New hybrid battery for Tiger Sport - hopefully the bees' knees

[Paullie]

Hi guys,

After repeated purchasing of new batteries (afraid my complicated lifestyle doesn't always allow a tender), I've been thinking about a Lithium battery for some time. But got put off by the idea of having to buy a different battery charger as well.

I'm hoping this new battery will answer the problem - it's a Motobatt MHTX16 hybrid AGM/Lithium battery with lots of CCA, and I can charge it with my existing charger! 
https://www.motorworks.co.uk/battery-ela05650h-1.html

I'm hoping this will solve most of my problems, and will let you know how it goes. BTW, I know this particular supplier well - have bought multiple parts from them for my old Beemer over the years, so feel I can trust them. We shall see!

BTW, it seems they're popular - this one has been back-ordered for 3 months now.

[Paul2bikes]

Are the bikes home with you now. They don't like being left alone.

I'm still on oem battery. I give it a boost every couple of weeks overnight.

[Paullie]

Originally Posted by Paul2bikes

Are the bikes home with you now. They don't like being left alone.

I'm still on oem battery. I give it a boost every couple of weeks overnight.

Hi Paul,
Perceptive as always I see 
No, the Tiger is still away down south, and battery is so flat as to be useless (twas a cheap one anyway). But the new battery has just arrived, so I'm hoping to pick a good day in the next couple of weeks to bring it 'oop norf'.
Looking hopefully forward to a good summer!

[Paul2bikes]

 

[dragon95]

Hi,
had chance to try this yet ? . I've a motobatt MBYZ16HD in mine , it's been in use for two years and eight months and now I'm starting to get the hot start problem back so I think it's new battery time and looking for a recommendation

[Paul2bikes]

Originally Posted by dragon95

Hi,
had chance to try this yet ? . I've a motobatt MBYZ16HD in mine , it's been in use for two years and eight months and now I'm starting to get the hot start problem back so I think it's new battery time and looking for a recommendation

My Yuasa YTX14 has been on from new, over 9 years old now & still holding 12.8v for 2-3 weeks. When that starts to drop, I'll fit a new Yuasa YTX14H.

 https://www.tayna.co.uk/motorcycle-batteries/yuasa/ytx14h-bs/

[dragon95]

I've been riding for decades and I've never managed more than 3-4 years  on a battery, no idea how you manage that, mind you this one , it's not been allowed to go flat but it got a little low. Thinking about it , it's been a cold long winter so that's not helped and when it was low I just stuck the car charger on it for two mins and started it with it attached, done it before never seemed to be a prob but then my batteries only last 3-4 years max .. ummmmmm

[mustangpilot]

I have used a Shido battery since last year. Works as promised but does not like temps below 5-8C at the first start. Wait at least a minute with contact on before starting.
And use a LIPO battery tender only

[Paul2bikes]

Originally Posted by dragon95

I've been riding for decades and I've never managed more than 3-4 years  on a battery, no idea how you manage that, mind you this one , it's not been allowed to go flat but it got a little low. Thinking about it , it's been a cold long winter so that's not helped and when it was low I just stuck the car charger on it for two mins and started it with it attached, done it before never seemed to be a prob but then my batteries only last 3-4 years max .. ummmmmm

I can understand why your batteries don't last. I've never had a modern battery last less than 5 years. They are designed for a minimum 4 years useful life but you'll be lucky to get a warranty of more than one year, because they suffer so much from neglect.
I have 2 other bikes, '16 Tiger 800 is still on original battery, and the one on my old Yam traillie is 7 years old also, all 3 currently hold 12.8v for 2 or 3 weeks. I worked in the battery industry for a few years but I don't do anything you can't do.
Batteries need regular maintenance like everything else. Back in the 60's batteries lasted less than a year, but that was as much the fault of the bikes as the owner or the batteries.

[ZuluTiger]

Hey Paul, what do you mean 'you give them a boost' every couple of weeks? You boost from a high-current charger? I religiously keep my bikes on a tender when not in use and I still can't get more than 4 years from a battery. Mine do sit for many months with no use which may be the key.