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Where to buy motorcycle battery?

M

mrzuzzo

New member
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Location
Los Gatos Hills
Moto(s)
The one outside of Starbucks
Name
Victor
Where can I buy a motorcycle battery locally?

I bought a BMW XR that has been standing around for a while, and this morning it would not start.

I don't want a lithium battery - just a standard lead acid.
 
Sears used to carry motorcycle batteries, but the local one (Hilltop) has low stock in just about everything, but yours may be better stocked. When I did buy one there, they had good prices.
 
I have bought a couple of bike batteries at O'Reillys. This was for older bikes, and they often use the same batteries that lawnmowers use. Since you are not looking for a modern Lithium battery, I'd try there.
 
Get a TruGel or equivalent. Less than twice the cost. More than 10x, maybe even 100x the lifespan. They are tough. A regular lead acid is pretty much had if you let it go dead and sit even once. My dual sports sit for months at the time and the TruGels in them have lasted years.
 
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mrzuzzo said:
Where can I buy a motorcycle battery locally?

I bought a BMW XR that has been standing around for a while, and this morning it would not start.

I don't want a lithium battery - just a standard lead acid.
Click to expand...

If you're in Redwood City, why not just go to the Interstate Battery store across the street from the Honda dealer there.
 
Any chance you just need to charge the battery?

After having problems with off-brand batteries, I now stick with Yuasa AGM batteries in both of my bikes. They seem to be more reliable and stronger than many of the others. I usually order what I need from the local motorcycle shop. It usually only takes a couple of days to get what I need.

Oh, and the previous battery in my XR650L came from Walmart (purchased by previous owner) and lasted more than six years.
 
TheRobSJ said:
If you're in Redwood City, why not just go to the Interstate Battery store across the street from the Honda dealer there.
Click to expand...

Thats a good idea. I can get them to test the old battery too before buying a new one.

I don't think charging will help. I rode the bike on a charged battery from LA to Bay Area yesterday, and as the day progressed the bike was harder and harder to start. This morning it cranked once then stopped altogether.

Previous owner left the bike unattended for over 6 months so I'm pretty confident battery is shot.
 
Gel batteries dont like to be run out of charge. Someone beat me to mentioning Interstate, there is also a battery place right off 101 in either millbrae or ssf.

Good luck with new bike.
 
mrzuzzo said:
I don't think charging will help. I rode the bike on a charged battery from LA to Bay Area yesterday, and as the day progressed the bike was harder and harder to start. This morning it cranked once then stopped altogether. Previous owner left the bike unattended for over 6 months so I'm pretty confident battery is shot.
Click to expand...

Would be wise to do some of the battery/charging system sticky checklist items instead of confidently assuming anything.

Quite possible the battery is on its last legs. Also possible the bike charging system is not performing. Would be a shame to see your new $$$ battery go kaput because of the charging system not performing.
 
mototireguy said:
Would be wise to do some of the battery/charging system sticky checklist items instead of confidently assuming anything.

Quite possible the battery is on its last legs. Also possible the bike charging system is not performing. Would be a shame to see your new $$$ battery go kaput because of the charging system not performing.
Click to expand...

I'll get the battery tested first. If it's good, I'll tow the bike to BMW dealer and get them to fix whatever is broken.
 
I purchased a battery for the RZ online, the damn thing shipped with no electrolyte.
Not just not in the battery, they didn't include any at all. Said they stopped that a while ago. :wtf
 
After determining it is the battery not the system,
call you local shop and have them fill a Yuasa and throw it on the charger for you. Pick it up on your way home from work.
 
mrzuzzo said:
This is especially easy to do if the bike doesn't start at all :laughing
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You know that you can use jumper cables from a car and start it anyway, right? Just make sure the car is off when you do it.

I've done it like that way too many times with my KTM. :mad
 
ScottRNelson said:
You know that you can use jumper cables from a car and start it anyway, right? Just make sure the car is off when you do it.

I've done it like that way too many times with my KTM. :mad
Click to expand...

the car can be on... this is a looooooong time myth... motos can take 14V just fine, in fact the 14v will help with the voltage drop over the jumper cables
 
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RocklinMike said:
Batteries Plus.
Click to expand...

Second this, they're located in SF and have almost every battery for every problem. Give them a call to make sure they have one charged and ready to go. I got one for a KLR and had no issues, competitive pricing and good for a pinch.
 
orbframe said:
the car can be on... this is a looooooong time myth... motos can take 14V just fine, in fact the 14v will help with the voltage drop over the jumper cables
Click to expand...

I never heard that myth till I moved to California. I've been jumping bikes from cars, running or not, for 30++ years and I have been happy in my blissful ignorance.
 
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