3aj battery (+ charger) - Horizons Unlimited

**scoobie** · #1 10 Oct 2003

I have a 1989 XT600Z 3AJ, and my battery is dead. Where's a good place to buy a battery on the web, what type do I need, and any specific brands should I get? Also, is it worth buying something like a OptiMate III battery charger?

Thanks.

Glasgow, UK

**Steve Pickford** · #2 10 Oct 2003

Why buy on the web if you're in Scotland? If it's posted to you, it will be empty of acid as you're not allowd to post acid. You'll only have to go somewhere else to fill it up at extra expense.

Check out the nearest M&P or equivalent. I have found the best deals locally in the main Honda dealer of all places.

Optimate or similar are a good idea, very useful for recovering deeply discharged batteries. If you can do this once, you're well on the way to recovering the cost of the Optimate itself.

Steve

**Motor** · #3 10 Oct 2003

The type of battery you need is in your owners manual, I have never had problems with YUASA batteries, they last a long time as long as you keep them charged at all times, if you don't start the bike for more than 2 weeks, connect it to a battery charger. I use a charger called "THE BATTERY TENDER", check out a web site called CHAPARRAL RACING, its in california, they shipped a battery to me with the acid in a separate container. good luck

**scoobie** · #4 10 Oct 2003

Thanks

**GeoffE** · #5 18 Oct 2003

I just went to my local Yahama dealer, and they provided a Yuasa battery at a similar cost to M&P. Top make.

I can recommend the Opimate III. I have a couple of bikes and the Optimate keeps the batteries in great condition when not in use.

Geoff

**Steve Pickford** · #6 30 Oct 2003

Just had to repair my Optimate 111 charger. The problem is the plastic coonector block that allows fitment of accesories etc. My batteries were only receiving an intermittent charge. The tangs that retains the bullet connectors inside the block were not secure & worked loose. I replaced all parts with a japanese-style connector block & connectors.

Steve

**DAVSATO** · #7 30 Oct 2003

halfords now sell yuasa batteries off the shelf, dont know how they compare for price but dont forget a battery is a heavy thing for postage costs if you mail order. also you have a place to go back to if any problems and they will check it for you before you even buy it.
any bike dealer should have a selection of batteries in the store, a good dealer should even take one out of one of his bikes to keep you sweet.

if youre going to get an optimate or that type of charger, try it before you shell out for a new battery because they may save a really bad one where a "dumb" charger couldnt.

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dave