Need a new battery

[Clogan]

Anybody got a recommendation?
Yuasa no longer makes the OEM battery (the YTX14S), and it's replacement is too tall. I cannot find anyone selling a battery with 200+ CCAs that will fit the 2016 SDGT.

Size measures 3.75" x 6" x 4.25"

Anyone?

[Eddie]

I've just ordered one of these, fitting it this weekend. Hope it does the job.
http://www.motobatt.com/index.php?route ... uct_id=136

[Aussie Dave]

Hmmmm, sounds odd that Yuasa wouldn't have a battery for the GT....... I have a SSB Power Sport branded VTZ14S battery that I bought from my KTM/Suzuki/Ducati/etc dealership for my Honda CBR1100XX, but it appears the same size as the Kato's battery and I might fit it to the GT if my 9-10 months of non-activity has killed the oem Yuasa.

The SSB battery is a sealed AGM type and has 350cca. It is 150mmL x 87mmW x 110mmH (inc terminals). The SSB brand is an Aussie import battery and may not be avail in the USA/UK but there should be similar products being sold by bike shops (surely?). Yuasa is just another battery after all - and there are two grades, one is good, and the other is better....... but you pay almost double for the better one, so I just buy the $100Aus alternative brands and change them every two years.

I'm not so sure about Lithium batteries as I know of a few that have failed in MV F4's (probably due to road shock)....... but the GT battery position is close to the rotate point and would have a smooth ride.

I think some have fitted the Shorai/other Lithium types - must be a post in here somewhere....... but surely there are any number of battery brands that will fit the GT (they might have a different number but so long as the terminals are correct & case size fits in ...... eg YTZ14S = VTZ14S).

Cheers

Ps I used a Motobatt in my Honda....... the first one failed just before 12months and the warranty replacement was fine for just over two years (I might have killed the first one using a cheap supermarket charger..... I didn't use a charger on the second one and had no problem).

Ps Just did a cm-inches conversion and 3.75" = 95mm(SSB 87mm), 4.25" = 108mm(SSB 110mm), 6" = 153mm(SSB150mm).....so the SSB should fit as it is only 2mm taller but 8mm narrower....... phew, easy to get confused doing conversions...... I'll go and try it for size later just to be sure.....

[Aussie Dave]

Hi all,

Got enthused after getting muddled with battery casing dimensions and waddled out to the GT hangar......

Ok, pulled oem Yuasa out and it is exactly same dimensions as the Vspec battery I purchased for my CBR1100XX.

SSB Vspec is same size as Yuasa SDGT.jpg (64.96 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

SDGT Yuasa beside SSB Vspec equiv.jpg (52.37 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

Here is what our A1 Importer brings in, and the specs....... all for approx $100Aus (which means they buy it for $35Aus..... before it gets marked up by the distributor, then the accessory shop......)

Box cover info.jpg (53.67 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

SSB Vspec specs.......jpg (50.05 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

It came out of this hole.......

SDGT battery box.jpg (53.3 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

Note to all..... the battery came out easy, with the ECU standing up, BUT when I slid the battery back in, it didn't fit in easily....... and the ECU cover wouldn't fit properly back into place, so out again. I found a wire harness had slipped in beside the battery. I tied it out of the way and.. 'plonk' ... in went the Yuasa again and the ECU cover fitted into place without any struggle. All is once again normal.. ..... and i proved to myself that the SDGT will accept a common sports battery.

Cheers all.

[GaryCulb]

Dave,

Nice find. 350CCA is great. Looks like you have to get it from a vendor in AU & shipping to USA?? Best,

Doc

[DukeorDuc]

Hey from Montreal,I recommend Earth X Lithium best battery I have used ,more cranking power ,weight reduction of 75% ,1/3 the size of OEM , You can leave on bike with out charging or trickle for 6 months no problem .Had one on my past BMW K1200R for 7 years to date (OEM would last me only 3 years max )
also presently have one on my Ducati S4RS for over a year .When my GT is of need I will surely put an Earth X.

[GarrCano]

My 2017 SDGT user manual says: YTZ14S, not YTX14S

[Aussie Dave]

Dave,

Nice find. 350CCA is great. Looks like you have to get it from a vendor in AU & shipping to USA?? Best,

Doc

Cheers Gary (& Clogan),

I wouldn't bother as the freight would kill the deal...... surely your local bike shops offer similar if not the same battery (under another name?) - however the guys above make a great case for going Lithium - long life, light weight, strong starting, less charging, well suited to those who have to stop riding over the winter season

Last time I was in a shop I saw Lithium batteries made by Shorai (top quality from Japan) and from our Aussie budget brand SSB. There are others mentioned above so plenty of choice for the GT.....

[Aussie Dave]

My 2017 SDGT user manual says: YTZ14S, not YTX14S

Well spotted sir....... and confirmed in my pic above....... Mr Clogan was probably given a bum steer by his bike shop, which caused a bit of a stir about battery availability........

All sorted now