motorcycle battery
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February 22, 2017
I have to admit, I have been very hesitant to write this article and have delayed doing so for several years. My deferment in writing was essentially a giant rationalization to ‘protect’ this motorcycle battery brand (and I guess us as well) from unnecessary blow-back. Compromising thoughts like “it’s not really hurting anyone since the battery is actually pretty good” or “it’s not my place to shake the apple cart” or “so many high profile racing teams use their batteries so that has to speak for something” kept me from raising my concern sooner. In all honesty, what we are about to share regarding this certain battery brand may impact our sales negatively and sour our relationship with the manufacturer. Nonetheless, we feel the questions raised have not been satisfactorily answered. Believe me when I tell you, it is not easy sticking your neck out. Frankly, it is down right uncomfortable. But I refuse to be beholden to the allure
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October 14, 2016
Warranties can be the bane of consumers and merchants alike, especially motorcycle battery warranties. For the merchant or manufacturer it is a necessary evil that requires time and resources for seemingly no commercial gain—looking only from the vantage point of the warranted transaction. The consumer dreads the idea of having to prove the case, possibly being transferred to multiple people, having to send the item back for inspection and then on top of all that pay for shipping both ways! There are horror stories of companies reneging on their obligation to replace or repair defective merchandise. Or they make the process so cumbersome and time consuming people just give up. But there are also consumers that expect the world to bow at their every demand, have outlandish expectations or are the undisputed battery expert with zero years’ experience. Of course these examples are the extreme and not the rule. So what can merchants and consumers do to meet somewhere in the middle?
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May 18, 2016
I had the privilege this week of speaking with a gentleman from Minnesota, let’s call him Iron Man because A) Avengers is currently playing in theaters and B) the length of time his battery lasted is worthy of the title. He called in inquiring if we sold the YTX14-BS battery made by Yuasa. To which I replied, “Yes, we have some batteries that are made by Yuasa.” He then went on to explain that he needed two batteries and shared a story I just couldn’t pass up sharing with all of you. To say this man is just a supporter of the Yuasa Battery Inc. brand may be putting it a little too mildly. And rightly so after the track record he has had! The fascinating part is what he does to extend battery life.
Pause For Battery Life Statistics
Before I go any further it would be negligent of me if I did not stop and share some facts about power sport battery failure rates. Otherwise, you would have no frame of reference to base your own conclusion. Once you see
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March 18, 2013
Motorcycle batteries often do not last as long as they should, and the reason for their short lifespans is generally poor maintenance. Because most people don't ride their motorcycles as frequently as they might drive their cars, motorcycles are more likely to go for long periods without being started. This leads to the motorcycle battery losing its charge. Fortunately, you can extend the life of your battery by understanding why batteries lose their charge and how to keep your own motorcycle battery healthy.
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February 26, 2013
Driving a motorcycle on the open road is thrilling, but this can be a dangerous hobby if you don’t take the proper precautions. Motorcycle accidents are often more severe than car or truck crashes, and many are fatal. The best way to avoid injury is to practice proper motorcycle safety before you ride, as well as during your journey.
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February 20, 2013
Most motorcycles are a large investment. That is why it’s imperative to keep them in the best shape possible. This means that taking the proper steps to store your bike during the winter is important. The proper storage steps will ensure that your motorcycle is rust free and ready to ride when springtime arrives.
Storage Location
Choose a dry, indoor location to store your bike for wintertime. This can be in a place such as a garage, a rental storage place or a motorcycle dealership. If the bike must be kept outside, search for a covered area that is hidden from passersby. Additionally, protect your bike with proper security measures such as a fork or wheel locks.
Change the Oil
Changing your bike’s oil will significantly reduce the effects of condensation and rust. It’s necessary to do this each time the bike is stored for the winter.
Protect the Engine
Before storing your motorcycle, you will need to shield the engine’s
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January 28, 2013
[caption id="attachment_1674" align="alignleft" width="150"] Maintain your motorcycle[/caption]
Motorcyclists have a lot to worry about whether it's other vehicles or even getting their Class M licenses. Maintenance may not sit at the top of the priority list for most bikers, but it should. While a motorcycle battery may not be a major concern for those who ride every day, those whose bikes see occasional use should check their batteries regularly. Cold weather environments will also diminish battery life, so those who store their bikes in areas open to the elements should be especially cognizant of their batteries.
Exploring the Tender
The easiest way to maintain a battery is with a charger. A charger,
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January 23, 2013
The Mysterious 'T' shaped Honda Shadow Battery
This peculiar battery was first introduced in 1983 in the HONDA VT750C Shadow Bike. It defied the traditional rectangular shape with a front profile that looked like the letter T. The original Honda Shadow Battery part number was the HYB16A-AB. It was a wet battery with a vent tube, 150 Cold Cranking Amps and capacity of 16 Ampre Hour. This Honda Shadow battery is found more readily in various VT1100 series motorcycles
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January 14, 2013
[caption id="attachment_1527" align="alignright" width="300"] Enjoy Your Ride![/caption]
Purchasing a motorcycle is an exciting opportunity to take on a new hobby, but understanding maintenance issues is a must. One component that is key in keeping a motorcycle in good working condition is the motorcycle battery.
How Does a Motorcycle Battery Work?
A motorcycle battery is made up of six separate cells that each contain 2.1 volts. The total voltage of a battery in a motorcycle is 12.6 volts, and each of the cells in the battery includes positive and negative components that are exposed to a sulfuric acid solution.
The battery goes through a chemical reaction that
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January 07, 2013
Motorcycle batteries are designed to last as long as possible, but over time, they deteriorate and need to be replaced. As the electrolytes do their job, they cause a solid buildup on the plates, which causes them to lose their ability to conduct electricity. Although nothing can be done to completely stop this deterioration, the proper installation of a motorcycle battery will ensure that it is working at peak efficiency and increase its longevity.
Specific installation instructions depend on the type of battery being installed and the model of motorcycle in which it will be installed. It is always recommended to follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the battery, but a few