There's a Batteries Plus about an hour away from me. A little over $6 in the bike and I could get it! They have one for my bike too! :D

Valve check. I'm working on looking for a place I can trust to do it. That's the hard part.

Actually the cold temps aren't that bad on the battery itself. its the cold motor and cold oil that pushes the batteries CCA limit. The motor is harder to start in the cold.

In reality the 100 degree temps are harder on batteries.

Glad you found a deal.

Now you could road trip up to MI and visit Gas Man. Sure he'd be happy to help with the valves

I'm always willing to help...

bring your service manual though.

I have one for both bikes, which is good as I'll have to do valve checks on both bikes this year...

Yes Tommy, my starter button is my battery tender :D Seriously, no, i haven't ever had it on a tender or had to charge it. This past fall I had 2 back to back sinus infections and we had our coldest winter in years so that's why I didn't ride for 2 months. Heck, it got down in the teens a few times ;) It's back to 60's and 70's now :whistle: It's usually not cold long enough to worry about the battery running low and not riding around here. :sorry: ;)

Technicalities, brother. I know its the cold oil and shit. But those are results of....cold temps.

I didn't think a battery for a bike would be hard to find where you didn't get ass raped in the process!

Around town the cheapest I can find it is 83.95 and it has to be ordered. The Batteries Plus place Cutty suggested has one for 60 and it's going to take me about 6-7 bucks in gas to get there and back. And not one of the places has a brand name that a couple of people have suggested.

Annually: Brake Fluid, Battery Electrolyte (non-maintenance-free types),
Every other year: Coolant change, Complete empty/refill of gas tank (get the water/crud out), Steering Head Bearing Clean/Lubricate, Fork Oil/Fluid
On Mileage: Oil AND filter, Fuel Filters every 12-24K (closer to 12K doesn't hurt)
On Condition: Tires, Brakes, and Chain/Sprocket sets, Cables (throttle and if applicable clutch)

RE: Brake pads - if there's less than a 'dime' (i.e. depth of material) worth of pad left, change them IMMEDIATELY.

YMMV... :shrug:

Don't buy a discount battery stick with the original brand.

http://www.tiresunlimited.com/yuasa_batteries.htm

$72 and change.