Bubbling Battery ???

[A10Boy]

One of my bikes has a 12volt system. After a recent ride while cleaning it, I heard the battery bubbling like it was on charge. I assumed the regulator was over charging it, so put the voltmeter across the terminals, started it up revved it and got around 14.8 - 15.1 volts with the lights off. That seems OK to me. [?] The thing is, I took the battery off and three days later its still bubbling, any ideas, is it an internal fault? It seems OK otherwise.

Cheers

[muskrat]

It's not a new Japanese one is it?
Sorry couldn't resist  .
I'd sat it's shot.
Cheers

[a10gf]

Agree, must be a sign of imminent failure.

Here's a good read about batteries in general.

[lawnmowerman]

Sounds like sediment in the bottom - effectively providing a partial short across the plates. Might be time to replace it with a gel-filled jobby.

Jim

[wilko]

Been having a bad run with dying AGM batteries lately on different bikes, i would suggesr a sealed lead acid.

[muskrat]

G'day Wilco,
                I was just about to get an AGM for the rHonda whour. What's been the problem?
Agree with Jim as to problem.
Cheers

[A10Boy]

Thanks guys, it's what I thought. This is a three year old lead acid effort that only cost 20 odd quid. I think I'll get a gel one from Stafford. Any makes to avoid, and how much should I pay?

Andy

[MG]

I can highly recommend the Hawker Cyclon (AGM) batteries, very sturdy, durable and showing very little self-discharge. Never had a problem with those as long as they are operated within their rated voltages (i.e. no deep discharging or over-charging).

Cheers, Markus

[A10Boy]

Cheers Markus but I need a 12v 14aH battery. Its got one of those electric start things. 

[MG]

I think they are available in various sizes?

[BSA_54A10]

All you will ever need to know about batteries is on this site http://www.batteryfaq.org/ .
There is a link to brand names & makers which is handy.
I favour the spiral wound , pressure valve regulated Sealed lead acid batteries.
Their construction is by far the most robust which suits our bikes .
The very low self discharge suits the occasional riding that we do.
Just pick one that has enough CCA to run your electric boot.

The spiral wound batteries ( cyclon is one maker ) will have the highest discharge rates and the lowest voltage drop when cranking the starter.

[alanp]

Cheers Markus but I need a 12v 14aH battery. Its got one of those electric start things. 

If you've got an electric start system fitted, why not get the battery which Steve McFarlane sells for his start system?
Alan

[brackenfel]

Hi Andy,
For my 12V bikes (W650 and Laverda) I always buy lead acid Vartas. At my local supplier (Bristol Batteries) if you ask for a discount they don't cost much more than the unknown brands you find at shows / jumbles...  They're not infallable, every make has the odd duff one, but generally they're pretty good.
The Buell now needs one too but acid is out as it lies on its side (!) - guess I'm going to have to fork out big time for that one...

Adrian