DanyloS
DanyloS New Reader
3/13/15 10:27 a.m.

The battery in my Buell Xb9 was done for by the end of last season. Spring has me thinking about light weight options. Still I hear hesitance from friends ( albeit, who have no real world experience with light weight batts) about using them for anything more than track days.

Realistically it's only getting used in warm weather and the bike has turned into a fair weekend toy. So basically no commuting or cold weather use.

It's an expensive proposition for approximately a 10lb weight reduction. But simply moving the bike around in the garage when the battery is out feels tremendously different.

Anyone have experience? Or should I just shop around for the cheapest standard replacement?

Chet
Chet New Reader
3/13/15 12:06 p.m.

We've had great results with the Ballistic batteries in our 660cc GBs and the Hayabusa powered J15.

One nice feature ( in addition to the smaller size and extreme weight loss ) is that these batteries don't lose charge over time compared to normal batteries. No need for a battery tender over the winter or long down times.

Chet

yamaha
yamaha MegaDork
3/13/15 12:38 p.m.

In reply to Chet:

Ballistics will replace the batteries in both my bikes if the OEM ones ever go bad. Otherwise, the Buell's are heavy bikes, and if you're noticing a difference in weight just rolling it around, its either due to it being up high(center of gravity issue) or your mind is playing tricks on you.

DanyloS
DanyloS New Reader
3/13/15 1:03 p.m.

The battery is under the seat but layed flat and essentially pushed up towards the pillion. Could be higher but pretty far up there. Always drives me batty when I see a cafe racer w/ the battery hidden under a rear cowl.

The bike is usually wedged infront of a "dead" car (so between the bumper and the wall) in a space that exclusively fits it. If the bike is occupying the spot there is no way even a child could get into there. I consider it passive security and a personal logistic exercise.

yamaha
yamaha MegaDork
3/13/15 1:16 p.m.

In reply to DanyloS:

Not bad, which version xb9 do you have? I'm considering tracking down an xb9 firebolt in the near future.

DanyloS
DanyloS New Reader
3/13/15 3:39 p.m.

I have a Firebolt. Have had it for 6(?) years now. Definitely unique, not as manic/peaky as the inline 4's. Had been interested in them since they first came out, basically being super low maintenance and lending itself to feel very small underneath you pretty much sold me on it.

yamaha
yamaha MegaDork
3/13/15 3:55 p.m.

In reply to DanyloS:

Sounds like my first gen 10r to be honest. Feels small, has been dead nuts reliable, and makes more low-midrange torque than should ever be allowed out of a 998cc inline bike.

I've heard rumors of interesting ways to hop up the xb9 using xb12 heads.....but I haven't seen any proof yet. Allegedly it bumps up the compression ratio a good bit.

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