have a 2008 SE5, bought new in May 2009. Battery crapped out after several months, only 4 of 6 cells working. New battery put in under warranty, has lasted since early Fall 2009. 11,000 miles on SE5.

Been so cold in Ohio, haven't been riding for 2 months. No elec power in garage so, I pulled battery out and brought it in the house to charge up/float charge til Spring. Indicator lights on float charger stayed red.

after 6 hours of red, took to battery shop
Yuasa YTX 24 HL BS bone dry...no leaking acid in bike, must have evap'ed/boiled out.

shop replaced distill h20 and recharged over night...pronounced it "good to go" just keep indoors on float til Spring.

Question... on it's side and in a black case, cant tell if this sealed battery is low on water w/o taking it out

Battery shop sez for $89 they can sell me a gel version with a 2 yr warranty or a std lead acid for $69 and 1 yr warranty

If/when the recharged "sealed" battery goes again, thinking of replacing with this gel version...or is this line of thinking no good???