What type of battery--acid, agl, lithium?

Looks like I will be buying a battery for my xj700 n soon. It has the acid type that was in it when I bought it, and I'm considering the agl and lithium replacements. The agl and lithium batteries are more expensive but may be worth it. What little I've read indicates the lithium discharges much slower --good it the bikes sits-- and can last 2 to 5 times longer. I am interested in any experiences and opinions.

 

I recently purchased two batteries (for two bikes) and decided to go with the AGM type. Seems to be the best bang for the buck. The trick is to purchase a good battery tender and to use it when the bike is sitting. This will extend the life of the battery by years. So the battery tender pays for itself in the long run. The type of battery tender to purchase is important as well. It has to be able to charge the type of battery you have. And as far as quality (charging steps, etc), you get what you pay for. I purchased the Deltran Battery Tender Plus. Love it! Lithium batteries are nice and more compact. But just figured I can do just as well with the AGM type with proper care and use the extra money I would have paid on other parts.

 

AGM batteries are a fantastic upgrade in that you never need to check the electrolyte level. LiPo battteries have their shortcomings. Many of them are not rated correctly for starting in cold weather, and instead marketed based on their size and weight savings.

Here is a very lengthy thread from ADV Rider about motorcycle batttery choices: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=757934

And a link to Battery University

 

bikemaster has a two year warranty on their agm batteries and they are great when it comes to customer service. I am very happy with my bikemaster batteries. +1 on the battery tender too.

FU

 

I use a lead acid with a battery tender on it in the off- season months. No issues.

 

I've got an agm battery and its amazing good power, no accident adding, good friend of mine has had his for 2 years now with no problems while using a tender in the off season

 

I got an AGM for my 700 in April, 2009. No problems. I've never used a charger or tender on it. When I start my bike in the spring, it starts like it was run every day. And the battery had been sitting in the basement since mid September. They cost twice what an acid filled does, and it's worth it.

 

Looks like the AGM is probably the best solution for me. So, it's off to the store.

Thanks for the information.

 

This is what I have, but only for the XJ550. Got it within 3 days.

http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYTX14AHL-BS.html

But always measure your existing battery against the dimensions of the battery you are buying. Saves you from any grief.

 

This looks like a good option, so I just ordered it. The Bikemaster batteries I saw seemed to have less than the 190 cca called for, but then I didn't search too hard.