Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/360137
www.PowersportsBusiness.com AFTERMARKET Powersports Business • August 11, 2014 • 37 Yuasa launches GYZ battery series AGM motorcycle battery brings more power for accessories BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF For 38 of the 52-weeks of the calendar year, rep- resentatives from Yuasa Battery Inc. find them- selves at some sort of powersports event, from AMA Supercross races to distributor shows. "It's grueling, but it gets us out there with the people who enjoy the product," said Yuasa's AyKaun Okuma. "We have to be there if we're going to be the leaders." As the industry's leading supplier of OEM and aftermarket batteries, Yuasa staffers are now touting the company's new GYZ Series product line, promoted as the "next generation in motorcycle batteries." Factory-activated and maintenance-free, the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are the result of extensive research and development. "We see a lot of growth from the GYZ," Okuma said. "The GYZ Series can replace other batteries out in the field and make the unit perform better and longer. Because not only do people buy the bike, they want to put their own stamp or signature on it. It's what you want vs. what somebody else has. Sometimes the consumer wants more performance and power, which is why we introduced GYZ. It's backed by years and years of development." The GYZ allows for more amp hours for all of the latest accessories, and it offers the high- est CCA among motorcycle batteries, with 500 CCA along with 32 AH on the GYZ32HL bat- tery. For high-power accessories such as GPS systems and audio systems, the new GYZ Series is proving to be an ideal match. All Yuasa GYZ Series batteries feature an enhanced active material. The large, heavy- duty, flush terminals found on GYZ32HL, GYZ20HL and GYZ20H have multiple connec- tions (front and top) and durability to meet the challenging requirements of newer and popular bikes. Additionally, built-in-brass nuts deliver up to 50 percent better conductivity than stain- less steel. Yuasa's rigorous testing procedures have helped the GYZ Series take a strong start into the marketplace. "We have to make sure our battery per- forms, 100 percent of the time. And we do that by making ourselves better," Okuma said. "We're the leaders and the innovators, and nobody else is going to do it." The Yuasa GYZ Series portfolio includes a total of six sizes for heavy-duty V-twin and metric motorcycles, as well as other powers- ports applications including ATV and UTV. All GYZ Series batteries are manufactured in Laureldale, Pa. TESTING AND MORE TESTING With high hopes for sales of their latest after- market batteries, Yuasa also is the leading sup- plier to OEMs in North America. "It comes down to performance," said Yua- sa's Bruce Ash, director of sales and marketing. "No one runs the batteries through as much testing as the OEMs, from vibration resistance to cold-start performance; the OEMs conduct the most rigorous tests. Meeting their demand- ing specs is how we've been able to win and keep their business." Yuasa, an affiliate of Japan- based GS Yuasa Corp., has built such a sterling reputation that it continues to export U.S.-built products for OEM manufac- turing in Japan. The GYZ20L for Honda Gold Wing has been exported to Japan since 2010. "Our facility in Pennsylvania is the only one in the corporation that makes the GYZ Series," Ash said. "What's unique about the GYZ Series is that we maximize the performance based on the application. If it's maximizing shelf life for new vehicles or cranking performance for large V-twins, we have a GYZ battery to fit the application." LITHIUM ION A WAITING GAME In Japan, GS Yuasa manufactures lithium ion batteries for the auto and aerospace industries, but don't expect to see a lithium ion battery from Yuasa for the powersports aftermarket in the near future. "The electrical systems in OEM vehicles were not designed with lithium ion batteries in mind," Ash said. "You need that 'bang' to start the engine, especially at low temperatures. Right now people are sticking lithium into lead acid appli- cations, and it's not working well," Okuma said. "We hear people that have to bring out blow dryers to warm up their battery before they start the vehicle." AGM, meanwhile, has become a favorite over conventional batteries due to its ease of use. Conventional batteries are less expensive, however, keeping them in the game as well. PSB tery. For high-power accessories such as GPS systems and based GS Yuasa Corp., has built blow dryers to warm up their battery before they start the vehicle." AGM, meanwhile, has become a favorite HOTPRODUCTS JAYBRAKE J-FL FORWARD CONTROLS Specifications — Jay- Brake's J-FL Forward Controls are machined from steel and billet aluminum. They mount directly onto the bike using stock mounts, pivot points and the master cylinder. Benefits — J-FL Forward Controls fit 2009 and newer baggers. They mount to bikes with or without a high- way bar and are available in chrome or black. Match- ing grips and pegs are available. Suggested Retail Price — $665 Contact — 216/265-8400; www.jbrake.com CORTECH LATIGO SUIT Specifications — Cortech's Latigo Leather RR One-Piece Suit is constructed with a combination of perforated and non-perforated top-grain, drum-dyed leather and is triple- and double-stitched with high- strength, bonded-nylon thread. The suit includes an aerodynamic speed hump with perforated-leather ventilation; a CE- approved shoulder, elbow and knee protectors; molded shoulder protec- tors with integrated ventilation intake vents; rotated sleeves and pre-curved legs; a spring-loaded zipper pull on the cuffs; EVA foam collarbone protection panels; mesh lining throughout; a conve- nient inner chest pocket; and YKK zippers. Benefits — Accordion- style expansion panels at the shoulders, elbows, waist and knees increase flexibility and performance fit, and heavy-duty, 600-denier, stretch nylon panels in arms, inseam and calves ease movement. Cortech knee sliders and a storage bag are included. The suit comes in white/red, white/blue or flat black color- ways and in sizes S-2XL. Suggested Retail Price — $599.99 Contact — www.cortech.net GALFER BRAKE, CLUTCH LINES FOR 1199 PANIGALE Specifications — Galfer USA now has steel-braided brake and clutch lines available for the 2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale. Galfer's steel-braided lines prevent brake fade, meaning that they offer consistency and reliabil- ity every time the brake lever is engaged, accord- ing to the company. Steel-braided clutch lines ensure that shifting is smooth and consis- tent, and the steel adds a layer of protection. Benefits — Each Galfer brake and clutch line is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a lifetime warranty. The kits include new banjo fittings and bolts, and there are 11 brake line color options. DOT kits are avail- able for riders whose local laws require plastic boots at each end of the line. Pre-positioned banjo fittings make installation easy, and they can be adjusted if necessary. Most kits include labels on the lines to help identify which end goes where. Suggested Retail Price — Front 2-line kit, $100 and up; front OEM line kit, $100 and up; rear line, $55 and up; clutch line, $60 and up Contact — 805/988-2900; www.galferusa.com PSB "We're the ... innova- tors, and nobody else is going to do it." AyKaun Okuma, Yuasa Battery