Shovel Battery

[Chiefy]

The Swedish Shovel is nearing completion and I'm starting to look at the Electrical side of the deal, electrics are not my strong point! I can size wires and come up with the circuitry etc. But........

The engine is an '81 Shovel with standard Alternator and regulator set up, the bike is kick start only.

Due to space constraints, I need a very small battery, I can get one with very small physical dimensions, but the amp/hour ratings are low.

Will this cause problems of over charging with the standard Alternator/regulator set up?

Will there be any other forseeable problems?

[robbiemac]

Hi Chiefy, it should not pose a problem for you if the new battery is of a low amp hour rating, it will only take as much as it needs from the charging system. As long as it's capable of running your lights there should be no problem. As you got a kicker, there will be no big drain on it from an electric start.
I guess you are concerned that the charging system might fry a small battery, as i said earlier, it will only take what it needs to top up.

Have you seen those small batteries that are used inside the uninteruptible power supplies for computers ? they are 12V lead acid, sealed units. So, you could fit them at your chosen angle etc. From the top of my head, Panasonic make them.
Hope this is of use.

[kiwidave]

No worries.

My 1985 FXEF is kickonly and as a result I use a really small Jap bike battery that costs £20. Being a natural cheapskate, I compensate in the OEM Shovel style battery tray by bulking out the space with carefully selected custom pieces of ..uh, timber!

90% of your battery's power is used in the electric start process. If you don't have a button, you can reduce your battery weight and expenditure dramatically!

when I was a *lot* greener I took a custom shop's advice to upgrade from a 22amp (OEM) to 32amp alternator system but there was no need. I mean, I don't even have indicators....

All this means is that if I suddenly want to add a CB radio, spotlights and a ''custom detailing'' light show round the engine, as long as I upgrade the battery I will have enough juice coming into to it to power that lot.

And yeah, I **am** more likely to trade it for a Virago than do that!

[Batman]

Originally Posted by kiwidave

All this means is that if I suddenly want to add a CB radio, spotlights and a ''custom detailing'' light show round the engine, as long as I upgrade the battery I will have enough juice coming into to it to power that lot.

And yeah, I **am** more likely to trade it for a Virago than do that!

Well if you're not using them, they may look 'nice' on the Glide, and I'll cook you some quick rice next rally. ;)

Batman, always looking for a deal

[kiwidave]

Yer crackin' me up Ray - you really think I own that shit???

[Noddy]

Cheify.

While you are looking for a battery, check out the 'small' batteries used as a back-up in house alarm systems. I was told quite a while ago about them, they are sealed and can be used in almost any orientation, and yes my shovel is also 'kick' only as well. Let us know the outcome of your search.

[Chiefy]

Cheers Guys, I feel a lot more confident of a succesful outcome now.

I had gone the route of checking out the Yuasa and Varta websites and found`a dinky little battery that would fit the bill, however, we have a friend that does Alarm systems so I'll tap him up for some details before any cash gets spent.

Thanks again.