[mistercrash]

Almost 17 months ago, I calculated how much using a 2004 Toyota Sienna was costing me. When the price of gas went over the $1.30 per liter mark and stayed there, including insurance, upkeep and all expenses related to running this car, the total came to close to $375 per month. And that's for a car that was paid for so there was no monthly payment. So by not using it at all (because I sold it to get the scooter) I save $375 per month. Thinking of that money in my pocket, a $1700 battery doesn't seem that expensive. It all depends on how you look at it and how dedicated you are on using this scooter. If it's just a toy to play with then maybe keeping the SLAs is better. If it becomes your only means of transportation to go to work (like I do) then you want the best of everything so that your ride is as much fun as it can be. So before you buy anything, sit down and ask yourself what was the reason to get this scooter. Once you honestly know the answer then you'll know what you need to do. Have fun with it.