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Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 18:51
by Seagreen
Hi, just finished repair of the starter motor/gbox assy complete with sprockets etc and have tried to start the bike. The starter motor will only turn the motor over very slowly. I connected a battery from another of my bikes in parallel (as a jump start arrangement) and the motor spun up and actually started - first time I have heard it run! It seems as if the battery in the bike is a bit weak - I do not know how old it is but it came with the bike and I have been charging it regularly. Any recommendations as to what would be a suitable battery to replace it with?
Adios,
Charles

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 19:53
by 3potjohn
PC680 Odyssey. That's what I have on a 350 Sport ,it came with the bike in 2007.Starter generally works well and has been apart a couple of times for maintenance.
John

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 20:09
by Seagreen
Thanks, John it was one of the options I was considering. Have you ever tried one of the Li ion types?
Adios,
Charles

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 21:15
by Ming
I fitted a Motobatt MBTX12U and it turns over really strongly. Engine starts very quickly.
It wasn't expensive, either, just under £50 with free UK postage.
From what I understand there can be problems with Li batteries and 'old' charging systems.

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 22:26
by Seagreen
Thanks Ming, is that a standard liquid filled lead acid type?
Adios,
Charles

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 05 Feb 2018 22:31
by Seagreen
Ming, just had a look on-line and seen that it is AGM type - as you say not too expensive either.
Thanks,
Charles

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 06 Feb 2018 07:15
by Ming
Charles, I should have said it's fitted to a 350, but there shouldn't be much problem with a 500. Also, there was room and to spare in the battery tray, so you may find that a 14Ah version would fit if you prefer a bit more in reserve.

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 06 Feb 2018 09:18
by Seagreen
Thanks, Ming. I would prefer a higher capacity CCA battery as the motor does seem to be a bit sluggish.
Adios,
Charles

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 06 Feb 2018 10:17
by MickeyMoto
Charles,

I use Yuasa batteries, lead acid unsealed. Can find bargains in Halfrauds sometimes.

The 500 needs a good battery. Yes, high CCA is the answer...

The starters are a bit Heath Robinson. Maybe the bike needs a mains plug to start it!

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 06 Feb 2018 17:45
by Seagreen
Thanks Mickey - I agree that the starter is pretty arcane and certainly seems to need a heft current to get it turning - mind you the cold weather does not help, loss of battery efficiency coupled with increased viscosity oil makes for hard work.
Adios,
Charles
PS What model or Yuasa did you put in?

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 06 Feb 2018 18:15
by MickeyMoto
Good question. I sold it three years ago but think it was an 18AH capacity.

Re: Battery recommendations

Posted: 07 Mar 2018 20:01
by 3potjohn
Of course another advantage of a sealed battery over a conventional one is that the acid stays put if the bike is horizontal.