Modern Vespa

OK guys, bought these two darlings, a '01 ET4 and '07 LX 150, about 9 months ago and they're riding well but every single start requires a jump. They were sluggish when I made the purchases... who would replace a dyng battery before selling, right?

These Yuasa YB9-B Batteries are, I assume, old and now toast.

The MB9U is raved about here so probably just going to have two shipped.

Any suggestions for battery tender? Probably just gonna cycle them through every month whether riding regularly or not.

Is it worthwhile (or possible or advisable) to get away from sealed lead-acid? Like Lithium or otherwise? I'm assuming on an old scoot that shipped with a lead battery, it's gonna use lead batteries all the way to the grave.

Thanks!

People may rave about the Motobatts - I've had no luck with them, I've had a couple that both died within 6 months.

These days I recommend LiFePo4 batteries - higher voltage that's maintained during starting right down to almost discharged. I have this one in our LX: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TT4WYHT (currently unavailable) but there are several out there with similar specs, and they're cheaper these days.

yuasa battery yb9-b is my go to battery for anything bike or scooter, I tried lithium a few times, very expensive and worked brillantly from antigravity batteries

https://antigravitybatteries.com/

They used to be very expensive, but now they're about the same price as top-brand lead-acid (Yuasa etc).

Not the antigravity jimc, they are expensive but for a reason they are full of technology taht actually works really good, had 2 of the big ones on my Harleys cranked them big twins like a sewing machine, the gel battery in my harleys felt like turning over a diesel engine

There's no more technology needed inside apart from a BMS that will prevent charging at the temperature extremes.

This is what I was trying to explain why they cost more
World's First Battery with Built-in Jump-Starting

The RE-START function is essentially the world's first built-in Jump Starter. Our one-of-a-kind RE-START Technology intelligently monitors its voltage and will put itself to sleep if it senses over-discharge, yet amazingly saves just enough reserve energy to start your vehicle. For example you left your motorcycle lights on overnight – normally a dead battery emergency, but not with the restart function. Simply press the RE-START Button located on top of the battery to start your vehicle and drive away. No need for Jumper cables, Booster Pack or assistance.

https://antigravitybatteries.com/restart-technology/

I disagree.

I also remember when you were against the lithium batteries and saying they wee a waste of money, now you are a fan of them.

I am personally not a fan of off brand economy batteries. With that my current antigravity battery in my GTS has been in there since 2020 for the cannonball in 2021. it can sit for a couple months with no maintainer or charging and it cranks the scooter right up. mines been sitting since nov in the garage while I have been doing some prep work, 2 weeks ago I turned it and it fired right up maybe 2-3 revolutions.

I didn't see any sense in spending $200 or more back when they used to cost that much - and I still don't see the point in paying a lot extra for the Jump-Start, nice though that is. If you're happy with the Antigravity that's great. I won't advise folk to spend that much though - not everyone can afford that.

I've been a fan of Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries for a while now.

They cost a bit more than traditional wet cell flooded batteries, but less than lithium options. The AGM style splits the difference in price and performance between standard wet cell and lithium, which ticks the value ratio box for me. They are really maintenance free other than connecting a trickle charger during extended non-riding periods.

Their construction makes them more resistant to impact shock and also lower internal resistance - which means more CCA when starting.

AGM are deep cycle as well, so they hold their charge longer/better than traditional batteries, but not quite as well as Lithium. They are more resistant to sulfation.

You can use a standard trickle charger for AGM, whereas many lithium batteries require a special charger.

I've had good luck with AGM batteries over the years. Most of mine lasted 7-9 years, with a trickle charger connected sporadically during non-riding season. BatteriesPlus in the US has pretty good ones.

Anecdotally, I had one MotoBatt that went south after only 2 riding seasons in my older Piaggio Fly 150. So I switched to BatteriesPlus models.

Here's some more details on AGM style batteries...

Interstate Batteries https://www.interstatebatteries.com/blog/what-is-an-agm-battery-and-whats-the-big-deal

Yuasa https://www.yuasabatteries.com/resources/guides/agm-battery/