should I get a branded or cheap battery?

ayfy · Nova Slayer Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Karma :

ok, I need to go out and buy a new battery for my bike. It's a K3 SV650s. I think I need to get a YTX12-BS although some sites have said I need a YT12A-BS. I'll probably get the YTX12-BS as this is what I've got.

Now, I can get a Yusa one for 59.99 or a cheap one for 28.99 which is more than half the price. Obviously the cheaper the better, any major reasons for me not to go for the cheap one over the expensive one? If it lasts me a couple of years that'll do me, if it lasts 6 months then obviously it's a bit crap.

T1z3R · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Karma :

if they both have the same warranty then i'd get the cheap one.
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McJamweasel · BCF Junkie Joined: 22 Mar 2002 Karma :

Expect a cheap battery to last 12 months or so, while a Yuasa should last double that if it's looked after properly.
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moog · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Jul 2005 Karma :

Heed this old saying mate...."Buy cheap, buy twice".
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RSheale · Derestricted Danger Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Karma :

lol they are bothe cheap but i would indeed go fofr the yuso knowing that you will be buying quality too

syl · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Yuasa everytime. I always seem to be buying new bikes and finding cheapo about to pop batteries under the seat. My NC30 came with one a couple of years ago - couldn't work out the strange hissing noise after a summer ride out. The battery was leaking and threatening to explode - that was pulled out rather quickly.

yzf750r · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Karma :

My dad was told to buy a proper harley battery for this harley FLSTN, so £120 down the line, a varta one, same as my ZXR turns up! Rolling Eyes

Anyway I use Varta all the time too! Thumbs Up

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the grim reaper · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Karma :

I've had a cheap battery leak as well, just after I'd sold the bike. I buy Yuasa now but I buy from whichever place is the cheapest. Put the code of your battery into google (if you don't know the code, look it up on Yuasa's site) and you'll find loads of suppliers. Make sure they are selling Yuasa though.

Cheers

Grim
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MalcolmT · Nova Slayer Joined: 23 Mar 2005 Karma :

The cheapo batteries arn't always able to push out as much current as a quality brand. Its not a problem if you have a kick start. I replaced the battery on my bemer last year and got the original item from the dealer. It was double the price of a cheapo chinky battery but had a 2yr warrenty.

I also run a 77' 750 Yam, i put a cheapo on the bike, it it dosen't fire after the first couple of shots then it has to be kicked into life.
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DucatiEVO · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Karma :

Yuasa

Fed up of cheap batteries, don't have the same cranking power of the higher quality ones.

My Duc kills it's 'Rob Hunter' replacement battery when I start it, almost always have to stick it back on charge after a ride out. (new battery).

Never had the prob with the previous Yuasa battery, unfortunately I couldn't source an OE Yuasa one at the time, so had to make do with the RH.
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sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

MalcolmT · Nova Slayer Joined: 23 Mar 2005 Karma :

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

DucatiEVO · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

The OE battery in the Bandit lasted 5~6 years. So happy with the life I bought a decent replacement. Sprint batteries normally seem to come with a 6 month warrenty (and it has been mentioned that they are so named because you are always sprinting to the dealer for a new one).

I would tend to go for Yuasa unless you are broke (or expect to mistreat it so much that you will kill any battery).

Might have to give the site mentioned above a try for a battery for the FZR600. That too is a pig to start if it has been sat for a few days (although it often fire up immediatly if you jump start it).

All the best

Keith
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sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Halfrauds do some sealed motorbike batteries.

I put one in my supermoto and not only was it smaller and lighter, but it could swing the engine over harder and for longer than the original ordinary battery. (something you really notice on a 660cc single, especially if it is having an "I'm not starting today" tantrum).
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