Motorcycle batteries. Thought AGM was better????

[HAFROD]

So my 2013 ZX14R my wife bought brand new for me, came with a regular acid style battery. Last winter it finally died so I paid a little more money for an AGM battery. Assumed it would be better. Tried to start it today and it's deader than $%#@. It has not been started in about 4 months. Is this normal or do I need to exchange it (warranty)? The Original Kawasaki acid battery lasted 2013 to 2019. This bike barely gets ridden with only 2.900 miles on it.

 

[pontiacgp]

I don't leave my red top sit around for 4 months, I put it on charge evey couple of months whether it needs it or not. I think most of the guys in here who leave the battery in the car use a battery tender. If your battery is under warranty I would try to exchange it

 

[whtgtz]

a zx 14 is computer intensive with antitheft etc. any battery would be dead in that amount of time. you need a battery tender jr,

 

[69hurstolds]

Second/third/fourth/whatever on getting a battery tender for it if you don't ride it very often. Tenders are pretty easy. I definitely would look at a battery tender, jr. model. The JUNIOR model, not the regular sized. In my experience, the normal size BT's are junk. I've had very good luck with the Jr. model. Battery should be charged up normally and then placed on the tender. It will keep it topped off. I've had the Jr. on my AGM and normal lead-acid batteries without issues.

You could get a CTEK brand as well. It has specific AGM charging mode. A bit pricier, but more versatile than the Jr. CTEK had been providing GM, and I think BMW, with chargers for each company's respective accessory catalog. Don't know if they still are or not. They just put a different sticker on them and doubling the price tag.

 

[fleming442]

CTEK had been providing GM, and I think BMW, with chargers for each company's respective accessory catalog. Don't know if they still are or not. They just put a different sticker on them and doubling the price tag.

And, don't forget Ferrari.

 

[69hurstolds]

And, don't forget Ferrari.

Hahaha. I already have.

 

[fleming442]

I only know that because I was perusing some cars at the Cruisin' OC auction one year, and saw one on the floor of a red Italian car- the one with the horse.

 

[Gonzo1970]

I bought a Honda VTX 1300R in '09.
I put around 10-12k on it every year (sans a couple/few years - personal and medical issues) and have had pretty ShiTay luck with batteries.
Expensive ones, Cheap ones, Middle of the road ones, Acid, AGM, blah blah... Tender or not... Ive had them last from 6 months to 2 years and that's it.

So, I buy the cheapies. Wait until they're on sale, $19-$29 or so.. don't really give two shites about the brand, and grab me a couple. They sit until I need em. Expect one season, if it lasts thru winter, I don't trust it second season, and carry a spare with me in the saddlebags. It goes, I pull over, yank the seat, replace it, and away I go.

-Gonz

Me & Althea

 

[Dayzedandkonfuzed]

Biggest killer of batteries is not using them. X10 (or however many people have already mentioned) on the battery tender. CTEK is great for powersports because they make one that is 0.8A charge. Nice and slow. Just plug it in and walk away.

 

[pontiacgp]

Biggest killer of batteries is not using them. X10 (or however many people have already mentioned) on the battery tender. CTEK is great for powersports because they make one that is 0.8A charge. Nice and slow. Just plug it in and walk away.

I have a Ctek 7002 which goes into a trickle charge once the battery is charged...