Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: Bulletbaz on April 28, 2013, 09:48:57 am

Title: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: Bulletbaz on April 28, 2013, 09:48:57 am
I am dealing with an electrical fault on my Sixty5 in another thread, but out of interest, now that I have converted my bike to kicksart-only and will sooner or later have to replace the battery, would it be ok to get a lighter-duty (smaller) battery, say, as fitted to non-E/S Bullets? I ask this because both the alternator, and rectifier/regulator units are different part numbers on E/S and non-E/S models.
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: ace.cafe on April 28, 2013, 11:29:54 am
Yes, it's okay to use a smaller battery.
The KS bikes use a 5-amp hour battery.
The regulator is supposed to only give the battery what it needs, and dissipates the rest as heat. That's why the reg/rect have aluminum cases with fins on them, and they should be in a place where air can flow over them.

However, it probably wouldn't hurt to keep the larger battery if you plan to use some electrical accessories or added lighting.
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: Bulletbaz on April 28, 2013, 02:56:27 pm
OK - thanks!
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: Blltrdr on April 28, 2013, 05:52:17 pm
The Yuasa or similar YTZ7S is compact enough to fit in your toolbox. Been using one this way for years. Opens up the bike to give a cleaner/lighter look. I did buy a BikeMaster gel battery about 1.5 yrs ago and it did not last. I would not recommend this battery. My Yuasa lasted about 5 yrs at about double the cost of most replacement batteries which tend to last one or two seasons. Sometimes it pays to spend a little extra.
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: Guaire on April 29, 2013, 02:55:12 pm
Anyone ever try a Shorai yet? It's a lithium/iron battery that's small and lightweight.
shoraipower.com
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: ace.cafe on April 29, 2013, 03:09:26 pm
Yes, a few people have tried them and reported that they like them.

I have not personally tried one yet, but I plan to try one for my next batt.
Title: Re: Fitting a smaller battery after ditching the E/Start
Post by: Guaire on April 29, 2013, 03:12:08 pm
Good to know. My ES has a big DieHard. I can barely close the battery box lid.
Now back to the regular thread!
Bill