, turned around headed back to Mountain Home to deal with it.

Note: never got idiot light, no idea at what voltage they come on at.

A dash mounted voltmeter can give you immediate notice of a failure of stator, R/R or battery - often sufficient advance warning to get you to a place where you can deal with it before power is insufficient to run electronics, fuel injection and spark. Due to typically higher Ah capacity, most AGMs will get you further than a lithium battery if you toast your stator. (Disconnecting headlight bulbs will extend range.)

If you are running lots of high draw accessories, a voltmeter will tell you if you are operating in a deficit charging situation. Not generally an issue with Gen II+ bikes with their higher capacity stator compared to Gen I; especially since most people run LED auxiliary lights instead of power-hungry high power incandescent these days. I would presume that the Gen IV with all LED lighting would have even more overhead available for accessories.

 

[vzhq16]

Like others have said, the Yuasa YT14B-BS would be my first choice. I currently (no pun intended) have a Shorai lithium battery installed but if that ever goes bad, I'd go back to a Yuasa YT14B-BS AGM battery in a heartbeat. The lithium does fine for the most part. I have a DVR on my bike though and it is a constant current drain. The Lithium battery does not fair well under those circumstances. It has to be on it's dedicated charger/maintainer if the bike is going to sit for more than about three days.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Not going to debate battery type. We all have opinions and we all know what they're worth! Whichever you decide, a reliable source for me has always been Battery Stuff. Fair pricing and quick shipping.

~G

 

[RossKean]

Not having the best experience with batteries. Can anyone help with recommendations for best make / type battery. Need something that can function in the cold.

Where are you located?

 

[2GENAE]

Gen III OEM Yuasa Yamaha part# GT1-4B400-00-00 Gold Series or Yuasa # GT14B4-GS
Revzilla $138.00 . These are OEM replacements made in Taiwan/Japan.
It fits all FJR1300 it came filled sealed.

The YT14B-BS made in USA it arrives empty you fill it with the acid. I've read the GT series made in Asia lasts longer YMMV on this .

 

[JP1300]

Not going to debate battery type. We all have opinions and we all know what they're worth! Whichever you decide, a reliable source for me has always been Battery Stuff. Fair pricing and quick shipping.

~G

Thank You & thank you everyone who has replied, this is all very helpful.

My "Go To" battery is a Yuasa YT14B-BS. Not the cheapest but worth it, IMHO.
Good quality AGM battery. You will get lots of differing opinions.
For best performance in the cold, I would not recommend a Lithium battery.

thank you Ross