Needed to renew the battery. I was open for newer technology since the 105Ah maintenance free marine batteries on my yacht (VMF) had proved to be very good and after having served many years, they are now in the garage (they still keep their charge!) to be used as an auxilary battery whenever the neighbours need one. Unfortunately I could not find a dito VMF battery for my bike, so I had to shop around. First thing that struck me was that where my maintenance free VMF marine batteries cost no more than conventional batteries, in the motorcycle shop things were different. A sealed battery would cost me at least 60% more than a standard Yuasa. Nevertheless I had a look at several. Some were a bit higher but as my standard battery is already a tight fit, I didn't dare to risk it. On others I noticed different terminals that put me of as I was not sure if they would accomodate the extra leads I have for my extra's. I also remembered having read complaints about terminals not being solid (sorry, I forgot the brand). Then I thought: what the heck, every Yuasa I had, has served me six years and although they require some maintenance, I'm used to that and I don't mind it. Some may warn for the danger of corrosion by acid spil but all those years I had had the vent tube in place. The terminals offer exactly what I need and I know the dimensions are also exactly right. I learned that the original 12N12A-4A now has an alternative: the YB12A-A. Dimensions and weight are exactly the same so it is compatable with everything I already have, including my charger. Yuasa specifies the YB12A-A offers more CCA than its predecessor and althought that may be a plus when your bike brings the headlight on as soon as you turn the key, to me it's of minor importance. If a bike like mine doesn't start within 8 seconds, you might as well starting to look for the problem because there is one. It's as simple as that. What else is different? On the case it says: Sulfate Stop and Retards Sulfation. Thanks for the bla, but my charger already takes care of that. What I still regret, is Yuasa doesn't have these transparent cases anymore so one could see the plates. Price is unbeatable. I paid € 37,- and that includes acid in two smart containers, a new vent tube, bolts and nuts and shipping. So for those interested: the reliable, original Yuasa is still around, has even improved and for less than ever before.
