Interstate batteries

[Jfixit]

I have a 2003 1150RT, It finally hit the road and I find out the battery seems to be discharging with time and use. I suspect a bad battery due to previous owner neglect. The question is, can I buy an Interstate battery at the hardware store down the road for a quick fix to meet my needs in the short term. I'm not concerned with battery quality, it will probably be a short term fix, but I am concerned with function and damage to the bike, your thoughts are appreciated.

[PAULBACH]

Any car battery (12v) should work but it is all a matter of fit and finish.

I have a big car battery for my R100. It is not even in the motorcyle but in the back of the sidecar.

Good Luck.

[Jfixit]

Interstate makes a full line of motorcycle batteries, fit shouldn't be a problem, I'm only worried about bike-battery compatability.

[Mr. Frank]

Motorcycle batteries of the wet style have a vent tube to take acid mist to the ground. If you get a maintenance free battery, that would not be an issue.

[Mr. Frank]

I just thought of another problem with auto batteries. The terminals may not be compatible with your bike cables.

Sears sell motorcycle batteries if you have no motorcycle shops nearby.

[Andy VH]

Before you buy a battery for your RT, take off the side panel and check the actual width of the battery tray.

My 94 R1100RS has a battery tray only 3.12" wide. When I have shopped for batteries for my RS, I have found many battery brands and dealers (Interstate and Yuasa/Exide included) that handed me a battery saying "this ithe one for your bike, shows it right here in the catalog." I go to install it, and the battery is actually 3.25" wide. That .12" extra width means the battery will NOT go in.

I'm not sure if later RS and RT models got wider battery trays, but that is what I have found for the earlier ones.

I bought an exact fit Toyo battery for my RS, $39 bucks, delivered to my door. I use the Toyo model #6FMH18