Battery Sealed vs Non-Sealed

[Buzz Kanter]

My old bikes usually run the traditional unsealed batteries that we can refill and top off with distilled water. But my newer Ultra uses a sealed battery. What's the big difference in them when it comes to life, rechargability and ability to survive the vibration of a Harley?

[shovelmike]

I got good service out of the conventional batteries. 7-8 years ago when the Sporty needed a battery the dealer had a good deal on a sealed battery so I gave it a try and obviously it has done well. There is a sealed battery in the 02 Ultra...still the original, so obviously doing well too.
In my opinion a smart charger of some type (Battery Tender in my case) is a must for sealed batteries since you cannot test the specific gravity of the electrolyte to determine the state of charge.
P.S. Still running conventional in the Shovel. If I see a sealed battery that size next time it needs one, it may get one.

[47knuck]

I've often wondered the same.

I find if you take good care of a refillable battery, keep the fluid levels right and plug it into a smart charger on a regular basis, they can last for several years.

Don't know about the sealed ones.

[JCourneyaP]

A sealed Battery is for the Lazy Man. Other then a hook up to a battery tender when not being used you dont have to worry about it. The new batteries can be installed upside down and backwards if needed. Last just as long if not longer than a unsealed battery. I have yet to see one leak unless dropped from a second story building into a dumpster.

I heard you can recycle more parts of a sealed battery. I dunno if that is true.

[frisco-rigid]

Hi Buzz

I've had bad luck with all electronics here in the Phoenix Valley Summer heat just like I was told to expect from the locals I met but I've been using sealed Batts for most of the 8 years I've been here and found them to be at Least equal if not better than the Un-sealed Batts I used for many years..

I've run several on their side in the Shovel and in the 120".. Never had a leak..

I'll always run sealed if given the choice..

[EZE RIDER]

Sealed batteries also run at a higher voltage (around 13.2) as opposed to around 12.8 for a unsealed or "flooded" battery. This can be a real advantage when cranking her over.

[HarleyCruiser]

Most sealed batteries are AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) there is not as much difference between regular lead acid batteries and AGM batteries as people think.
An AGM battery has a glass matt between the plates, with water/acid (depending on the charge) instead of just water/acid.
The matt pulls water up from the base of the battery so there is not as much water needed.
The AGM battery is still vented but the refill holes are sealed.
The advantage is because the battery uses less water, and is sealed it can be mounted in any position.
It is also easer to ship because there is less chance for leakage, and thus is not hazardous shipping.
Your new Harley comes with AGM, no spills no battery acid on your bike. This is why I stick to the AGM.
You can take the lids off of a AGM battery and add water, but, I have not had much luck extending the life doing so, maybe six months.
(I live in N Fl. And heat is a real enemy of batteries, cooks the water out. I get two years out of a battery.)
If you take the lids off a AGM there is no visible water, like the regular battery.
There are also gell batteries and the really new thing is Lithium Ion batteries. That will be the real news in battery technology.
These are the batteries that come on the cordless drills.
They are much smaller, have more power especially cranking power.
And last as long as ten years.
Problem now is cost. But cost will come down in the next few years and this will be common on bikes in five.
I have a link somewhere of a cranking test if anyone is interested, let me know and I will try to find it. It is amassing. I believe it is Matt Hotch (sp?)cranking a high compression bike over, forever, until the starter smokes.

Believe I read somewhere that most of the moisture that is generated by the chemical reaction condenses in a sealed battery, thus significantly lessening/eliminating the need to add water. At such time the battery begins to use more water than it retains, it is going bad and adding water won't save it.

JB

[HarleyCruiser]

Originally Posted by John Brown

Believe I read somewhere that most of the moisture that is generated by the chemical reaction condenses in a sealed battery, thus significantly lessening/eliminating the need to add water. At such time the battery begins to use more water than it retains, it is going bad and adding water won't save it.

JB

JB, had not read that. Last time I tried I added water, like I said helped for about six months. The battery that is in my bike now is two years old, and is going south. This is about normal for me, because of the heat.
I have some old electrolyte from a lead acid battery from several years ago and I am going to try adding that.
Electrolyte is 35 percent sulfuric acid and water.
Not sure if I can coax any more life out of a battery, but makes for interesting conversation on the net.
Usual disclaimers
Do not try this at home, make sure you wear glasses, and protective clothes. This information is strictly for conversation sake and doing this will probably make your weenie fall off; your dog run off; your breath smell bad; and your wife hate you (because of the weenie, bad breath, dog run off thing).
Oh yea, if it gives you an erection for more than four hours, you are suppose to put the electrolyte in the battery not you, and you are just plain weird.

Sir, I very much enjoyed you post - thanks!

JB