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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: knowles on March 14, 2012, 10:50:25 PM

Title: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on March 14, 2012, 10:50:25 PM
I was looking at getting a new battery for my bike and could not find one in any parts store. the battery in the book next to the batteries said that it should be a 10L-2B battery. all the people at the stores said that it was a special order battery and hard to get in. now i was searching on here and i found where adidasguy bought this one which is a bigger battery than standard.

Shorai Lithium 14 AH PBEq 12 Volt LiFePO4 ATV and Motorcycle Battery (- +)Shorai Lithium 14 AH PBEq 12 Volt LiFePO4 ATV and Motorcycle Battery (- +)Price: $148.00Size: 4.45 x 2.28 x 3.50 "
C.C.A.: 210 Amp/Hr: 14 PbEq
Replaces: YTZ7S, YT10L-A2, YT12CL, YTX14AHL

but the web site also has this battery

YT10L-A2 12v High Performance AGM Powersport Motorcycle BatteryYT10L-A2 12v High Performance AGM Powersport Motorcycle BatteryPrice: $54.00Size: 5 5/16 x 3 9/16 x 5 3/4 "
C.C.A.: 170 Amp/Hr: 11
Replaces: Yuasa YB10L-A2, other 10L-A2

but in the parts book at the auto parts store the second battery is for the GS 400, not for the GS 500. I dont really care what the battery is and i cant afford a $150 battery this year so i was just going to pick up a cheaper one at Napa or some other parts store but can't find it. Does anyone know what the numbers and letters mean. can i just get a little bit bigger amp battery or will i run the risk frying something?
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: solo on March 15, 2012, 04:52:01 AM
YT10L-A2 12v High Performance AGM Powersport Motorcycle Battery... http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYT10L-A2.html.... I bought this battery over 1 year ago.. no problems.. $54.00 ship to your door can't beat it..
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on March 15, 2012, 06:21:55 PM
ok cool thanks.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: cbrfxr67 on March 16, 2012, 07:07:24 AM
I've used the everstart batteries from wally world for years now with no problems,...
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 07:16:46 AM
Quote from: cbrfxr67 on March 16, 2012, 07:07:24 AM
I've used the everstart batteries from wally world for years now with no problems,...
got one in mine right now, $29.00
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 07:18:08 AM
What's the model number on the wally world battery, and is it a sealed battery?
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 07:29:16 AM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 07:18:08 AM
What's the model number on the wally world battery, and is it a sealed battery?
non sealed, has caps, ES12N94B1
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: jacob_ns on March 16, 2012, 08:08:54 AM
But it has to be installed sideways and could potentially have a loss of capacity due to the plates being out of the acid in the battery.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 08:23:32 AM
Mine is installed like a normal battery would be.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: gsJack on March 16, 2012, 08:38:31 AM
I've always used the 10L-A2 batteries in my GSs, more readily available and less costly than the stock 10L-B2.  They are the same except the vent hose comes off the opposite side, just ran the vent hose over to the left side of the 10L-A2 batteries.  Never had a problem.

Put a Scorpion AGM, link above, in my 02 GS in Mar 09 and replaced it with another Scorpion last Nov.  About same or better in battery life as conventional batteries for me but well worth the price.  The AGM seem to have more voltage left for spark while cranking in cold winter weather, I ride year around here in NE Ohio.  And no need to check water level all summer with the AGM sealed battery.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 08:48:42 AM
Quote from: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 07:29:16 AM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 07:18:08 AM
What's the model number on the wally world battery, and is it a sealed battery?
non sealed, has caps, ES12N94B1

Thanks, looks like a good cheap alternative on a budget or in a time pinch.  It has the vent on the correct side and is slightly skinnier and shorter than the OEM size.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 08:53:42 AM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 08:48:42 AM
Quote from: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 07:29:16 AM
Quote from: bombsquad83 on March 16, 2012, 07:18:08 AM
What's the model number on the wally world battery, and is it a sealed battery?
non sealed, has caps, ES12N94B1

Thanks, looks like a good cheap alternative on a budget or in a time pinch.  It has the vent on the correct side and is slightly skinnier and shorter than the OEM size.
and it was the cheapest they had in stock Lol. No problems thus far. It was a little sluggish on a 35° morning here but did start.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on March 16, 2012, 09:42:52 AM
ok thats what i"ll get then i only need it for a year so so then i'll buy a good one.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: jacob_ns on March 16, 2012, 10:33:07 AM
Quote from: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 08:23:32 AM
Mine is installed like a normal battery would be.

The Walmart battery? Did you have to modify your battery box because mine definitely will not fit.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: adidasguy on March 16, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: jacob_ns on March 16, 2012, 10:33:07 AM
The Walmart battery? Did you have to modify your battery box because mine definitely will not fit.
Is this funny or a tragedy?
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/ROTFLMAO.gif)     (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/head_hurts_kr.gif)

Spending untold time to modify a battery box in order to save a few dollars buying the wrong, cheap battery. Sheeesh! (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/fail1.gif)
What's even more funny is people who complain they can't ride because of a bad battery. Then they spend 2 weeks asking questions and searching to save $5. Or they buy the first, cheap, wrong battery they find then a month later post questions about electrical and starting problems and still can't jump on the bike and ride whenever they want. Then you have the ones that go everywhere except..... (and this is true!)..... a Suzuki dealer - spending days driving a car all over the place just to save $10 from the dealer price - which would be the right part GUARANTEED!

So easy to buy a GOOD and the CORRECT battery - just look up "GS500 battery". So many places have it in stock.

Threads like this should be made into a late night soap opera or a book. (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/nopity.gif)

I await the next chapter in the story
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/book1.gif)
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 10:56:55 AM
No hunting for me. It's just by sheer luck that everything worked properly, no mods.as mentioned above the battery I purchased is slightly smaller than stock.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: gsJack on March 16, 2012, 10:57:32 AM
So why not just use the Walmart ES10LA2 battery?  it's the same width, length, and height as oem YB10L-A2.  Fits right in, you just need to move vent hose to left.  That ES12N94B1 is a half inch narrower and looks like the height is shorter too?
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 12:08:31 PM
In all honesty I didn't know exactly what I was looking for. Never thought to look up model numbers to cross them. I sized it up visually, took note of post orientation and vent side and off to walmart I went lol.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on March 16, 2012, 12:41:29 PM
I just got the 10LA2, thats waht was in it an it lasted five years, four without problems. so thats what i replaced it with. I just need it for this year, and if i have problems it will buy another one next year, the one i want is $149 and i just cant spend that much on a battery right now. the 10L B2 batteries are special order, so i just went with the A2 battery, its the just one amp less otherwise its the came batery.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: jacob_ns on March 16, 2012, 01:34:44 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on March 16, 2012, 10:50:14 AM
Quote from: jacob_ns on March 16, 2012, 10:33:07 AM
The Walmart battery? Did you have to modify your battery box because mine definitely will not fit.
Is this funny or a tragedy?
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/ROTFLMAO.gif)     (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/head_hurts_kr.gif)

Spending untold time to modify a battery box in order to save a few dollars buying the wrong, cheap battery. Sheeesh! (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/fail1.gif)
What's even more funny is people who complain they can't ride because of a bad battery. Then they spend 2 weeks asking questions and searching to save $5. Or they buy the first, cheap, wrong battery they find then a month later post questions about electrical and starting problems and still can't jump on the bike and ride whenever they want. Then you have the ones that go everywhere except..... (and this is true!)..... a Suzuki dealer - spending days driving a car all over the place just to save $10 from the dealer price - which would be the right part GUARANTEED!

So easy to buy a GOOD and the CORRECT battery - just look up "GS500 battery". So many places have it in stock.

Threads like this should be made into a late night soap opera or a book. (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/nopity.gif)

I await the next chapter in the story
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Videos/book1.gif)

Thanks for your insight considering it was these forums and the wiki that recommended the Walmart battery.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: adidasguy on March 16, 2012, 01:53:22 PM
Wally is probably there because so many people want to get by on the cheap - with little care about reliability of the effort involved.

I'm not the most experienced person here. From what experience I do have and the hoard of parts I've bought, tried, sold or given away, I come to prefer to spend a little more money for a better product and not have to worry about it.

If you can go lead/acid for $40 and have to check acid levels, worry about acid drips and rely on a battery tender..... wouldn't it make more sense to spend an extra $20 for a sealed gel battery?

You can get a Shorai comparable to the OEM in power for $99 (I think Shorai is better than Ballistic brand) and top of the line is the 14a Shorai for $150.

batterystuff.com is just one place for batteries. There is no mystery of what battery to get. Look it up. Google it. Your owner's manual and any GS500 manual (Clymer, Haynes, Suzuki) say what battery to get. Take the number off of your present battery if it is the correct one.

The only time there is a mystery of what battery to get is when you are wanting to get the wrong one - for whatever reason.

I spend a little extra for piece of mind. Well, sometimes I do spend less when I know there is a better item (or a used one) of equal or better quality for less money.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: dropitlow88 on March 16, 2012, 02:30:58 PM
I had a wally battery in my old scooter. No battery tender, distilled water to top off once a month (takes 5 minutes) lasted two years then i sold it. Two years on a $30 battery isn't a bad investment. Who knows how long it worked after I got rid of it. I'm a budget minded person (i have kids) so $30 for a walmart battery and $100 for a gel cell is a significant difference. I can buy alot of diapers for $60 (from walmart lol) 
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on March 18, 2012, 12:11:49 AM
I will buy a good one as soon as my New Wal-mart battery goes, i kept the receipt so if it does shaZam! the bed i can get a different one. i was more asking about the difference in what was shown as the "correct" battery for a 89 GS 500. When i went to Napa, O'reilys, and Auto value in there book which i looked at with the person so i know that it was the right bike (89 gs 500) said that the battery is a 10L B2 type battery, not the 10L A1 that is says replaces it on some of the online stores. In the book at the stores it said that the 10L A1 battery is for a gs 400 not the gs 500. i just went with the 10L A1 battery because it was less then a 1/3 of the price of the 10L B2 battery that is a acid one not the gel or lith-ion battery and would have to be special ordered. it had a 10L A1 in it when i bought it and used it last year, it was 5 years old and still turned it over fine, but now won't hold a charge so i got a new one. i have more important things to buy for the bike this year then a $150 battery, but when i does go i will spend the extra $$ and buy a good one for piece of mind.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: papiocho on March 18, 2012, 12:18:43 AM
39.99 cyclegear

filled, Sealed, you charge or they charge.

Sent from my super-duper wack tmobile device using tapatalk.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: adidasguy on April 13, 2012, 10:06:44 PM
hate to revive an old thread but it seemed the best way rather than start a new thread.

GOTTA LOVE THOSE SHORAI BATTERIES!

I'm building Phenix. So not much to power up yet and I do have the headlight disconnected so I don't waste power testing the electricals.

Well, last night I connected a modified indicator harness (2 diodes and LEDs) I was doing for a member. I forhgot to turn off Phenix. Only think powered was an LED and the side stand relay.

Jumping ahead.. I decided I should charge up the battery since I was going to put the motor in very soon. I wanted full power for the charging. So I swapped batteries with Suzi. Suzi's Shorai was obviously fully charged.

Nada. Nuttin. Zilch. WTF? Not even an indicator LED went on. 1.7 volts? Then I realized I left Phenix on for 24 hours and the battery drained with thge current for an LED and the side stand relay. Crap!

Put Suzi's battery back in her. Full power (that rules out me blowing Suzi's fuse. When in doubt: start from square 1).
Got 2 small clip leads and connected the dead battery to Suzi while she was running. Miniscule spark. That's OK. Clip leads not even getting warm. Let Suzi run for less than 5 minutes. Stopped her.

Voltage on Phenix's battery now reads 13.7 volts. HUH? Impossible. You can't recharge a battery in under 5 minutes - can't go from 1.7 volts to 13.7. Swapped them again so the once dead battery is now in Suzi.

ZING! Started right up. Ran for 1 minute and turned off. Turn on a started right up again!

I can not believe that Shorai recharged in 5 minutes. Maybe part of it is the amazing recovery these batteries have.

Whatever - it came back to life and started Suzi after being recharged for 5 minutes.

And that's another reason I like Shorai batteries.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on April 13, 2012, 10:33:28 PM
Nice, I know you buy the best of most things, and i usually try to in things that i want to keep around for more than one use, but i went with the wal-mart battery for now, once i get everything sorted out on the bike, i will wait for mine to go and then i will buy a good one. :D
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: adidasguy on April 13, 2012, 10:58:12 PM
That's a smart way to be: do the best you can now knowing that later you will get a better one.

The annoying thing is people that buy wallymart believing it is the best, not understanding that it is not the best battery and not realizing that there are better batteries out there.

Yes - I try to buy the best. I'm single and available - gotta spend the money somewhere. No need to buy cat toys - they catch their own and bring them in the house.
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: knowles on April 13, 2012, 11:19:46 PM
LOL, Ya I'm married, have a kid, one on the way, and going to school, so my money goes to them and i take the little bit extra and put into the bike because it makes going to work fun. if i didn't have a little bit of fun, me time. i would be :cookoo:
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: Erika on April 14, 2012, 11:42:01 AM
I seriously considered the Shorai battery, but I really am pinching pennies.. as in I want to eat lunch this week and want a new battery at the same time, but had to decide which I wanted. So I went with the Scorpion AGM battery, only to learn that it will be on back order for the next 3 weeks. So I went with a Bike Master battery. I'll let you know what I think, but I'm going to a flat track racing class this weekend and won't be using it. (Reason why I'm pinching pennies... ha). But I still want to ride next weekend and don't want the cheapest thing, so I got an AGM. I'll get a Shorai when I decide I want to keep this bike for several year, which I have a feeling I will. Here's what I got, and it arrived in the mail 3 days later:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005G553MY/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: average on April 14, 2012, 06:15:39 PM
Im in the market for a battery also and what better way to put my 20% discount at the Zone to good use than by purchasing an AGM Battery. None are listed(AGM batteries) for the GS but i figured the ETX9 or ETX12 models would probably be a good fit for the GS. I think ill go with the 9... O0

Pat, pm a price on that harness...sounds interesting...

O0
Title: Re: Battery question?
Post by: jestercinti on April 15, 2012, 06:45:51 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on April 13, 2012, 10:58:12 PM
That's a smart way to be: do the best you can now knowing that later you will get a better one.

The annoying thing is people that buy wallymart believing it is the best, not understanding that it is not the best battery and not realizing that there are better batteries out there.

Yes - I try to buy the best. I'm single and available - gotta spend the money somewhere. No need to buy cat toys - they catch their own and bring them in the house.

I have to agree with Adidas here.  Like my dad used to say "use the right tool for the job."  Going cheap may get you down the road, but sooner or later you will get what you pay for.  I have had several bikes, and I will tell you that the Napa/Autozone/Pep Boys Chemistry set lead-acid batteries are fine for 1 or 2 seasons then die unexpectedly.  Not to say that a Yuasa won't die unexpectedly, but you get what you pay for.  I have been stranded several times, had to ask many good Samaritans to help me push start the bike, etc. than I want to.  Get a good battery.

Even in my wife's Nissan Xterra, we buy Interstate batteries.  I have a 3 1/2 year old, and don't want them to be stranded cause I saved $20.  Especially in winter.

I'll get off my soapbox now.