Battery; decisions, decisions and even more questions - Horizons Unlimited

**Socks** · #1 19 Dec 2011

Now first of it is important that you understand that this is an attempt at an objective view of what are the questions to be raised in terms of batteries for the Motorcycle that you might be interested in, in this case we are talking (I assume) for one of the XT 600’s. I have no desire to usurp any previous members input.
So
Overall, there is a quality assessment that has to be taken into consideration along with cost and therefore longevity including robustness of structure and contents. This would be on the basis of frequency of use of the bike and ability to put the particular model/make of battery on charge and the type of charger that is available. Other factors might be taken into consideration like heat/cold tolerance and standing unused longevity. Capacity to charge Amps/Hrs, Size of battery (dimensions), Weight, Cold cranking Amps, Terminal position, Capacity rating and more I’m sure! please add to this as you see fit.
What appears to be in question here is, is there a particular battery (I doubt it) However the fact that there is now a large selection of batteries available including dry cell, wet cell, even Lithium ion including weather or not one prefers your battery to be constructed in any particular country (therefore possibly affecting the price) based on your labour values) also including robustness. Also including, if you are/should be an ecology aware kind of person.
Can I assume that most of us take all the above into consideration (possibly more, let me know) and end up purchasing the one battery that gives one a satisfactory result based on ones particular use and ethics and of course depth of pocket.
I have now viewed so many sights for opinions that are batteries that I am unable to make a definitive opinion. How is it that we can make a positive decision on what to purchase appears to be the question.
I thank the “Kentfallen” and “Mezo” (amongst many others) for inciteting me to write this reply and invite all to contribute to what it is within the realms of batteries, that is, what is the criteria that would have you purchase a battery for your (XT 600)best state your model) bike. IE; Why
Perhaps having received a number of answers/views this could go on to something further again.ie; Poll?
Am I asking all the relevant questions here?

And so it goes

Socks

**Jens Eskildsen** · #2 20 Dec 2011

If you want somethin safe, buy oem.

My xt600 is a 2003 model, it's still on the original battery, and im closing in on 100.000km. It was totally discharged on accident once.The starting relay got stock, and cranked the starter for several minutes, untill the battery couldnt turn the starter anymore, it survived that aswell.

I dont use a charger on it, as I ride all year.

The tricky part isnt to get something that works really good, the tricky part is that most people wont pay for it (myself included)

The battery is 69$ over at boats.net so not really expensive at all I guess.

**kentfallen** · #3 20 Dec 2011

Greetings Socks, Good question.

What matters most to me is:

1. Value for money.

I evaluate batteries (and all other parts) using these points -

1. Quality of materials used.
2. Build Quality.
3. Durability.
4. Reliability.
5. Performance.
6. Longevity.
7. Being able to get my money back (refund) if it goes wrong.

I think that what most riders want is to obtain a top performing battery for a budget price = Value for money buy.

What we don't want is "middle of the road" performing batteries that are marketed at premium prices because of where the battery is made (or where the company making the profit is based).

Basically I don't give a toss if it's Chinese made if it's great value for money.

I often hear others rubbishing Chinese parts just because they are Chinese made. This is unfair and clearly shows that the person making such comments is foolish in this respect. I prefer to buy a top performing Chinese made battery for half the price of a German made battery which performs no better.

Of course there are going to be occasions when the best buy is the premium German made buy.

**Mezo** · #4 20 Dec 2011

Mezo.

**Timus** · #5 22 Dec 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socks

Now first of it is important that you understand that this is an attempt at an objective view of what are the questions to be raised in terms of batteries for the Motorcycle that you might be interested in, in this case we are talking (I assume) for one of the XT 600’s. I have no desire to usurp any previous members input.
So
Overall, there is a quality assessment that has to be taken into consideration along with cost and therefore longevity including robustness of structure and contents. This would be on the basis of frequency of use of the bike and ability to put the particular model/make of battery on charge and the type of charger that is available. Other factors might be taken into consideration like heat/cold tolerance and standing unused longevity. Capacity to charge Amps/Hrs, Size of battery (dimensions), Weight, Cold cranking Amps, Terminal position, Capacity rating and more I’m sure! please add to this as you see fit.
What appears to be in question here is, is there a particular battery (I doubt it) However the fact that there is now a large selection of batteries available including dry cell, wet cell, even Lithium ion including weather or not one prefers your battery to be constructed in any particular country (therefore possibly affecting the price) based on your labour values) also including robustness. Also including, if you are/should be an ecology aware kind of person.
Can I assume that most of us take all the above into consideration (possibly more, let me know) and end up purchasing the one battery that gives one a satisfactory result based on ones particular use and ethics and of course depth of pocket.
I have now viewed so many sights for opinions that are batteries that I am unable to make a definitive opinion. How is it that we can make a positive decision on what to purchase appears to be the question.
I thank the “Kentfallen” and “Mezo” (amongst many others) for inciteting me to write this reply and invite all to contribute to what it is within the realms of batteries, that is, what is the criteria that would have you purchase a battery for your (XT 600)best state your model) bike. IE; Why
Perhaps having received a number of answers/views this could go on to something further again.ie; Poll?
Am I asking all the relevant questions here?

And so it goes

Socks

Do you mean " How do I choose a battery for my XT600" by any chance?
Consider the forum users who dont speak english as their first language. I've been speaking it for 44 years, and can barely decifer that lot!!!

I've got a kicker only, so any old battery will do.