Battery - Flooded vs AGM vs Gel

[SLY DVL]

I'm posting this specifically in the Sprint forum because my query is directed specifically at the Sprints. I'm replacing the battery in my '09 ST. I know batteries, and I know the inner workings of the 3 types, Flooded Lead Acid (wet), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel Cells.
My question is; can we put a flooded lead acid battery in our ST's, since the battery is mounted on its side?
All the listings tell me that it has to be "factory activated". This simply means that the factory filled it with the SO4/H2O mixture, and then sealed it up. That's what's in there now (OE).
But, when you buy a "dry" battery that has to be filled by the consumer can you trust the caps to seal properly after filling? Also, in the vertical position the plates would be completely submerged. But in the horizontal position would the edges of the plates not be exposed (because presumably they run right to the edge of the cell)?

Suggestions? Experience? Help?

[KitNYC]

All of the acid in an AGM/gel/VRLA battery should be absorbed within a couple hours of filling, so it should be fine. "Should" is the operative word there, though, and I wouldn't trust one if I had a 1050.

Absolutely do not install a wet battery on its side.

If I weren't very broke, I would have a Shorai lithium battery in my bike. I've grown very tired of lead acid shenanigans over the years. Failing that, Yuasa makes a sealed battery and you can probably pick them up at places like Batteries Plus as well.

Cheers,
-Kit

[zelatore]

Bummer...I was looking forward to giving my standard speech about the differences in flooded, gel, and AGM batteries.

(I get to give that one a lot in the marine world)

But, to answer your question no, I would not instal a regular flooded battery in a horizontal position. I've never looked closely at a flooded motorcycle battery, but every other flooded battery I've installed specifically says it must be installed upright. AGM would be my first choice, followed by gel.

Well, actually I guess my first choice is a Shoari since that's what I'm running now, but they are not without their own drawbacks.

[BenAnne]

I'm new to the Triumph scene, but I've had lots of bikes over the years. I've gotten very fond of the AGM batteries. I've got one in both of my Harleys. They're bulletproof! When the one in my ST dies, I'll be looking for an AGM. Do you guys have an AGM that you recommend for the ST?


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[Billbikes]

I swear by Deka AGM batteries. I've had very good luck, and as a side benefit, they are local to me.

[caddydaddy]

Originally Posted by zelatore

Well, actually I guess my first choice is a Shoari since that's what I'm running now, but they are not without their own drawbacks.

After having a Shorai discharged once, which pretty much killed it, I won't be buying another!

[tomservo]

Oops, I just installed a flooded battery I had on hand in my Sprint 1050 while I wait for Shorai to replace the battery I got from them. I think I have an AGM in the garage though so I best swap them out when I get home this evening (I hate having to replace the battery on the sprint, PITA for just swapping a battery)

[DaveM]

As a point of interest the Sprint GT has it's battery vertical like they were on the 955's

I am running a Deka Gelmat in my "04 955 Daytona to good effect.

cheers
Dave

[Felony]

The trouble with batteries is if you ask enough people for their opinion, you are bound to get opposing views for the same battery. I have run AGM lead acid batteries for years with good results, especially Yuasa. However, a friend of mine has gone through two Yuasa AGM batteries on two different BMWs that did not have charging issues. He's now using a Gel battery with is oem to his BMW. Not a Sprint of course, but results may vary.

[PaulM]

Hi Have a look here
http://boulevardowners.com/cafe/inde...topicID=157926
Useful info on batteries
Cheers Paul