All loaded up the morning after Christmas for a 4-day trip into Death Valley and once again, no start. The OEM battery weakened quickly so I went on a rampage around LA desperately trying to find an AGM battery so I could carry on with my trip. After finding several AGM batteries that were "close, but no cigar" (e.g. terminals reversed) I bought an 8-cell Ballistic EVO2 LiFe unit for $160 at a local shop:
http://www.ballisticparts.com/produc...ries/8cell.php
It is awesome. Massive weight savings. Cranks like mad. 275 CCA vs. 120 from the OEM. A fraction of the size and 1.7lb.
I used the foam from the box to fit the battery to the compartment, which, even though it was kind of a rush job, came out fine and I'll probably leave it that way for a while. It's got thick padding on 5 sides, so it's incredibly well isolated from vibration and shock.
Left for my trip only about 5 hours late. Saw all kinds of conditions and the battery performed flawlessly, starting the bike quickly and confidently every time. Hot starts, cold starts (25°F), after refueling, etc.
Between this and getting the decompression fix my faith in the bike will be restored.
