Can an AGM battery be mounted on its side?

[B5234FT]

I have a 98 R1 4XV which needs a new battery. The old one was an AGM battery so I ordered the same, this time a Varta YT12B-BS. It's arrived and states clearly on the side of the battery not to mount it anything other than upright.

Is this a peculiarity of the Varta, or was the previous AGM battery also incorrectly mounted?

What came new in an R1?

What batteries do people use mounted on their sides in bikes that require it? Gel and Lithium?

Thanks

[stinkwheel]

My understanding is an AGM should be fine on their side but not upside down. Gel and lithium can go upside down.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Fat Angry Scotsman]

[MCN]

There should be a vent in the top cover. Probaly an integral feature but some have a wee prastivhose on a tube.
AGM also known as vented.
Just don't plug or block the vent.

In case it shorts and asplodes.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[B5234FT]

So this is the sticker on the battery

No visible vent unless it's under the tear off strip for filling, which I don't want to remove in case I need to return it

[arry]

[Polarbear]

[MCN]

[stinkwheel]

[B5234FT]

Much the same place as Id got to, may be fine, but the manufacturer states not to, so return it.

Question is, what to buy instead. Lithium is spendy and not without it's issues and lead acid and AGM aren't guaranteed to be useable on their side, so I guess gel?

Recommendations please!

[MCN]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery

Lead acid wet batteries must be vented.
The ones that come with acid pack are sealed by the plugs or a sealing tape. The acid is tipped in and the plugs installed.
The plugs have a vent in each or will be of a design that can fail in a controlled manner.
Mechanical damage inside any battery can overwhelm any protective device too.
It why phaphing with batteries needs a bit of skill and experience.

I'd avoid lithium as it self-ignites if you look at it the wrong way.
Lithium is weak to mechanical injury.
Plenty you tube things on that.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[stinkwheel]

So they aren't vented at all. They are sealed and have a blow-offdevice if they go over-pressure.

Presumably this would work equally well with gas or liquid pressure. It would also destroy the battery. From my experience, it would also spoil your day because it wouldn't just be gas coming out of it. More a geyser of sulphuric acid mixed with hydrogen gas.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[xX-Alex-Xx]

[Fizzer Thou]

When I bought a new lead acid battery for my 5JJ R1 it came with a seperate acid pack that I emptied into the casing.Once this was done I pressed in the seal that keeps the battery acid in place and placed it on its side as all batteries of the 4XV,the 5JJ and the 5PW do.There is no chance of spillage and there is no maintenance.They are near enough 'fit and forget'.....

I bought it from here

https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/f/yamaha/yzf-r1-98-03/

As for lithium batteries not liking a knock,I have one fitted to my KTM enduro and that works perfectly in that environment.
____________________
Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[MCN]

[B5234FT]

[Fizzer Thou]

[MCN]

[Fizzer Thou]