Topic: Where do you guys buy your batteries?

[punch455]

I bought a new one off of eBay a couple years back, and I could tell as soon as I opened the box it wouldn't last long.  So, two summers later, here I am and the thing won't hold a charge at all.  How are Interstates?  Any info would be really helpful.
Max

[Johnie]

My first was an Interstate for the KO.  This time I tried a acid-free from Batteries Plus for the K1.  I may try Batteries Plus again for the K4.

[rivetslag]

I have put Interstate batteries through some truly ridiculous torture in my trucks, on and off road. I swear by them for that purpose. I always grab a Mega-Tron Plus for any new vehicle I acquire. That's automotive though, although I do intend on getting one for my bike sometime soon.

[Alan F.]

Two years from a bike battery is pretty common, check the threads on updating to modern rectifiers and voltage regulators, some have reported long battery life along with the upgrades.

[Johnny5]

Walmart

[PxTx]

I typically go to Walmart and get one for $24.  In years past I have ordered a few from JC Whitney.  They offer 3 types of batteries.  I've always ordered the cheapest, 1 yr warranty ones at the advice of a pal.  Turns out both times they "upgraded" me to the 2 year battery for no charge due to being out of inventory.  That 2 year battery has been in my bike for 8 years now!  I've probably only ridden 500 miles in 8 years on that one though.

[bucky katt]

i got mine at the BMW/Triumph/Victory dealer i worked at 4 years ago. it's a bmw AGM battery. i paid 46 for it but that was with my discount. it's still like new

[Johnny5]

Most batteries will last a few years if you take care of them. IE pulling them inside in the winter and keeping them room temperature.

[quietlikeachurch]

Walmart (EverStart), bought one 5 years ago for $28.99 and it worked winter and summer for 4 years+ in my 76/77 CB750F daily rider, never had a problem...though I went into Wally the other day and the price is now around 40 bucks, PLUS they charge you a 9 dollar deposit that is refunded once you return the old one...Hmm...~$50?  Not such a good deal anymore...

-Ian

[Deltarider]

IE pulling them inside in the winter and keeping them room temperature.

Actually, well charged a battery is best stored cool.

[Steve F]

I typically go to Walmart and get one for $24.  In years past I have ordered a few from JC Whitney.  They offer 3 types of batteries.  I've always ordered the cheapest, 1 yr warranty ones at the advice of a pal.  Turns out both times they "upgraded" me to the 2 year battery for no charge due to being out of inventory.  That 2 year battery has been in my bike for 8 years now!  I've probably only ridden 500 miles in 8 years on that one though.

I too, get them from Wallyworld...CHAMPION brand, and they'll typically last about 4+ years.  I tried the JC Whitney batteries, and they're OK (2 year replacement warranty).

[lrutt]

Bikebatts.com

I have converted all my bikes over to the AGM batteries they sell. And they have several brands. That in combination with a battery tender and I get minimum 7 years and most always over 8 years out of a battery. And I have 14 bikes, 2 Seadoos, a Rhino, and a quad so I have a pretty good track record with that combo.

I just replaced 2 stock AGM batteries in my 2001 XR650L and 2001 Ducati just this year.

I keep all machines on the tender when I'm not riding as some of them can sit a month between rides.

[KCRSXTypeS]

Walmart

QFT

[greenjeans]

Got a sealed battery at Batteries Plus...Little overpriced, but it was the closest to me and I needed one pronto.
I've had it for about 2 years now, it sat for well over 6 months with no trickle charge/battery tender and the voltage never dropped under 12.7 volts

[Inkscars]

Advanced Auto Parts. 24 bucks. year free replacement.

[Laminar]

Wal*Mart

[CDeforrest]

Either the local Batteries Plus or wherever online has the best AGM battery for the application.
I have AGM's in all my cars & bikes & would not go back. No leaks, and 5-10 year service life. They take much more abuse than standard batteries, can't leak, and usually pack more CCA's into a small space.
I like Odysseys in particular, but they don't have all sizes. Got one for the CB from BikeBatts - $46.

[Gordon]

I usually get mine from my nearest local bike parts supplier.  Yuasa whenever possible.  I call ahead and they have it filled, charged and ready when I get there to pick it up.  In my experience, properly maintained traditional Yuasa batteries have far outlasted every other battery I've tried, AGM batteries included. 

[kslrr]

Walmart.  Their brand along with Diehard and Autozones Duralast brands are made by Johnson Controls, Automotive Division.  Johnson is the worlds largest maker of the best batteries.  Of course that's my opinion of the "best batteries" part, though they seem to be very good.  I'm a little biased since I work for Johnson Controls, Building Efficiency Division.

[Gordon]

There definitely are higher and lower quality brands when it comes to vehicle batteries, but I have a feeling a large part of how long and how well any battery performs comes down to how well the owner maintains it.  Just like with the vehicle itself.