Small 12v battery?

[andy230]

Gents,

I run the norton twins without a battery, just a boyer power box to convert variable ac alternator output to 12v dc. Fine when kicked or bumped. .. usually!

Boyer electronic ignition needs a healthy 12v, which the alternator just about supplies at idle.

However, lights on tends to rob volts away from the ignition box at idle, meaning no sparks, meaning a pain in the a r s e (especially without a kick start!!)

So I will fit an additional very small, wee as possible 12v battery.  Dies anyone have a suggestion of the smallest possible? Its only really to aid starting and idling with lights on.

Cheers,

Andy

[timbo]

So, I've two small 12v batterys in front of me. A Unibat CBTX5L-BS, 12v4AH, 110 x 67 x 107mm, or a Platinum CB5L-B, 120 x 60 x 133mm. Never mind that, here's a nice pic of a man on an ex-racing Norton, with no kick start.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[themoudie]

AAhhh! Not many are unfortunate to get that close to the Futrit up a drain pipe! 

We have had success, in other words with the 'Boy' BROS starting in all weathers and the battery plates not self-destructing after a year on Sally (SRX), using Motobatt, fibreglass mat/gel batteries. Not cheap and I am aware of the need to use a LARGE adjustable to remove Scottish groats from your mitts, But, needs must! 

As for batteries?    After a wee bit of digging I would suggest using this link to decide upon the size of battery you can accomodate on the 'Frogeye' Norton!

Motobatt_battery_dimensions

UK websites haven't the nouse to give these dimensions, hence resorting to the 'Good ol' bhoys' in the USofA.    However, once the size has been chosen, Wemoto, MandP and a host of other emporiums will be only too happy to apply the LARGE adjustable to your tender mitts! 

I would concur that Boyer and also Lucas electronic ignitions require batteries in good heart to enable them to deliver the juice reliably, many a spluttering machine has been the result of forgeting to disconnect the battery after a race or re-charge it at the end of the days racing. Very vexing! 

I hope it works out fine.

Good health, Bill

[Steve Lake]

Hey Andy, where'd you get that old rat bike from??...
look... here's a tenner i'll take it off your hands now... no need to post it... i'll collect this evening.
cheers 

[andy230]

Thank you kindly gents, thats most useful.  I will measure the space available (probably will go between the engine plates?)

Steve- I will get this issue sorted and let you know when I will be in for you to collect....  it may be some time!!   

Cheers!

a

[andy230]

Hi,

Anyone ever used a house alarm battery on a bike?

Like

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honeywell-1-3-amp-12v-House-Home-Burglar-intruder-Alarm-Battery-1-2-AH-/232069118331?hash=item360865b97b:g:VU0AAOSwP~tW2Fw6

Any thoughts?  Steve??

I know its low Ah, but its only just to give a little lift at idle. I would have to ask boyer about whether it will be ok (ie not overcharge) ...

Cheers

A

[themoudie]

Aye Andy,

If your peepers are up to it, the blurb on the battery advises not to heat above 50°C! Whilst it maybe a 'sealed' battery I suspect that it is constructed using plates rather than glass matting and therein may lie the rub!    No doubt you have a very smooth Norton twin, but I suspect the subliminal massage that your nether regions take for granted    may wreck the internals of a Chinese 'Honeywell' battery in short order. 

May not sleep tonight as the pea viners (6) are harvesting your frozen peas in the field next door to the house. The 6 legger lorries have to drive the ~53 miles to the factory in under 2 hours or else the load is rejected. However, we now have a lot of peas in our freezer and they didn't travel far! 

A' the best, Bill

[iansoady]

I've used alarm type batteries successfully on bikes with magneto ignition and dynamo charging but probably wouldn't trust them for coil ignition. I have one on the Sunbeam which has a 3 brush dynamo and somewhat primitive regulating arrangements and it hasn't blown up yet although only a few miles covered.

[andy230]

I think for the money I may give it a try....

 

a

[themoudie]

Aye, true to form!    Now where is that shifter? 

A' the best, Bill

[johnr]

or as an alternative. if it rns fine with the lights off at tickover, but the lights at tickover rob power, why not fit lower powered lights, a rear led lamp will reduce the drain to practically nothing, and the latest led headlight lamps give close to 100w lampm output whilst only actually consuming 10 or 20w, might be worth a check, alternatively, how about using a small capacitor?

[onthecheap]

I have used the house alarm type batteries on a few of my race bikes over the years. On the Tritons I always put it between the rear engine plates if it is a unit motor and never had a problem with them. Cost about 15 quid.
Should anyone come across a slimline Triton with a battery in this position whilst in Scotland please let me know as I had one stolen in Kirriemuir about 3 1/2 years ago. I would be glad to reward anyone for info and / or return of this bike. I have all the details and history to confirm ownership. Also I hate thieving scrotes !

[andy230]

Feeling your pain...   terrible...  am not right wing, but the older I get, and the more bicycles I have vandalised, stolen, motorbikes nicked  CLUTCH LEVER STOLEN.?!! The more I would like to either chop their fingers off or set about them with a jack handle.

I left my car unlocked in the street. Nice street. Pinched the parcel shelf....

Trivial compared to the triton I know.  Scrotes.

However, thanks for the info. Previously, the total loss system ran a small battery between the engine plates between engine and box.

I had the power box there, but recently its failure made me suspect heat.

Will make up a wee battery box, and use a alarm battery, and vins an alternative site for the power box when it comes back from boyer for testing.

Cheers
Andy

[onthecheap]

With Boyers make sure you solder all the joints and wrap the magic box etc in high density foam and tie wrap it to the bike in places where it can be free from high stress vibes but have enough flexibility to get any nastiness to be absorbed by the foam.
Boyer always give a great service so you are on a winner. If I can be of help where to mount the gubbins just ask.
And yes, finger removal at the armpits is a cure for thieving shites that I thoroughly approve of.

[andy230]

Yep ignition box was cabke tied in foam to to (foam wrapped) frame tube under the tank.

Power box was bolted to engine plates... probably not ideal, but will post the results of testing...

All good fun...

A