Yuasa Powersports Battery Application Guide and Technical Manual
Brand: Yuasa
About Yuasa Battery
Yuasa Battery has been a pioneer and leader in powersports batteries since 1979, setting the industry standard. They are a preferred supplier for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and riders worldwide. Key milestones include introducing the first OEM motorcycle battery in 1981, the first maintenance-free AGM motorcycle battery in 1983, and the GYZ series, their most powerful AGM batteries, in 2008. Yuasa also emphasizes its manufacturing presence in the USA.
Yuasa Battery Types
Yuasa offers a range of battery technologies:
- GYZ Series AGM: Features more active material for enhanced performance, highest CCA ratings, heavy-duty flush terminals with multiple connections, and built-in brass nuts for improved conductivity.
- High Performance AGM (YTZ Series): Known for small size, lightweight design, and significant power output. The 'H' series offers up to 30% more cold cranking amps (CCA).
- Standard Performance AGM: Maintenance-free, utilizing Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) separators and advanced lead-calcium technology for longer specific gravity retention compared to conventional batteries.
- Yumicron / Conventional: Features special thin separators allowing for extra plates per cell, improving cranking performance by up to 30%. These batteries are engineered for vibration resistance and high cranking power.
Key Features and Benefits
Yuasa batteries incorporate advanced engineering for premium quality and reliability:
- Cast Grid: Special grid design for severe vibration resistance and improved conductivity.
- Pasted Plates: Proprietary formulation with specified thickness and weight for reduced shedding and long service life.
- Dried-Charged Plates: Tank formed and dried plates in a sealed battery offer a virtually limitless shelf-life.
- Top Lead Connections: Through-partition construction and large straps provide a shorter current path for increased electrical conductivity and higher starting currents.
- Case-Cover Seal: Thermal bonded plastic ensures an airtight seal to prevent air ingress and acid seepage.
- Terminal-Cover Seal: Patented poly-seal terminal design eliminates acid seepage and reduces corrosion.
- Case and Cover: Made from polypropylene for superior resistance to gasoline, oil, and impact.
- Additive (Sulfate Stop): Included in some models to reduce lead solubility in acid, minimizing battery sulfation potential.
Technical Manual Highlights
Battery Safety
Working with batteries involves hazards from potentially explosive hydrogen gas and corrosive sulfuric acid. Key safety practices include never smoking or creating sparks near batteries, ensuring correct charging lead connections, removing metal jewelry and objects, switching off electrical loads before disconnecting the battery, and ensuring proper ventilation during charging.
Battery Charging
Powersports batteries are sensitive to charging current. A general rule is to charge at a rate of 1/10th of the battery's amp-hour (AH) rating, not exceeding 3 amps. Overcharging can lead to overheating, excessive gas emission, and damage. Yuasa's automatic chargers are designed to prevent overcharging. Deeply discharged batteries (below 11.5V) may require special charging procedures.
Battery Activation
Yuasa AGM batteries are available as Factory Activated (FA) or Bottle Supplied (BS). BS batteries require activation by filling with the provided electrolyte. Conventional batteries also require filling with electrolyte. Both processes involve careful handling of acid, ensuring proper filling levels, and an initial charging period followed by a stand time for electrolyte to permeate the plates.
Installation and Testing
Batteries should generally be installed upright. Inspect terminals, cables, and the battery case for damage or corrosion. A hydrometer can check the specific gravity of conventional batteries. Yuasa offers digital battery testers that provide printouts indicating battery health (Good & Pass, Good & Recharge, Bad & Replace) and can perform system checks (cranking voltage, charging system output).
Maintenance and Storage
AGM batteries require less frequent checks (approx. every three months) and should be kept fully charged. Conventional batteries should be checked monthly and may require distilled water. Disconnecting batteries during storage is recommended. Proper charging prevents sulfation and freezing, which are common causes of battery damage.
Consumer Products
Yuasa offers a range of battery accessories:
- Automatic Battery Chargers & Maintainers: Available in 1.2 AMP (YUA1P2AMPCH), 2 AMP Dual-bank (YUA2AMPCH), and 3 AMP (YUA3AMPCH) models. These feature automatic charging, maintenance modes, and de-sulfation capabilities.
- Battery & Charging System Testers: Including a 12V Bluetooth Wireless Tester (YUA200BLTT) and a Digital Battery Print Tester (YUA00BTY01P) for powersports batteries.
- Accessories: Battery Charger Leads (YUA00ACC04, YUA00ACC05) and Jumper Cables (YUA00ACC07).
Application Guides
This document contains extensive application cross-reference charts detailing compatible Yuasa battery models for a wide range of powersports vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, Personal Watercraft (PWC), and snowmobiles from numerous manufacturers. Due to the comprehensive nature of these tables, specific vehicle applications are best referenced directly within the full product catalog.
Merchandising Products
Yuasa also provides merchandising solutions such as display racks (Small Part No. 60052, Large Part No. YUASARACK) and header cards, metal signs, counter mats, LED signs, and counter stools to support retail sales.
