Topic: Westco AGM battery testimonial

[ofreen]

I've been singing the praises of the Westco AGM battery for years, first on the old list, and a few times on this forum.  I installed one in the 750 in the spring of 2001.  It started showing signs of being noticeably weaker a couple of weeks ago, cranking the engine over slower.  I checked the charging system then, but it was fine.  The battery has been gradually crapping out for the last 2 weeks, so I took it out of service today as it wouldn't crank the engine this morning.  So it lasted about 7 years, not too bad.  Another one is on the way at $59.95.  I have 6 year old Westco batteries in two other bikes that are still going strong.

[78 k550]

WOW

Paul

[techy5025]

I am using Westco batteries in all three bikes. The oldest is six years old. Great batteries...and no more acid stains on the pipes.

Jim

[LMAERO_396]

do they have one for the 550?  time to do a search 

-edit-

Found this one which is 12V 12AH same as 550 requires, hmm, $75 seems high, maybe need to hunt around if this one works. 

http://www.westcobattery.com/battery_page.php?bid=49&vid=-1

[eldar]

Just remember, 75 might seem like a lot but You will NOT have to add water. You do not need a vent tube. You do not have to worry about acid leaking unless the battery takes damage. Hell these batteries can be mounted on their sides. So while they are more expensive, they have these advantages AND provide more cranking amps than a regular battery.

[sparty]

I've been singing the praises of the Westco AGM battery for years, first on the old list, and a few times on this forum.  I installed one in the 750 in the spring of 2001.  It started showing signs of being noticeably weaker a couple of weeks ago, cranking the engine over slower.  I checked the charging system then, but it was fine.  The battery has been gradually crapping out for the last 2 weeks, so I took it out of service today as it wouldn't crank the engine this morning.  So it lasted about 7 years, not too bad.  Another one is on the way at $59.95.  I have 6 year old Westco batteries in two other bikes that are still going strong.

Where did you find one for that price ($59.95).  They want $90 for one locally.

Sparty

[Roach Carver]

westco page says 88 bucks

[andy750]

Not Westco...but still AGM

I found a highly rated DEKA PowerSport Battery. model ETX15L for only $64.95 delivered.

I found it at Tri State Battery at the link below.
http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=977


cgeers
Andy

[sparty]

Not Westco...but still AGM

I found a highly rated DEKA PowerSport Battery. model ETX15L for only $64.95 delivered.

I found it at Tri State Battery at the link below.
http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?cPath=36_96_235&products_id=977


cgeers
Andy

Andy,

Thanks, who rated that battery as a good one?

Art

[andy750]

I googled $59.95 and westco AGM battery and it took me to the Chain Gang forum - for BMW riders. They had a similar thread on AGM batteries.

Thread is here:

http://f650.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=218065

cheers
Andy

[techy5025]

....and the AGM batteries self discharge at less then half the rate of lead acid batteries. Great if your bike sits a lot.

Jim

[ofreen]

Where did you find one for that price ($59.95).  They want $90 for one locally.

Sparty

At the best motorcycle shop in the world, Big Twin Cycles in Boise.

[Hope]

Here's a sealed battery for $38... don't know how good it is: http://www.bikebatts.com/product_info.php/products_id/79

Will be in stock in April.  Write them to get on the list for this battery

[ofreen]

Here's an update on the Westco battery thread. I got the new battery a few days ago.  It looks different than the one on the Westco site.  The picture below has the old battery on the left.  It was made in Taiwan, while the new battery is made in the USA.  Note the new battery still says Westco on the lower right hand corner of the label.  The main difference I see is that the battery connectors are beefier on the new battery.  Maybe the different manufacturing site explains the price difference noted a few posts back.

[Clyde]

I have been using the Deka batteries for about 3 years.
The first was in installed in my K*** Z1 3 years ago and so far so good. They can be left for while without charging and can still crank hard.  The Z1 does not get a lot of use, so I have used it as well in my K0.
The second one has been in my F1 for two years and it gets a fair bit of riding.
It is still too early to be 100% positive, but so far so good.
The best thing is I am not worried about acid spills on my exhaust pipes

Regds
Clyde

[chrislib]

Are all AGM`s created equally? Reason I ask is that I was eyeballing them @ Wallyworld yesterday. IIRC the regular batt group size 14XXX (I forget the exact size) was approx $38 and the AGM version was about $69. Is it worth the Xtra $$$?





Oh....ofreen, yer little bug freaked me out there for a sec, AWESOME!

[techy5025]

How much does it cost to replace one pipe with acid stains?

Jim

[ofreen]

.... was approx $38 and the AGM version was about $69. Is it worth the Xtra $$$?

It's worth it to me cuz I don't have to worry about keeping them charged during the winter during extended inactivity, or topping off the electrolyte in the summer when it is 120F in the shop where the bikes are stored.  The fact the AGMs can have a long service life is a bonus.

[andy750]

How much does it cost to replace one pipe with acid stains?

Jim

HM300 pipe = $210+

Price in battery difference = ~$30

I have 2 AGMs  (and +1 on what Ofreen (Greg) said above)

cheers
Andy

[chrislib]

Well, mi bike is FAR from anything remotely concours and the orig pipes are looong gone but I hear ya, acid corrosion is nasty stuff. Seems to me that the service life alone is peace of mind, thanks!

[andy750]

Oh my bike is not concourse at all (I have two and both are NOT) but i like the hassle-free maintenance and the fact it makes my bike run better...probably something to do with holding the charge better. Try it and see.

Good luck,
Andy

[dusterdude]

put an odyssey battery in my sportster about a year ago,i love it.worth every penny.

[Johnie]

I don't understand...I called a dealer to ask about the Westco last fall and gave him my battery box size for my KO.  He said nothing will fit that size???  What is the battery model number of the Westco?

[ofreen]

I don't understand...I called a dealer to ask about the Westco last fall and gave him my battery box size for my KO.  He said nothing will fit that size???  What is the battery model number of the Westco?

Try this -

http://www.westcobattery.com/battery_page.php?bid=14&vid=1&mid=87

Be sure to read the note.

[Johnie]

Excellent...that should fit the KO.  I take it this is the best place to get it or do you use other outlets?