Jagster, to be fair, I was in your camp as well, the additional cost was always a red flag. But then I did some more, (well quite a bit actually) reading and learning about lithium batteries, the ones that like to incinerate yer ass and other more stable tech etc. LiFePO4 (LFP) are very stable and safe, you could drive a nail through one and it not catch fire, probably not going to work after it, but ya get the idea. NMC on the other hand just loves to burst into flames, these are the batteries you see on you tube burning scooters etc, over charge them = fire, wrong charger = fire, puncture = fire, you get the idea. I wouldn't want one of these anywhere near my bike.
Antigravity batteries are top notch, but ridiculously expensive for us, so I went looking for a more reasonably priced LFP that was obtainable locally. There was a 420cca one that was out of stock all over nz, SSB Powersport, none in the country and no arrival date for next shipment. The Motobatt one I got has 600ca (=480cca) which is quite a step up form the OE AGM of 270 - 280cca. The main reason I went with the higher capacity starting was the OE battery is right on the cusp of being able to power everything and spin the starter when new. As batteries age, they all drop a bit of capacity and I could hear my AGM turning the bike slightly slower (to my deaf ears!!) so rather than wait for a no start situation, I looked for a replacement, checked out the AGM,s as well, but decided on the LFP for it's superior starting power, flat / stable voltage curve and long life. Manufacturer says 2000 cycles over 500 for Lead Acid.
I paid about $450 all up (inc delivery etc) for the Motobatt over the $185 - $190 for the AGM (YTX20CH-BS), so just over double the price, but for that I get faster cranking and starting, a good 10 year life, maybe more and for me, the peace of mind the battery was not going to let me down by failing to supply enough grunt to start the bike. TBH, I think that's where the rationale comes in, it's peace of mind, and for whatever reason, if you get that through a purchase you make, it's worth it.
