Author Topic: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery  (Read 901 times)

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Offline bender01

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AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« on: January 22, 2023, 06:12:55 AM »
I see some have put these in the 550. Is there any other electrical modification to safely run these?
Is the stock wiring and charging system safe or do I need to upgrade something else?
Looks like it could fit a 750 also.???
 Thanks
75 550 K1
74 750 K4
1968 450 K1 Super Sport
74 750k 836 project
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So, the strategy is to lie to people you are asking for help?

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Offline 70CB750

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2023, 08:40:22 AM »
I have one in Red, I think it is #14??   Never had any problems with it.  Pricy but really good battery. 
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Offline Flyin900

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #2 on: January 22, 2023, 11:39:18 AM »
These AGM’s are just a modern way of doing the old style flooded battery with distilled water and acid. The absorbed glass mat battery is still an acid battery with the material now absorbed into the mats. They are usually better built with more mats than a conventional batteries older style plates and have a better build to have more strength in the case.

They don’t require any service since the material isn’t liquid anymore it is absorbed in the glass mats.
So no need to top up and no venting or spills from the battery generally. I have used them for 10+ years now and they also last way longer than a conventional style battery. While they are a little more expensive they are much more common now and can be bought relatively cheap in off brand offerings.

The Mottobatt is a premium brand and usually more expensive than the off brand ones.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2023, 11:42:17 AM by Flyin900 »
Common sense.....isn't so common!

1966 CL77 - 305cc - Gentleman's Scrambler
1967 CL175K0 - Scrambler #802 engine
1972 CB350F - Candy Bacchus Olive - Super Sport
1973 CB350F - Flake Matador Red - Super Sport
1975 CB400F - Parakeet Yellow - Super Sport
1976 CB400F - Varnish Blue - Super Sport
1976 GL1000 - Goldwing Standard
1978 CB550K - Super Sport
1981 GL1100 - Goldwing Standard
1982 CM450A - Hondamatic
1982 CB900C - Custom
1983 CX650E - Eurosport
1983 CB1000C - Custom X 2 Bikes now - both restored
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1984 GL1200 - Goldwing Standard

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #3 on: January 22, 2023, 12:06:40 PM »
I buy these KMG batteries on a local website. Kapscomoto.com. Non hazardous material, they ship via Canada Post. They fit perfectly and are inexpensive (about US$60). I have a few that are +5 years old and still working great. They get no special treatment and zero maint. I store them on a shelf during the winter and usually give them one charge up over the 4-5 months.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2023, 06:29:27 AM by BenelliSEI »

Offline MauiK3

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #4 on: January 22, 2023, 02:13:46 PM »
Great to know, thank you!
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline dave500

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2023, 02:26:17 PM »
i got nearly 8 years from a motobatt,i put it in a bike i sold it was still managing.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #6 on: January 22, 2023, 02:32:05 PM »
Probably not a concern with the Motobatt brand, but be careful with some of the discount online battery sellers claiming 550 model fitment.  Many do not realize how tight that 500/550 battery box is.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline grcamna2

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #7 on: January 22, 2023, 04:16:11 PM »
subscribed
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  I love the small ones too !
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Offline chiefum

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #8 on: January 22, 2023, 04:58:59 PM »
I run the MB12U in my 550, fits great and no issues yet.

Offline Deltarider

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2023, 12:40:03 AM »
All my conventional Yuasa's lived 6-7 years. I see no reason to change. They're a direct fit, cheap and forgiving towards voltage spikes. AGM batteries can also be good, but may require a slightly higher set voltage regulator to enjoy the extra, at cost of HP output ofcourse. I wouldn't recommend gel batteries: they require a voltage output reduced to 14.3 max. Too much hassle.
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Offline PeWe

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2023, 03:43:48 AM »
AGM battery has different needs. Google on it.
Charging voltage needs to be higher, 14.8V.
When charging in garage, charge until full, 24 hours or so.
Not low charge during a long period of time.

Chargers have AGM mode which is same as snowflake setting, higher voltage when cold for std batteries outdoors.

I have often got thoughts about std "wet" batteries as best choice for our CB's without modifying more charging related.
I have tested GEL (need lower charge voltage), latest was AGM.
I'll see how long time it will survive.
I think the old style will be next. Probably a maintenance free without refill caps.
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Deltarider

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #11 on: January 23, 2023, 08:47:57 AM »
Moreover the conventional Yuasa comes with that wonderful transparant tube which - if you don't really need a new one (mine served over 40 years before I replaced it) - you can use for a lot of things: bleeding brake fluids, checking fuel heights, homebuilt carb synchroniser, etc.
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #12 on: January 23, 2023, 08:50:08 AM »
I have 2 MotoBatt batteries [in my Kawasaki's] very good battery.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline PeWe

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #13 on: January 23, 2023, 09:40:33 AM »
A battery success story thread would be fine.

Gather good experiences with how to keep the battery alive.
My batteries so far seems to give up at around 4 years.   Low price batteries.
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline hawaiikid

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #14 on: January 24, 2023, 12:57:47 AM »
My local battery dealer doesn't carry an AGM battery to fit my cb400f. Any suggestions for an AGM battery that is the same size as my lead acid battery?

Offline Stev-o

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #15 on: January 24, 2023, 06:45:51 AM »
My local battery dealer doesn't carry an AGM battery to fit my cb400f. Any suggestions for an AGM battery that is the same size as my lead acid battery?

I like Scorpion batteries, confirm this is the right size for your bike...

https://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYT12C.html
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MauiK3

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #16 on: January 24, 2023, 06:51:30 AM »
Hawaii kid
Are you checking Battery Bill's? They may be able to help.

https://maps.apple.com/place?q=Battery%20Bill%27s&ll=21.3428153%2C-157.8958907&auid=9129004256381236340&lsp=9902&address=960%20Āhua%20St%2C%20Honolulu%2C%20HI%20%2096819%2C%20United%20States
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Offline Gurp

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #17 on: January 24, 2023, 08:59:55 AM »
I buy these KMG batteries on a local website. Kapscomoto.com. Non hazardous material, they ship via Canada Post. They fit perfectly and are inexpensive (about US$60). I have a few that are +5 years old and still working great. They get no special treatment and zero maint. I store them on a shelf during the winter and usually give them one charge up over the 4-5 months.

Wow
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline hawaiikid

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Re: AGM Motobatt MB12U Battery
« Reply #18 on: January 25, 2023, 12:57:58 AM »
no for bills