T3 Battery

[smsw]

It's been a long time since I had a battery in my '77 T3 and of course I no longer have any information on what battery is recommended and more importantly, which battery fits in the space.  I do remember that my last batt was a very tight fit between the rubber bumpers on the right and left.

What I've found online is the terminals are on the right side w. the + forward.  Front-back battery length is 6 7/16 (6.44"), width is 5" and height is 6 7/8".  One website recommended - up front and + in the rear, but if you turn this Odyssey battery on its side in order to make it fit, the terminals end up the same as the others I've found.

Battery specs seem to be in the 400 CCA range, and 30 AH tho Yuasa has one thats 500 and 32 AH.  This last offering is made from unobtanium, both from a price standpoint ($250) and the distinct lack of vendors offering it.  Perhaps fittingly, Piratemx.com is selling this battery for that amount...plus shipping I suppose.

I'm leaning toward Yuasa's YIX30L-BS.  I'm a sucker for name brands, have had excellent life from other Yuasa batteries, one is available on eBay for $130 shippped, and it has the same size designation as other brands - and the same dimensions as noted above.

Monday I will check w/ the local battery company that has sold me most of my batteries for the last 45 years.  They carry Interstate and Optima batteries and I've had only good service from them.

Any comments on the size I think will fit (30L-BS) and those dimensions?  Any suggestions?  Today I'll cut some cardboard to size and see how that fits in the available space.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'm not a fan of Yuasa having seen several fail suddenly and without warning. I prefer Deka/East Penn Mfg. batteries (sold under a number of brand names). This what I use my own and customer's Guzzis: https://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank-ETX30L-Battery.html .

I've also had good luck with these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9JD7PG

[guzzisteve]

I just put 2 new batts in mine last year. I went to Batteries + and got AGM 34AH 12V Duracell was $95
I was using UPS 12V 35AH by Concord company, one of their batt for lectric scooters or solar storage or puter back-up.
I only use 1 of those in sidecar rig. They are $125 now.
The Duracells are not the same, going to see how long. Deep cells were lasting 12-14yrs

There are 30AH Harly batts out there that do real well also, lots of customers have had them in their bike

[Lumpy Idle]

ok, just went to batt's. + and pasted in the battery you referenced but it defaulted to a $246 (+tax and s/h) battery with an appended model number. i didn't see the $95 unit without the "sli" in the model #. did i not look deeply enough into the site?

[guzzisteve]

OK it was this one---------- bought 2 of them, price went up a bit

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/battery/ups/sladc12=35j

[TOMB]

I changed mine to the U1 or U1R lawn tractor battery, 430 CCA . but be careful and check the CCA. and was an Interstate (equivalent to U1-U1R )as the Interstate numbering # is their own

Some people don't approve of this set up but------------------this size is replaceable at any lawn mower shop, Advanced Auto , Wal Mart Home Depot, Lowe's  Etc. if your traveling.

I ride a Convert so push starting isn't a option.

I can easily get 3-4 years life and the last one i bought was $54.00 at my Husqvarna dealer but the price range can be as low as $29.00 to $54.00

TOMB

[Scout63]

I use this battery. A little pricey but I like having two each positive and negative terminals.

https://www.batterymart.com/p-mb51814-motobatt-agm-battery.html

[Gliderjohn]

Have also only used lawn and garden batteries usually in the $30-$40 range.
GliderJohn

[smsw]

OK it was this one---------- bought 2 of them, price went up a bit

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/battery/ups/sladc12=35j

That link you supplied is for a deep cycle battery.  Deep cycle's are different than your standard lead acid battery used for starting a car/motor sports vehicle.  I'm not saying it won't work (kinda hard to do that in the face of contrary evidence) but it is not the best option for the application.

[yogidozer]

how about this one, $24.87 Cold cranking amps: 230
https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-Lead-Acid-Lawn-Garden-Battery-Group-Size-U1-12-Volt-230-CCA/21984263

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If you're going to use a garden tractor battery, please spend the few extra $$ for a sealed one instead one that vents out the caps on top.   

[smsw]

If you're going to use a garden tractor battery, please spend the few extra $$ for a sealed one instead one that vents out the caps on top.   

Not planning to use one of those. In fact, I'd hoped to be able to place the plastic tool tray on top of the battery, but that remains to be seen.

[Charles in Lake Charles]

Changing the starter from the Bosch original to the Valeo latter unit will allow the use
 of a much smaller battery (less cca) and more options for the battery.

[guzzisteve]

That link you supplied is for a deep cycle battery.  Deep cycle's are different than your standard lead acid battery used for starting a car/motor sports vehicle.  I'm not saying it won't work (kinda hard to do that in the face of contrary evidence) but it is not the best option for the application.

I buy them cause I don't use a charger or tender, nothing. AND it'll crank all day. Last 12-14 yrs. Bikes are ready all the time, even if I let it sit 6mo. Turn key & start. I hate messing w/batt all the time. It works for me.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Changing the starter from the Bosch original to the Valeo latter unit will allow the use
 of a much smaller battery (less cca) and more options for the battery.

Just my opinion: If one is still running the original Bosch charging system, the bigger (in amp hours) the battery the better, regardless of what starter is used.

[Turin]

I go to Batteries + ( now batteries and bulbs) and get the Duracell.

[n3303j]

Odyssey 925 in my T3 for since I bought it 80K miles ago. It's been well abused and still starts the bike no matter what the weather. It also charges all the USB stuff at the campsite for whoever needs the power. Didn't spill a drop when I high sided a few years ago. I'd buy another if this one ever dies.