A Biker's Blog

motorcycle batteries – what after-market battery is most likely to be stocked by a local business?

I’m looking to purchase a battery for my daughter’s Honda cmx250c Rebel. It’s parked on the veranda and for sale. Put the winter-stored battery in after advertising the bike for sale. Battery not holding a charge and I need to buy a new one real fast. I researched and found the part numbers for 3 different brands: PowerMaster, Yuasa, and Bikemaster. Which one am I most likely to find at a local dealer?

My experience, Yuasa is carried by local dealers, even auto parts store. They aren’t too expensive and work/last just as well as OEM.

Nolan 12V Motorcycle Charger $39.99 12V motorcycle charger lets you charge your N-COM system without a power outlet; includes cigarette-lighter-style plug that can be hard-wired to a motorcycle battery and a cable to connect the N-COM system

Haynes Honda Motorcycle Repair Manual $37.99 Tons of photos and step-by-step instructions Covers everything from complete overhauls to oil changes 8 1/4 in. x 10 3/4 in. NOTE: This is not returnable once clear plastic is removed

Help buying a motorcycle?

I just need some general information and tips. I am 17 wanting to get a sports bike, I’ve been looking at the kawasaki ninja, and honda, but I only have $2500 saved up and want to avoid a loan if I can. I want to know what the insurance rate would be and some tips on buying used if thats a good idea. I have read that I should get one with at least 600cc. ANy info is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

A 600, even one a few years old that is more affordable, is not a good choice for a beginner. And your insurance will be higher than almost any other bike. Start small, keep within a budget that includes safety gear and rider training which will save on your insurance.

Shop around a lot before buying used so you get some idea of prices. Buying from a dealer can save some headaches in having the machine in working order and having a short warranty. Even a little crash damage can be bad on a sport bike, which are usually aluminum-framed and covered by a fairing, both of which may be costly to fix. Buying late in the season (where there is a real winter) can save you money and don’t be afraid to negotiate price.

Do I need to charge my brand new motorcycle battery? It appears to be producing the right amps…?

Okay so I just bought a brand new 6 amp battery for my Honda ct110. I put the acid in, and the instructions said to wait for an hour before charging. Trouble is, my trickle charger won’t work because it says the battery is already full full – it’s producing 6.7 amps already without being charged.

even though your battery charger is showing fully charged they normally carry on putting a Very low charge in so just leave it on for an hour or so,

need battery for Yamaha 250 ATV year 2000?

This is a list of battery manufactures along with the battery models that are suppose to be used with Yamaha 250cc year 2000:
Power-Sonic – CB14A-A; Yuasa – YB14A-A1 _; Champion -14AA1; GS (JSB) – GM14AZ-4A; GS (ZYI) -CB14A-A ; Motocross – M224A1/ M324A1 ; Napa – 740-1826; Sears – 44056; Staab -14A-A1 (Staab & Champion the same); GNB – 14AA1 ; Interstate – YB14A-A1 (Yuasa & Interstate same); GX-Ztong-Yee – CB14A-A ; GX-JSB -GM14AZ-4A ; NAPA – 740-1826 ; Yacht – CB14A-A1 ; Honda – 31500-MXB-019.
With a list of battery manufactures and battery model #s for a Yamaha 250cc ATV yr 2000 looks like there shouldn’t be any problem finding a battery. If I buy locally there is a $6 old battery trade in allowance. If I have the battery shipped I would have to buy acid locally to pour into the new battery.
Please tell me the best option.
Thanks!!

Yuasa is the standard for Japanese manufacturers – because they’re the best.
The other junk you have listed, won’t last half as long.
Sears Die Hard batteries are one of the worst brands.
Buy the battery at your local motorcycle dealer.
They’ll fill it with acid, charge it and give you a guarantee.
No department store, or mail order will do that.

Motorcycle Speedometer not working… please help?

I have a 1985 Honda CB650 Nighthawk. I bought it just a month ago and the speedometer was not working at the time of sale. What is interesting however is that the RPM guage, blinker indicators, neutral light, gear position digital display as well as fuel work. The only thing that does not work is the speedometer. The needle does not rise as you speed up. All the guages and indicators are in a single unit. What could the problem be and is there any way to repair it?

Usually you’ll find that the speedometer cable is broken at one end where it connects to either the Gage or the drive. on rare occasion you will have a bad Gage or a bad Driver.