The service life on a YTZ 7S battery is typically 3 years. I got almost 5 out of mine, and that I got the extra two years by keeping it charged. I don't ride on a once month schedule, sometimes don't ride for more than a month, then will ride 3 weekeds out of 4.
As I mentioned, the newer battery tenders unlike the old ones have a peaking feature, that when charging raise and lower voltage during the charge cycle to help keep the plates from sulphating. My last battery, when it finally died, showed good voltage until you hit the button, and then there was nothing.
Sorry to hear about the exhaust hangers, I caved a right side radiator and they are on back order until 12-7. Otherwise, any other parts I have wanted for my 09 have been readily available. Perhaps, and this is just a guess, the "factory" is trying to keep their "standed" investment down by not having too many parts sitting around and used the bulk of the reserve to put the 2010 bikes together. "I think" the actual production numbers for the 2010 was not decided until late in the season, and from the rumors that I hear, the numbers of bikes being imported to the US has been dramtically increased over the 09 numbers. Again just a guess. Here's hoping hoping your part will come in ahead of schedule.
Have you considered one of those trick looking akro headers from the hard parts? Sounds like a good excuse to add a little bling to your bike.
