Hello,
My 1981 RT has a AGM DuraLast ETX16L, listed as 325CCA. It's long in the tooth, 5yrs, and ready to be replaced. I would like to fill the battery box area better. The ETX16L is about 1inch thinner(4inches vs 5inch box) then need be. I can't seem to find a better AGM fit. Any ideas??
Thanks
Edward.
Edward -
I'm using a Odyssey PC680 which only fills half the battery tray. So sorry, no help in the battery area. However, I can recommend the adjustable voltage regulators now on the market. AGMs like a slightly higher change voltage than lead acid, so your next AGM might last longer with one of these.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Thanks Wobbly for that tidbit on charge voltage. I've never owned an AGM before this bike. Can you point me to this adjustable voltage regulator for the BMW, that does sound like something my bike needs.
+1 on Wobbly's reply. I have an Odyssey PC925 in my 80/7. It takes up most of the stock tray. Maybe an inch left over on one side. I just cut a rubber mat up and created some spacers. I got my adjustable VR at EME on the internet. Super cheap. Maybe $20 bucks. And it takes about 5 minutes to install. MIne is set at 14.5V when at normal cruising RPM.
If you go with Odyssey, you will need a new charger too specific for the battery. They charge at a bit higher voltage. Got one on ebay for $50 new. List is on their website of approved chargers.
Rick at Motorrad Elektrik has them too. Shown at the bottom of this page....
http://www.motoelekt.com/charging.htm
You will need a voltmeter and the instructions that come with your battery to know what setting is optimal and how to set the regulator. The adjustment itself is simply a small screw on the bottom.
Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
WOW your 80/7 has a big battery box area! If Amazon is correct the PC925 measures 11.4 x 10.3 x 8.3 inches. While my 81 R100RT box is roughly 7x5x6 inches. Sure would be nice to have those extra CCAs on our cold Maine mornings, like even in August I sometimes wear my electric vest in the morning :ohmy:
I'll check out EME thanks.
When buying a new battery BE SURE and look at the terminal locations. There is a common battery the same size (I believe labeled a "U1" ) which has the terminals reversed !!
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Sorry, its PC925L.
Part #: PC925L
Made In: U.S.A.
Voltage: 12 Volt
Capacity: 28 Ah
Type: AGM
Length: 6.44"
Width: 6.75"
Height: 4.88"
Cold Cranking Amps: 330 CCA
Donggone, love those amps but still too fat 🙁 After more digging I suppose it's another ETX16L(seems this alpha numeric is an industry definition of LxWxH and terminal sides) is in my future.
I'll need to check my bikes output voltage at cruise, I seem to remember(been a long winter) that the analog dash gauge sat just about13VDC. But then I don't know how much voltage drop those 38 year old wire connection are imposing.
So I'll hook up my good DVM and go for a ride. I also need to get a high float voltage battery tender, my BatterTender sidekick floats at 13.30VDC.
So I'll hook up my good DVM and go for a ride. I also need to get a high float voltage battery tender, my Battery Tender sidekick floats at 13.30VDC.
You can't believe the dashboard VM because they all seem to read about 1V low due to connection issues.
The voltage regulator is set in the shop. Connect your DVM directly to the battery, start the bike, and rev it up on the center stand. The max voltage output is reached somewhere around 3000 RPM. Tweak the regulator, take a reading, repeat as necessary. You'll be done in 3 minutes.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Yeah right now I need to get that new battery to get the bike started to then check actual charge voltage at 3000rpm. I've found a Duracell ETX16L(made by East Penn I believe) at Sam's Club for $84.88 which seem the best local deal.
Now I need to find a AGM battery charger. My BatteryTender says it's good for AGM but at the 50degF in my basement the charge voltage should be 13.8-14.1VDC according to East Penn. But then temp compensated back down to 13.3VDC in mid summer with a 80degF basement.
Can anyone recommend a charger, Amazon is confusing.
thanks
The people at Odessey recommended the charger I use. I'll get you the name when I get home.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
BatteryMINDer, Model 2012-AGM
12Volt-2 Amp Battery Charger Maintainer/Desulfator for Odyssey, Optima and AGM Lead-Acid Batteries
This charger was ~$95 off Amazon. The "12V" is of course the nominal voltage.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
That BatteryMINDer looks pertty sweet, but I've already ordered a "Megaboost Battery Maintainer MB1100 Lithium" from Revzilla. It's also ambient temperature compensated and has a COLD/AGM setting for below 50degF. I'm getting the Duracell Ultra ETX16L tomorrow, hopefully the charger will arrive soon. We have a coffee meet next weekend that I'd really like to attend 🙂
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