Hi all. So after putting up with a battery that wouldn't hold it's charge very well, I went in to replace it. With the only spec I could find in the owners manual being 12v-10Ah, I went into the parts store and asked them to match it. I ended up with an Exide model 12-BS, which at the time looked like an exact match. After filling and charging the battery, I slid it in and found out that it is approximately a half inch taller than the last one (I was only concentrating on length and width, apparently ). What this means is that the cables can no longer reach the posts and the battery cover cannot snap down into place. And I'm thinking that since I filled and charged it, I'm going to have a hard time returning it.

Any suggestions? Also, if I need a new battery, any suggestions on what will actually fit?

 

You might be screwed there. Every time I've bought a new MC battery, since the early 1980s, the dealer or accessory shop always filled and charged it for me.

I think another problem might be the angle the VTR battery sits at. With proper electrolyte fill the plates may not be completely covered. That's why Honda specs a Gel battery. You should be able to do a forum search to find the Yuasa part number for it.

The parts store should have done a better job of making sure it was the right size before selling it to you, since motorcycle batteries are such a tight fit.

 

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

I got the same battery, there are 2 rubber supports on the bottom of the battery holder, I took those out and the battery is still taller than the holder but the cables reach and I just crammed the lid shut. I would recommend getting the right battery though. I have this battery and I am already having troubles with it... less than 1 year and I am going to replace it.

 

I have returned batteries after I filled them.. They usually don't care, but still have to recycle them.

 

If you asked them for an exact match & it doesnt fit they really have to take it back. Let them know you still want a battery but only the right one will fit. I would be persistant as they are in the business & should know that there is not room for error on a sportbike. If this fails & you can do what thumper said then you should be fine. I keep my battery plugged into a float (smart) charger whenever it is parked and have only been very disappointed if I didnt. These bike are not easy to push start. I also buy my next battery at the FIRST sign of weaknes & have it waiting so I dont get stranded. You can just charge it once in a while to keep it fresh. As a racer & bike commuter I cant afford to not always have back-up & spares. Stuff like headlight bulbs, tires, levers, mirrors. It is unpleasant to do without these.

 

I've had good luck with this company. http://www.tristatebattery.com/produ...roducts_id=974

Seems to be the right one for our bikes (YTX12-BS).

~mike