The 12 amp everstart does drop in side ways.
The better, best IMHO battery to use though is a japanese fully sealed battery that is thinner front to back than the everstart.
Its expensive but in the past and present I have been able to harvest batteries out of the battery dump @ the local dealer. The thing is to bring it back to life, you need to get a desulphating charger, then patience and time. Charge it and use it, several times before you drive off on a dark night into the unknown.

I like the fact that they are free and the fact that I can use a dead product ... and the fact that they are free. BTW did I mention they are free. OK, they are free.

The everstart is just about any economy battery and it does fine if the bike is in good shape and will start in 1-2 cranks, and well, if the bike is regularly used or the battery is often charged its fine, else its gonna die on you sooner than a high $$$ battery.
Almost any battery will last the 3-4 years you'd get out of a high $$ one if you use/charge and keep the bike in good shape. But with poor maintenance the bad ones die in a year and good ones die in 2-3.

Cool.
Buddha.

My Everstart battery didn't like going unused for more than 3 or 4 days, else it seemed to lack enough juice to readily start the bike - if the bike didn't fire up within 5 cranks, then I would have to put it on the charger for couple hours ...

So I bought an AGM (advanced glass mat) battery and don't have that problem - doesn't seem to need to be kept on a charger so far.

One more disadvantage of buying the Wal-Mart battery:  taking the old battery back for the core charge refund!   I went back this morning with my receipt and my old battery to get my nine bucks back.   There were six people ahead of me in line at the customer service desk and it took about 25 minutes of my day.   (sigh)   

I just plain hate Wal-Mart.   

I personally enjoy my wal-mart trips. but that dont matter.  My expeirience with the everstarts is good so far. Ive had a moped battery (es9bs) sit out for 2 weeks straight, put it in the other day and started just fine.  Thats why im gettin a 12BS for my gs.