This mod is probably best saved for when your OEM battery actually has an issue, but I had a relatively new Lithium Ion battery on hand from a bike I sold, so figured I'd swap it out. If your OEM battery is in like-new condition and you find a buyer for it, you might be able to justify this mod based on that the OEM battery costs more than some of the Lithium Ion options. I usually prefer the somewhat pricier Antigravity brand Lithium Ion batteries because their "Re-Start" built in jump starter feature is useful, but this battery was used in an enduro with a kickstarter, and our trusty Honda Trail also has a kickstarter, so that feature isn't worth it.
OEM battery: Yuasa YTZ5S-BS AGM type ($90 Amazon, $129 RevZilla)
65 CCA
12V 3.5Ah/10HR
1 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 3 lb 8.39 oz
Lithium Ion battery: Fire Power Featherweight Lithium Battery HJTZ5S-FP-IL ($78 shipped on eBay, $88 on RevZilla)
120 CCA
12V/24WH
2 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 1 lb 0.84 oz
Tools used: 5mm hex-key wrench, Phillips screwdriver, a small poking device to use on the center push trim clip fasteners (I used a 2.5mm hex-key wrench)
From 2021 Trail125A Service Manual
Reference photo of tabs, bolt (top center), and center push trim clip fastener (lower right) locations on panel. Tab shown on lower left needs to be slid out based on its notch.
The black battery cover has two 5mm hex head bolts (upper left, lower right in photo) holding it in place.
Battery comparison. I only weighed them, didn't measure dimensions, but they are pretty much the same size just with some slight shape differences. Same as the Super Cub 125, Honda Grom, and an extensive list of other bikes.
The main benefit here is a small weight savings to be offset by the weight of other mods that add weight, there are some other benefits if you're adding electrical accessories. Other than that I personally prefer Li-Ion batteries in my bikes because from my experience they last longer in an arid climate, through extreme high and low temperatures, and with vibrations from washboard gravel roads.
OEM battery: Yuasa YTZ5S-BS AGM type ($90 Amazon, $129 RevZilla)
65 CCA
12V 3.5Ah/10HR
1 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 3 lb 8.39 oz
Lithium Ion battery: Fire Power Featherweight Lithium Battery HJTZ5S-FP-IL ($78 shipped on eBay, $88 on RevZilla)
120 CCA
12V/24WH
2 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 1 lb 0.84 oz
Tools used: 5mm hex-key wrench, Phillips screwdriver, a small poking device to use on the center push trim clip fasteners (I used a 2.5mm hex-key wrench)
From 2021 Trail125A Service Manual
Reference photo of tabs, bolt (top center), and center push trim clip fastener (lower right) locations on panel. Tab shown on lower left needs to be slid out based on its notch.
The black battery cover has two 5mm hex head bolts (upper left, lower right in photo) holding it in place.
Battery comparison. I only weighed them, didn't measure dimensions, but they are pretty much the same size just with some slight shape differences. Same as the Super Cub 125, Honda Grom, and an extensive list of other bikes.
The main benefit here is a small weight savings to be offset by the weight of other mods that add weight, there are some other benefits if you're adding electrical accessories. Other than that I personally prefer Li-Ion batteries in my bikes because from my experience they last longer in an arid climate, through extreme high and low temperatures, and with vibrations from washboard gravel roads.
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