My 998S was unusually difficult to start last summer and the battery audibly struggling, so I should fit a new one before the first ignition of spring. What's the best-in-class these days (and if you can tell me where to get it from, even better). Cheers.
Probably a good quality AGM battery from the likes of Yuasa, of as higher CCA as you can get. I’d avoid going lithium ion on any hike pre-mosfet reg/rectifier but I’d pair the battery with upgraded starter wires from exact start and the likes. This should ensure strong starting consistently. while you are there check and clean the 3 pin (on later bikes like the 998) wiring from the stator, any dirt, corrosion or issues with that connector will cause over heating wires and failure. Some upgrade this connection to better quality connectors but I personally haven’t seen recent examples of this
Try Tayna batteries - https://www.tayna.co.uk/ They do many batteries for every type of requirement. If you look up Salvage rebuilds UK on YouTube, you will find they have a code in their information that will give you 5% off. It's worth the effort.
I’d echo the check/replace the battery to earth & starter cables , also check for water retention/corrosion on the +12v post on the starter as the rubber boot holds water & often these get badly corroded. If the post is rotten a new set of starter brushes come with a new post , it’s just a bit of a fiddle to replace in situe.
I personally use lithium (LiFePO4) on most of my bikes. These batteries offer the best CCA to size ratio you can find. I am not overly concerned about dead weight gains for road use only, but they feel extraordinarily light compared to other batteries… They do call for a more stable and better controlled charging voltage though, hence the need for a MOSFET r/r and specific battery tender. This is the set-up I have on both my 851 and 916. The SHIDO LB16AL-A2 delivers 300 CCA. That and bigger/improved starter cables and you will enter a whole new cold cranking world! PS: I would not recommend a lithium battery for a bike that sits outside all year long where winters get cold. These batteries do not like to wake up in a cold environment.
I have a shorei lithium on a non ducati bike. It’s in its 7th year and still going strong. Spins the engine like a top. If it’s very cold in winter I have to put my lights on for a while to put a small load on the battery prior to starting, I use this time to put my gloves and helmet on.
Yuasa AGM from your local Halfords. Check all your main connections to the solenoid and earth and from the alternator for loose fitting, corrosion and burning. Replacing your battery cables with better ones is a good idea but IMO, not essential. Andy
