Lead acid/Gel battery swap

[z1100r]

I am really cheesed off with lead acid batteries. The new one I bought for my 500 a year or so ago is now completely useless. Its even been connected to an accumate most of the time and its still gone a bollock.

I have the same Yellow motobatt gel batteries on my Z1100r and Thunderace and they are superb. Bikes can sometimes stand for months but still start OK.

Anyone know of GEL battery - preferably the yellow motobatt - that fits a std 500-4 battery box. I dont want to mod anything. Physically smaller than std would be fine. My big old Z is using a much smaller Thunderace battery with no issues at all. In fact it seems loads stronger than the massive original lead acid.

So I'm looking for a same size as std or smaller Gel battery with similar cranking power.


EDIT
aha...spent a while searching and found it 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/YB12AL-A2-CB12AL-A2-YB12A-A-MB12U-MOTOBATT/dp/B0087RW8XA/ref=sr_1_20?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1350034443&sr=1-20

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

z1100r.
Me too the acid ones don't hold a charge for long.The gel on my yamaha sits for ever and in 2 years only gone flat once.After tracing around most of the bike shops in the UK with no luck I have found a gel replacement in Germany for about the same price as you so we will see when it arrives.
All the best
Bitsa

[SteveD CB500K0]

I use a Motobatt on my Tiger and recently bought one for the 500-mile Trident Sprint too (someone is interested in it so had to get it going again...)

I'd certainly go for one for the 500.

[mick]

I splashed out on a motobatt for my Kettle and luckily it also fits my 2 CB750'S  , i'll see how it fares this winter no doubt the bikes will be standing more than getting used  , cheers Mick.

[Green1]

Thumbs up for Motobatt.
Ordered  the wrong one for my 750 so I shoved it in a triumph trophy mounted on end and it never fails to start.There is also one in my pegaso
but that never starts because it's Italian.

[toucheturtle]

There are Motobatt batteries on ebay;-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270911329098?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

[PhilG 500K1]

I have one fitted in my CB500K1 and it has been great. The part number on it says MB12U. My bike is being restored, so I have used the starter a lot, with not much charging and it is always full of power. I charge it every now and again with an optimate. It is slightly smaller than the lead acid battery and comes with terminals that can be attached at either corner at each end.  With the terminals when fitted at the outer edge they are quite close to the frame on my bike. Not a problem when riding as the strap holds the battery firmly in place, but when using tools near the +ve end, you need to be careful. I have covered the terminal with insulating tape until I can get a proper terminal cover. I took some photos but as a newbie, I could not post with them attached. I can e-mail them if you are interested.

[Green1]

Hi Oddjob
Those batteries work on the same principle as mobile phone batteries and don't appreciate the cold much so die very fast.
Motobatt  batteries are also better left off the trickle chargers for as long as possible as they shorten there life span.
Mick

[LesterPiglet]

I've been using this without issue, it fits in the battery box sideways.



I think it's from a Suzuki Bandit.