Posted by Polar Pilot on October 22, 2000 at 17:55:26:
In Reply to: Buying a battery posted by Trevor on October 22, 2000 at 04:06:06:
Reflecting on your posting lead me to think about what we ask our batteries to do.
I guess given that we don't have the luxury of a kick starter, I want the best battery I can get for the dollars - as we all do. Afterall, what do we ask it to do - START our bikes - every time reliably and consitantly! Bump starting a Savage in the middle of city traffic isn't exactly what I wake up in the morning dreaming about wanting to do.
I am reading and seeing lots of ads for "gel" cell batteries - claims for longer life, no need for maintenance and not a significantly higher price.
Lead acid batteries are dangerous - they can and do periodically cause major problems even to the point of exploding if a spark occurs at the correct time, they are potentially tremendous polution problems ( Lead plates/ sulfuric acid) and they are not particularly user friendly for recycling.
I like Hogryder's suggestion a lot but suggest that you investigate the options of a "gel" battery and spending a few more dollars if the product is better - which by report it should be.
( It would be great to see some postings here from others with experience with Gel batteries too)
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot