AGM Westco Batteries

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:51 am

Westco does not offer the 12V22 battery anymore, which was a Goldwing unit that fit perfectly into the CBX tray and supplied superior starting performance. They now have a SVR18 for 1980 and later GLs.
Does anybody have any experience with this, or a suggestion for an alternative?

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:57 pm

I just checked their site and no battery is listed for any X other than the 82. For the 82 it lists the SVR18 with 20 amps, and a 300 CCA rating. It measures 8.13"X3.44"X6.38" and weighs 17 lbs. Priced at !114. Says its a high performance replacement for the Yuasa YTX24HL-BS. Checked Yuasa's site and found that their's weighs 14.4, about 3 lbs less and has 50 more CCA and is 3 bucks less at $111. BUT, I also found a Westco 12V22 for $108.35 TYD. here, suppose they actually have them?

http://www.batteryweb.com/cartview.cfm

My 79 is in need of one. The 'add water' Interstate battery I had to buy on the road 5-6 years ago is on its way out. Did pretty well though, for being that old. I also emailed Westco asking them the difference between the 12V22 and the SVR18. Looking around ebay I also found this bargain.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Battery- ... 0242708159

SteveG · Post by **SteveG** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 10:37 pm

I had a Yuasa Y50N18L in my 82, it filled the plastic tray completely, nice and snug. I replaced it with a Yuasa YTX20HL-BS from CBXman. It is smaller so I used a hockey puck as a spacer and a couple of strips of self-stick weather strip to quell vibration. Works fine.

cbxtacy · Post by **cbxtacy** » Tue Jul 29, 2008 11:45 pm

Don't know where to get hockey pucks here in San Diego. Surf wax is about the same size, maybe I'll try that next time I get a battery.

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:16 am

The AGM batteries are generally heavier than a conventional liquid lead-acid. I received my SVR18 yesterday and will make an installation check today. It is at least as big as the 12V22 and will fill the battery compartment without the need for a spacer.

Don #6141 · Post by **Don #6141** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:25 am

Terry wrote:BUT, I also found a Westco 12V22 for $108.35 TYD. here, suppose they actually have them?

90 bucks here . . . . and free shipping

http://www.batteryweb.com/motorcyclebat ... tco12V.htm

Don

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:48 am

Strangely, we can still get them over here.....

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:43 am

I got a reply to my email,

Hi Terry,

The country of origin and quality in manufacturing are the big
differences. The 12v22 is from Taiwan and the SVR18 is made in the U.S.
We had some quality issues about 12 months ago with 12v22's which
caused
us to discontinue it and use the SVR18 exclusively. Yesterday we did
receive some new containers of 12v22 from a new factory we are dealing
with and expect the quality to be better. All of that being said I
still
prefer the SVR18.
Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jason Smith

MK Battery
800 372 9253

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:58 am

Don #6141 wrote:
Terry wrote:BUT, I also found a Westco 12V22 for $108.35 TYD. here, suppose they actually have them?
90 bucks here . . . . and free shipping

http://www.batteryweb.com/motorcyclebat ... tco12V.htm

Don

No free shipping. I looked and looked and this battery doesn't fall into that category. Looks like $108.35 shipped.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:48 am

EMS wrote:The AGM batteries are generally heavier than a conventional liquid lead-acid. I received my SVR18 yesterday and will make an installation check today. It is at least as big as the 12V22 and will fill the battery compartment without the need for a spacer.

So, how'd it go? I'm having a hard time justifying the expense of a Westco since the old type Interstate battery I got on the road 5-6 years ago is still starting the 79. I do want a sealed battery like the one in the 82 and I know I have to get another soon but with the same CCAs of 300 or more and a price almost half that of a Yuasa or Westco AGM I can find a few other brands that seem to fit the bill just fine. Some are made in China, Taiwan and even Vietnam. Warranties are similar, but I did notice a weight difference, on some, as much as six pounds. That has to be the plates right, meaning a better battery? But is it (twice) as good as a cheaper one, one that lasts for 4-5-6 years as well? Whaddyathink

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:29 am

The SVR18 is exactly the same size as the 12V22. It fits well (no spacer) and seems to have the same cranking power. I prefer the AGMs not just because of the supposedly longer life (debateable!!) but because of the lesser power drop when sitting. I have to spread my riding time over 14 bikes and some do not get out that frequently. An AGM battery has very little discharge over time and cranks with almost full power even after sitting for 2 months. For me, it is worth the extra money. For someone who rides very regularly and gets 5 years out of a conventional lead-acid, it may be not. The weight difference is mainly due to the concept, i.e., the solid material (glass mat) between the plates.

daves79x · Post by **daves79x** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:28 pm

I agree with all that's been said in favor of the AGMs, except the most important advantage has been left out - no more SBD failures as was all too common with the lead acid batteries. SBD will let you sitting every time, wherever it quits. I haven't heard of any AGM batteries shorting out.
That alone is worth the extra money to me.

Dave

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 8:41 pm

I was referring to AGM batteries when I said I can find some for nearly half the price of the Westcos or Yuasas. Was just wondering if the Westcos and Yuasas are worth nearly twice as much as a similar AGM battery with a similar warranty, just weighs less but has 300 or more CCAs and may have been made in Vietnam or China or Taiwan. Even though my Interstate lead acid, add water on demand battery, has served me well for 5-6 years I still want to get a sealed AGM. I'd just prefer not to pay a hundred bucks for one if I can get one cheaper.

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:46 pm

Terry wrote: similar AGM battery with a similar warranty, just weighs less but has 300 or more CCAs

I have not found any other AGMs that fit the CBX battery compartment so well. But I would certainly try one of them if they are that inexpensive and have an even higher rating than the Westco, for example. All that would be lost, if they don't work is what? 70 Dollars? Sure worth the try

SteveG · Post by **SteveG** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:36 pm

This battery

http://www.gruberpower.com/gruberpower/ ... sp?count=1

fit great without any spacers and has 320 CCA ($60.00 plus shipping). I got it off of ebay. The first one they sent arrived discharged and wouldn't take a charge. I contacted them, and they sent me a replacement (no cost) that was fully charged, and it would probably have worked great except for

viewtopic.php?t=4123

After their kindness / good customer service in replacing the dead battery, I was embarrassed to tell them I blew up their replacement battery, so I got the Yuasa YTX20HLBS (310 CCA)($86.00 plus shipping) from CBXman which now works fine with the hockey puck.