need a new battery

[Austin]

My battery is getting a bit iffy these days, if the temperature is below about 5c if it doesn't start in about 2 seconds, its out with the jump leads. The new oxford grips switch won't allow the grips to come on unless revs are above 3K or so (idicative of voltage being below 11.5v). I am sure running headlight, fog lights and heated grips doesn't help, but the battery is definitely on the go. Trouble is I can't find the spec for a replacement and different websites give different answers or no listing for a TA650.

The one that's fitted is Honda (Yuasa) YTZ12S rated at 11Ah, M&P reccommend a YT12A-BS rated at 9Ah (but is on offer), and others sellers suggest between 8 and 12 ah.

Anyone know the right answer - I am inclined to go for like for like replacement, but also tempted to go for an even higher rated battery if I can get one of the right dimensions- eg YTZ14S

[Stormforce8]

Austin - have a look at this thread - I've just gone through the same process with my @.

Try here as well - this is where I bought mine from.

[Austin]

Austin - have a look at this thread - I've just gone through the same process with my @.

Try here as well - this is where I bought mine from.

Thanks mate, but didn't understand a thing in your exchange with Jenna. The vendor in your other link doesn't list the TA650 at all, but has 5 listing each for TA600 and XRV750 . I will have a browse around as they seem to offer alternatives

[Austin]

hmmm, I am getting more confused now. The Yuasa web site gives the spec of a YTZ12S as 11 Ah, whereas a Varta is only 9Ah.

I thought the specification was standardised.

[Stormforce8]

Tayna are listing this battery as fitment for 00-02 TransAlp 650

JIS REF
YT12A-BS

Technical Data
12V 11Ah
140A Cold crank current (EN)

Dimensions(mm)
150 Long 87 Wide 105 High (incl.terminals)



Or this one might fit - only 5mm taller - YTZ14S

Or you could try a Hawker Odyssey battery - the PC310 from Knights would fit

Best bet - wait until Kymmy or Jenna comes back online

[Gadget]

Just a thought ..........
Have you tried giving the battery a full reconditioning charge?
Sometimes thats all they need to get them back to good and it could save you forking out on a new one. If you've got alot of demand on the battery, (grips, lights, satnav etc) then just riding it won't always recharge the battery adequately, especially on short commutes.

[nomad]

Just a thought ..........
Have you tried giving the battery a full reconditioning charge?
Sometimes thats all they need to get them back to good and it could save you forking out on a new one. If you've got alot of demand on the battery, (grips, lights, satnav etc) then just riding it won't always recharge the battery adequately, especially on short commutes.

i agree, give it a good overnight charge and then have it checked out at a local dealer or battery supplier who can do a drop test on it
this will confirm if it's not holding it's charge and could save you a small fortune

[rlkat]

i recently changed my battery. oem from my local honda dealer, £35.00 (YUASA 12A-B). well worth it as the last one had lasted 10 years.

rob

[Austin]

i recently changed my battery. oem from my local honda dealer, £35.00 (YUASA 12A-B). well worth it as the last one had lasted 10 years.

rob

£50 for a YTZ12BS from my local Honda place, which is actually slightly less than most Internet places. I am going to give the battery fitted a long slow charge for the next few 2 days coz I need to by car to work. Then see how it does, oh and a buy a new multitester. Sod's law innit, just when I need something other than the circuit tester function it goes and breaks on me.

By the way what are drop tests? And I assume by a reconditioning charge you mean a long charge at 8milliamps or something.

[Gadget]

There are a couple of things you can do to bring old batteries back to life, so long as the plates aren't completely knackered. You can replace all the acid with fresh acid, replaced it with water and allow the battery to make its own acid under charging, or replace the acid with an acid gel type substance, (I can't remember what its called). Once you've done this you can then begin the deep cycle recharge. Initially with a higher voltage at a low current, then lower voltage with an initial high current reducing to a trickle charge, (lower current). This has saved me the cost of atleast two batteries in the past. But.. if its knackered, its knackered and no amount of charging will save it.
A drop test?... Theres two types as far as I understand. One is to place a high electrical load across the terminals and see how much it drains the battery and the other is to place a smaller load on it and see how long it last. In theory a 12v 12Ah battery should, with a full charge supply 12v @ 1amp for 12 hours, (or 12amps for 1 hour).
I recommend the Accumate range of chargers. I've used one for years and they're worth the £30 'ish that they cost.