So, after a rather...eventful couple of days, it looks like the new battery in my GS500F might not be as new as I was lead to believe.

Thus, I need a new battery

Now, I know that the 500 is a bit of a finiky thing when it comes to parts and clearances, and so I come to you experienced folks in hopes that you could point me towards a replacement that fits

Also: Is it necessary to replace the 500 battery with a wet unit? Is it allowable to replace it with a dry battery?

AGM, I have one that's over 8 years old and showing no signs of slowing down yet.

I ended up using one of the Lithium Battery Tender batteries since I was tired of messing with electrolyte levels. Battery is "Battery Tender BTL14A240C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery". It was smaller than the stock battery, but ships with some foam shims to fit a variety of battery boxes. I've had no issues with the battery's performance.

Quote from: Al Capwn on June 21, 2015, 10:51:46 AM
I ended up using one of the Lithium Battery Tender batteries since I was tired of messing with electrolyte levels. Battery is "Battery Tender BTL14A240C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery". It was smaller than the stock battery, but ships with some foam shims to fit a variety of battery boxes. I've had no issues with the battery's performance.

I was just looking at that when you posted

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-BTL14A240C-Lithium-Phosphate/dp/B00F9LPJ8S

 i've used a couple of these:

http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYT10L-A2.html

What about this one?

http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket-parts/motorcycle-electrical-parts/batteries/bikemaster-lithium-ion-battery-dlfp-10l-b?m=16075

Yeah, it's more expensive, but it looks pretty legit

Also: Aside from dimensions, is there anything I should be looking at in terms of battery specs? CCA number or anything?

I plugged a Shorai lithium into my '07 about 2 years ago and haven't had it on a tender since, starts right up every time. A little pricey though.

Quote from: iceIVblue on June 21, 2015, 12:49:58 PM
I plugged a Shorai lithium into my '07 about 2 years ago and haven't had it on a tender since, starts right up every time. A little pricey though.

http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket-parts/motorcycle-electrical-parts/batteries/shorai-lifepo4-lfx-battery-lfx14l2?m=16075

That one?

Quote from: PiotrTheGreat on June 21, 2015, 01:56:15 PM

Quote from: iceIVblue on June 21, 2015, 12:49:58 PM
I plugged a Shorai lithium into my '07 about 2 years ago and haven't had it on a tender since, starts right up every time. A little pricey though.

http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket-parts/motorcycle-electrical-parts/batteries/shorai-lifepo4-lfx-battery-lfx14l2?m=16075

That one?

Away from the bike right now but that looks like it, I don't know if there's a major difference in the model #'s

+1 for jacks scorpion , I've been very happy with mine, it's sealed so no leaking or refilling.

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I'm on the 8th or 9th year on the Walmart AGM battery. I occasionally put it on a battery tender overnight to top off. Not bad for being able to pick it up locally and about $50

Quote from: EdChen on June 21, 2015, 08:51:41 PM
I'm on the 8th or 9th year on the Walmart AGM battery. I occasionally put it on a battery tender overnight to top off. Not bad for being able to pick it up locally and about $50

Not getting into my feelings of Walmart, I think I might just get the Scorpion suggested.

I've got a work-around for the current battery, so assuming that holds, I should have some time to get a battery in without sacrificing ride or maintenance time (then again, I'm gonna take her to a shop in Elgin to get the electrical system checked out in full, just in case)

I bought a 2002 GS with this expensive battery http://shop.odysseybattery.com/p/pc310-p. I guess it was to support the heated grips, but it's so much stronger than all the stock and AGM batteries I've used in the past. Not a struggle starting in the winter.

Quote from: PiotrTheGreat on June 21, 2015, 08:57:16 PM

Quote from: EdChen on June 21, 2015, 08:51:41 PM
I'm on the 8th or 9th year on the Walmart AGM battery. I occasionally put it on a battery tender overnight to top off. Not bad for being able to pick it up locally and about $50

Not getting into my feelings of Walmart, I think I might just get the Scorpion suggested.

I've got a work-around for the current battery, so assuming that holds, I should have some time to get a battery in without sacrificing ride or maintenance time (then again, I'm gonna take her to a shop in Elgin to get the electrical system checked out in full, just in case)

I don't blame you! I  try to limit my Walmart shopping, but some things like motor oil, it's the most reasonable price when I need it. Plus the battery was in the bike already when I bought it!

GL!

Shorai batteries are great, unless the temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then you have to leave the headlight on for a minute so the battery warms up.

True Gel MG10L-A2 is a drop-in replacement for the stock battery. The demo video shows them drilling into the cells and it still works fine.

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please let me know where to get an "affordable" one.  The best I can find in Australia is around $95.

Yep, that about what they are! ... paid 90 for mine but I shop there a bit and they know me

Can the Walmart AGM be topped up with a battery tender, and can the bike be jump started safely with that battery (if need be, worst case scenario)? Also, would an owner kindly post info on it (model number)? The store "display" thing doesn't list them!

Quote from: Smil3y on June 25, 2015, 09:53:47 AM
True Gel MG10L-A2 is a drop-in replacement for the stock battery. The demo video shows them drilling into the cells and it still works fine.

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I have one of these and it works so far. I am suspicious it is the same as GS Jack's Scorpion.

I would avoid Bikemasters "AGM Platinum" battery however. It is just a sealed conventional. And not a very good one in my experience.