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XB12 Battery Replacement
https://ukbeg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=24449		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Suomy [ 20 Jun 2020 09:02 ]
Post subject:  XB12 Battery Replacement
Hi Guys.
I think the battery on my XB12 is stuffed as when I try to start it it gets to compression and the starter can barely turn it over and the voltage at the battery drops from 12V to about 5V! Its a 2003 bike and has a black MT battery on it, the numbers are CTX14- BS and 712140. Not sure if that makes it an original battery or not?

Anyway which are the best batteries for the XB? Any help much appreciated
Author:  coco [ 20 Jun 2020 09:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Dont think matters ,the yuasa on my firebolt are only lasting 3 years .....on my third and its failing :sad1:
Author:  03 [ 20 Jun 2020 09:51 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
I don't know if they're much good but I have noticed the Motobatt batteries are cheap as chips (almost) these days on places like eBay. HTH.
Author:  Suomy [ 20 Jun 2020 10:30 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
coco wrote:
Dont think matters ,the yuasa on my firebolt are only lasting 3 years .....on my third and its failing :sad1:

I'll avoid Yuasa ones then!

Thank you both for the advice. I have seen one or two owners mention the Westco batteries but not the specific battery model. The one thats on it is 12Ah which I'd of thought is a little underpowered to turn a 1200 over but I am by no means an expert on batteries!
Author:  edd [ 20 Jun 2020 11:47 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Suomy wrote:
coco wrote:
Dont think matters ,the yuasa on my firebolt are only lasting 3 years .....on my third and its failing :sad1:

I'll avoid Yuasa ones then!

Thank you both for the advice. I have seen one or two owners mention the Westco batteries but not the specific battery model. The one thats on it is 12Ah which I'd of thought is a little underpowered to turn a 1200 over but I am by no means an expert on batteries!


I heard from my battery expert that you have to specify the Yuasa YTX14 ‘Heavy Duty’ for Harley’s or Buells. They are still quite a bit cheaper at £79 than the Harley’s at £130 but have more cranking power than even the HD item. They say Harley batteries are best, but l also heard that they are filled and energised in the US before shipping, which means that how good it is will depend on how well it has been maintained by the dealer. A good question given the Lockdown period. :? The Buells like mine bought from Riders in 2007 appeared to have been fitted with batteries then put on optimisers in the show room prior to collection. Not all dealers may have been as efficient. I may have just been lucky as my first fit battery lasted 8 years! ;)

My second HD battery started to go dodgy after only 2 years as it frequently struggled to reach 12.7 volts on my optimiser. I squeezed another year or so out of it, but l switched to a Yuasa Heavy Duty item earlier this year. I’ve not ridden it yet since fitting and it remains on 13 or 13.1 volts so l don’t know if that matters or how well my XB generator will keep it topped up or how that will affect my Buell. :?

Keep asking questions, but l will report in after my first post lockdown ride sometime soon l hope. ;)
Author:  Maz [ 20 Jun 2020 11:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Motobat=dogshit
Yuasa heavy duty=what I fit
H-D=best but most expensive and only 6 month warranty.
Author:  Suomy [ 20 Jun 2020 13:09 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Maz wrote:
Motobat=dogshit
Yuasa heavy duty=what I fit
H-D=best but most expensive and only 6 month warranty.

Thanks for that, Maz. If the battery is disconnected it doesnt zero the mileage like it does on Aprilia's does it?
Author:  Maz [ 20 Jun 2020 18:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
No, just the trip.
Author:  Andysdad [ 20 Jun 2020 20:15 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Like the OP I probably need a new battery too.

Is this normal? - when starting, the engine sort of stops/pauses then turns over and (always) fires up. I suspect the cranking amps are low.

Uly XT - H-D battery is 8 years' old - should I get a new 'un?

I was looking at Motobatt (always thought they were well-regarded, but if Maz says No that's good enough for me!)

Halfords seem cheapest for Yuasa YTX14H-BS High Performance - £78.

I previously bought a Deka for my Harley (they make the H-D OE battery) but cannot find one any cheaper than H-D, so £50 more than Yuasa.

A
Author:  Maz [ 20 Jun 2020 20:22 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Yes it's normal on XB's.....look at the earth path from battery to subframe to main frame to engine !
Author:  coco [ 20 Jun 2020 21:24 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Didnt mean to completly diss yuasa cos the one on my cyclone has been good
Author:  Andysdad [ 21 Jun 2020 09:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Maz - thanks for that - I have a link to re-earthing an XB. Will do.

Link - http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/m ... 1535939988

Lots of other threads on 't web - this one seems a bit OTT but the photos help identify the areas requiring attention (on a Uly).

A
Author:  Jones [ 22 Jun 2020 00:07 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
O.E.battery on mine 11 years Numax battery 2 years Motobat 4years + so far.
Author:  Suomy [ 22 Jun 2020 14:02 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Thanks for the replys

I did try jump starting it off a small car battery and there was no hesitation on compression. I did notice the starter solenoid still clicks though unless I pull the clutch lever in. Theres a switch on the lever so that could be faulty? But I didnt think you had to pull the clutch lever in to start an XB, unless I'm mistaken? I've checked the earth points and they appear to be clean and firm.
Author:  Maz [ 22 Jun 2020 14:21 ]
Post subject:  Re: XB12 Battery Replacement
Clutch switch is fine, either the diode is fitted the wrong way round or the neutral switch is faulty.
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