Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Battery; decisions, decisions and even more questions Battery; decisions, decisions and even more questions
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 105
Battery; decisions, decisions and even more questions
Now first of it is important that you understand that this is an attempt at an objective view of what are the questions to be raised in terms of batteries for the Motorcycle that you might be interested in, in this case we are talking (I assume) for one of the XT 600’s. I have no desire to usurp any previous members input.
So
Overall, there is a quality assessment that has to be taken into consideration along with cost and therefore longevity including robustness of structure and contents. This would be on the basis of frequency of use of the bike and ability to put the particular model/make of battery on charge and the type of charger that is available. Other factors might be taken into consideration like heat/cold tolerance and standing unused longevity. Capacity to charge Amps/Hrs, Size of battery (dimensions), Weight, Cold cranking Amps, Terminal position, Capacity rating and more I’m sure! please add to this as you see fit.
What appears to be in question here is, is there a particular battery (I doubt it) However the fact that there is now a large selection of batteries available including dry cell, wet cell, even Lithium ion including weather or not one prefers your battery to be constructed in any particular country (therefore possibly affecting the price) based on your labour values) also including robustness. Also including, if you are/should be an ecology aware kind of person.
Can I assume that most of us take all the above into consideration (possibly more, let me know) and end up purchasing the one battery that gives one a satisfactory result based on ones particular use and ethics and of course depth of pocket.
I have now viewed so many sights for opinions that are batteries that I am unable to make a definitive opinion. How is it that we can make a positive decision on what to purchase appears to be the question.
I thank the “Kentfallen” and “Mezo” (amongst many others) for inciteting me to write this reply and invite all to contribute to what it is within the realms of batteries, that is, what is the criteria that would have you purchase a battery for your (XT 600)best state your model) bike. IE; Why
Perhaps having received a number of answers/views this could go on to something further again.ie; Poll?
Am I asking all the relevant questions here?

And so it goes

Socks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Dec 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
If you want somethin safe, buy oem.

My xt600 is a 2003 model, it's still on the original battery, and im closing in on 100.000km. It was totally discharged on accident once.The starting relay got stock, and cranked the starter for several minutes, untill the battery couldnt turn the starter anymore, it survived that aswell.

I dont use a charger on it, as I ride all year.

The tricky part isnt to get something that works really good, the tricky part is that most people wont pay for it (myself included)

The battery is 69$ over at boats.net so not really expensive at all I guess.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Dec 2011
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
Greetings Socks, Good question.

What matters most to me is:

1. Value for money.

I evaluate batteries (and all other parts) using these points -

1. Quality of materials used.
2. Build Quality.
3. Durability.
4. Reliability.
5. Performance.
6. Longevity.
7. Being able to get my money back (refund) if it goes wrong.

I think that what most riders want is to obtain a top performing battery for a budget price = Value for money buy.

What we don't want is "middle of the road" performing batteries that are marketed at premium prices because of where the battery is made (or where the company making the profit is based).

Basically I don't give a toss if it's Chinese made if it's great value for money.

I often hear others rubbishing Chinese parts just because they are Chinese made. This is unfair and clearly shows that the person making such comments is foolish in this respect. I prefer to buy a top performing Chinese made battery for half the price of a German made battery which performs no better.

Of course there are going to be occasions when the best buy is the premium German made buy.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Dec 2011
R.I.P. 25 November 2021
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 688




Mezo.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Dec 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 69
Quote:
Originally Posted by Socks View Post
Now first of it is important that you understand that this is an attempt at an objective view of what are the questions to be raised in terms of batteries for the Motorcycle that you might be interested in, in this case we are talking (I assume) for one of the XT 600’s. I have no desire to usurp any previous members input.
So
Overall, there is a quality assessment that has to be taken into consideration along with cost and therefore longevity including robustness of structure and contents. This would be on the basis of frequency of use of the bike and ability to put the particular model/make of battery on charge and the type of charger that is available. Other factors might be taken into consideration like heat/cold tolerance and standing unused longevity. Capacity to charge Amps/Hrs, Size of battery (dimensions), Weight, Cold cranking Amps, Terminal position, Capacity rating and more I’m sure! please add to this as you see fit.
What appears to be in question here is, is there a particular battery (I doubt it) However the fact that there is now a large selection of batteries available including dry cell, wet cell, even Lithium ion including weather or not one prefers your battery to be constructed in any particular country (therefore possibly affecting the price) based on your labour values) also including robustness. Also including, if you are/should be an ecology aware kind of person.
Can I assume that most of us take all the above into consideration (possibly more, let me know) and end up purchasing the one battery that gives one a satisfactory result based on ones particular use and ethics and of course depth of pocket.
I have now viewed so many sights for opinions that are batteries that I am unable to make a definitive opinion. How is it that we can make a positive decision on what to purchase appears to be the question.
I thank the “Kentfallen” and “Mezo” (amongst many others) for inciteting me to write this reply and invite all to contribute to what it is within the realms of batteries, that is, what is the criteria that would have you purchase a battery for your (XT 600)best state your model) bike. IE; Why
Perhaps having received a number of answers/views this could go on to something further again.ie; Poll?
Am I asking all the relevant questions here?

And so it goes

Socks
Do you mean " How do I choose a battery for my XT600" by any chance?
Consider the forum users who dont speak english as their first language. I've been speaking it for 44 years, and can barely decifer that lot!!!

I've got a kicker only, so any old battery will do.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top