Ripoff? - Harley Forum

Marty Winger · #1 09-19-2009, 05:12 PM

Hi Y'all:

Anyone out there try to use justanswer.com? Is it a RIP? I asked a question (seemed pretty simple).

I asked if a "wet battery" is OK in place of an AGM?

I asked to try and save about $40.00.

They wanted $45 for the answer without letting (us) know first hand they charge for any services.

M

Tbone · #2 09-19-2009, 06:03 PM

That's the first I heard of justanswer. I agree that charges should be prominently displayed before the service.
What is an AGM?
What was the answer?

sgtcowboyusmc · #3 09-19-2009, 07:17 PM

Marty scroll down past my answer to T Bone!

T Bone- this is from Wiki but explains it well- Absorbent glass mat (AGM) is a class of VRLA battery in which the electrolyte is absorbed into a mat of fine glass fibers. The plates in an AGM battery may be flat like a wet cell lead-acid battery in a rectangular case. In cylindrical AGMs, the plates are thin and wound, like most consumer disposable and rechargeable cells, into spirals so they are also sometimes referred to as spiral wound. Their unique (for lead acid chemistries) construction also allows for the lead in their plates to be purer as they no longer need to support their own weight as in traditional cells. Their internal resistance is lower than traditional cells due to plate proximity and the pure lead plates have lower resistivity, they handle higher temperatures better, and self discharge more slowly.[citation needed]

Their specific power is very good and they can be charged and discharged quite rapidly, however their specific energy tends to be lower than traditional flooded batteries. They are often used in high performance electric vehicles due to their high power density.

Marty- Welcome to the forum. I think (and I am definitely not an expert) it would depend on the application. Short answer as far as I know is if the CCA are in specs and the battery is vertical then yes it should work. I assume it is for a Motorcycle?

As for justanswers.com If I understand right the answerer sets the cost and it depends on the number of "Experts" available at the time. Is there a way to respond without paying. If so I would basically tell that yahoo that he wants too much for the info and you can get it elsewhere for free. I am sure there will be someone on here in a bit with a ton more knowledge than I have. I run dry cell batteries in my Jeep but have not put one in my bike, yet;-) I know Gas Man is a firm believer in AGM Batteries. Hang in there and I wouldn't pay $40.00 for an answer like that. Now if you run into a problem that these guys can not answer, then it might be worth it but I find it hard to believe that if it can not be diagnosed or answered here that some Yahoo on answers.com could help. These guys ask great questions to get at the heart of your problems and most have many years in fixing these machines.

Good Luck.
Hope that helps.

Cowboys

Oh and I forgot, that will be $20.00 please ;-)

hardtimeharley · #4 09-19-2009, 08:29 PM

Marty; As long as the dimensions, and CCA are nearly the same, Yes you can use a wet battery. I use a wet in my Dyna and a AGM in my Electraglide only because I don't want acid spots to appear on my chrome. As for Just answers, the price is high, and they should let you know about a charge up front. And how Certified are they? Even on these forums with seasoned riders and mechanics, you see the occasional wrong info., not a problem when it's free, but I'd be PO'd if I paid $45!!

Catmechanic · #5 09-20-2009, 12:54 AM

Marty,

Cowboy is right, make sure the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) are high enough to meet the specs needed for your bike. You should be able to get this information from the shop manual. A battery with more CCA than called for is fine, just make sure they aren't less. Also with a standard flooded cell battery you will need to run a vent tube down to keep any acid or vapors off the bike.

You might find that you will get more life out of an AGM than you will with a standard battery. I generally get about 4 yrs out of a HD AGM vs. 1-2 from a standard battery. I might be able to get more out of the AGM but I replace them automatically after 4 yrs to keep from being stranded.

Jim S

street bob · #6 09-20-2009, 12:57 AM

Just replace it with a H-D battery, they are the best.
Oh, welcome to the forum, stop in often.

sgtcowboyusmc · #7 09-20-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catmechanic

Marty,

C

You might find that you will get more life out of an AGM than you will with a standard battery. I generally get about 4 yrs out of a HD AGM vs. 1-2 from a standard battery. I might be able to get more out of the AGM but I replace them automatically after 4 yrs to keep from being stranded.

Jim S

I wonder if I could get 4 yrs out of an AGM Battery? I am on my 2nd battery in 5 yrs but the heat really takes it out of Batteries here. I ride year round and when it is 115-125 degrees it is hard on the batteries. Anybody know if an AGM battery will hold up for 3-4 yrs in the extreme heat?

frisco-rigid · #8 09-20-2009, 03:40 AM

Hi Marty

Just answers........ sounds like a Rip to me..

They are certainly interchangable as long as the performance requirements match up, as Cat & Sgt. mentions..

Here in the Phoenix Valley summer heat though,, the AGM's (Deka) outlast the wets by double or more,,,,, for us anyway..

I believe it was about 5 - 6 years ago I read that Deka was making the HD Batts at that time.. I cannot "re-find" that info so I cannot verify..

You'll be fine either way..

Trigger87 · #9 09-20-2009, 08:03 AM

I switched over to AGM batteries. I love them! I get a longer battery life, and they are easier to deal with. As others have said, make sure the CCA are up to the task and that the battery will fit and you should be good to go. I've had very good luck with and and very happy with the performance of HD's batteries. Good luck!

Tbone · #10 09-20-2009, 11:07 AM

I must have an AGM in my bike, now that I know what it is. I am pretty sure that I am not requied to add water to my battery. I've had it in my possession for 3 years and have had no problem with it. The bike was on the showroom floor for a year before I purchased it so this battery must be around 4 years old.
It is the original HD battery on the 2006 Low Rider.
I would think that any battery of the correct size, the correct terminal location and type with the same voltage and the same or more Cold Cranking Amps would be useable.