Topic: I need a very good battery for my 550F

[nvr2old]

Hey, all.  I have a 1976 CB550F that is in need of a battery that can be charged over and over.  The gentleman I bought it from 20 years ago was making it into a vintage road racer.  He pulled the starter, the alternator/stator and the entire charging system..making it a total-loss system.  It's a really cool setup, and the engine revs like crazy.  I turned it into a cafe' bike (same one used as my avatar) that has been in storage now for almost 10 years,  I've pulled it out and started a cleanup and fluid flush on it.  It was stored well and won't require much to get it road ready..which brings me to a battery that I need to be able to charge time and again.  The last one I had for it lasted for 5 years but for the life of me I can't remember the brand.  I used it as a trade-in/core swap when it finally went ti-s up.  I could get 6 hrs. of riding time off that battery and it would take a new charge time after time.  I need to find a battery as good as that one was.  Any suggestions come to mind?  Thanks in advance.

[HondaMan]

With your timeline, you may have had one of the early Yuasa 'maintenance free' gel-cell batteries. I had one, too, excellent battery. Yuasa stills makes a similar one today for the 750, but I'm not sure for the 550 (yet).

Ones to avoid at all costs: Bikemaster, Champion, Eveready. All REAL Chinese junk.

[nvr2old]

Thanks Hondaman, I appreciate the input.  I'll check Yuasa and see what they have.

[Deltarider]

My standard Yuasa will reach 7 years next May. All starts have been electric.

[M 750K6]

I've never used one, and they cause controversy,  but you might have room for two lithium batteries. Set up so you can switch over, to give you twice the distance...

[Deltarider]

Yes, buy lithium batteries, preferably from benefactor China and you may get a heated seat as a bonus or fireworks in your garage...

[Stev-o]

I've had good luck with Scorpion AGM's, but not sure if it is right for your particular use.

https://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/scorpion-yt12c.html

They also sell a lithium...

https://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/scorpion-stinger-12v-lithium-lifepo4-quad-terminal-powersport-battery-sstx12q-fp.html

[exponent]

My motobatt mb12u works well but they only last about 3 years before losing capacity.

[seanbarney41]

might try asking this in the racing/high performance forum...most every vintage race bike running total loss these days

[nvr2old]

I've never used one, and they cause controversy,  but you might have room for two lithium batteries. Set up so you can switch over, to give you twice the distance...

  Funny you should mention..I have 2 batteries that I use on the 550.  One full size main battery and a very small 12 volt battery that sits above the front of the swing arm.  I call it the "get home battery" as I can toggle it to that one for an hour of use before it too is drained.  Thanks to all who have given suggestions, I appreciate it.

[nvr2old]

might try asking this in the racing/high performance forum...most every vintage race bike running total loss these days

That's a great idea..

[Tim2005]

My motobatt mb12u works well but they only last about 3 years before losing capacity.

You ought to check over your charging system, I get like something like treble that lifespan out of them. Maybe your charging voltage is a little high?