Battery recommendations

Maestro, SEI-V
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Seagreen
Posts: 86
Joined: 18 Jan 2018 21:18
Location: Cheltenham UK
Location: Cheltenham, Glos

Battery recommendations

Post 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
3potjohn
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Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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
Seagreen
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Location: Cheltenham, Glos

Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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
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Ming
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Location: Central France

Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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.
Seagreen
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Location: Cheltenham UK
Location: Cheltenham, Glos

Re: Battery recommendations

Post by Seagreen »

Thanks Ming, is that a standard liquid filled lead acid type?
Adios,
Charles
Seagreen
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Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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
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Ming
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Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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.
Seagreen
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Location: Cheltenham UK
Location: Cheltenham, Glos

Re: Battery recommendations

Post by Seagreen »

Thanks, Ming. I would prefer a higher capacity CCA battery as the motor does seem to be a bit sluggish.
Adios,
Charles
MickeyMoto
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Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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!
Seagreen
Posts: 86
Joined: 18 Jan 2018 21:18
Location: Cheltenham UK
Location: Cheltenham, Glos

Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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?
MickeyMoto
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Location: Even further oop North

Re: Battery recommendations

Post by MickeyMoto »

Good question. I sold it three years ago but think it was an 18AH capacity.
3potjohn
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Joined: 02 Jun 2007 13:58
Location: Devon

Re: Battery recommendations

Post 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.
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