Alton Starter Battery.. which one?

olympus · Apr 19, 2024

Hi All, Reluctantly I have decided that over the next closed season i will install an Alton Electric foot, my question is is with regard to which type of battery ( LA Gel AGM, maintenance free), size, etc. should i be fitting please

Bonzo · Apr 19, 2024

Motobatt MBTX20UHD (HD=Black)

I haven't actually installed the Alton yet as my bike is a great starter, but when the time comes that my knees finally disintegrate, I'll be ready

concours · Apr 19, 2024

Same battery in a Non-Chinese quality level:

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Marathon Man · Apr 19, 2024

I think the Yuasa YTX20CH-BS is great.

lazyeye6 · Apr 19, 2024

I installed a Shorai LFX19A4BS12 (Lithium Iron) along with the Alton electric starter in my '74 Mk2. It is quite small and that helps with
the install of a lot of awkward electrical wiring in the battery box area.

MexicoMike · Apr 20, 2024

Been running a Shorai 18AH on my Alton-equipped Commando since '12. (actually been running the Shorai since '08 - added the Alton in late '12)

NORTSTER1974 · May 9, 2025

Deka Sports Power ETX20L AGM , I'm going to roll with one of these as suggested by Concours, for the Alton. I have the same battery in my 96 HD FXSTC. 1340cc and spins it like a top. The 74 Commando has been completely rewired, NEG ground, #4 cables, got rid of the cheesy relay set up and used a Ford relocated as to where it sits on a MK3. Question: does anyone know what their Alton starter motor is drawing in amps? I tested mine yesterday and it was reading 267 amps? The motor spun good. Thanks for any input!

DennisMo · May 10, 2025

You have to be careful that the battery is not too high as the seat edge can then touch the Alton solenoid

possm · May 10, 2025

A bit more information would help- what model commando? as all 750 & Mk1/2 850's battery mounts length ways for which Alton suggests a YTX20LBS where as a Mk1A/ Mk2A & Mk3 the battery mounts across the frame so a YTX20CHBS is as big as you can go.

NORTSTER1974 · May 10, 2025

DennisMo said:
You have to be careful that the battery is not too high as the seat edge can then touch the Alton solenoid

Hi Den, I do not have the factory solenoid as in post #2. Relocated a Ford solenoid to where they put them on a MK3. I just wanted to know what anyone was getting as far as amperage draw on an Alton starter.

Alton relay is a hokey setup.

NORTSTER1974 · May 10, 2025

possm said:
A bit more information would help- what model commando? as all 750 & Mk1/2 850's battery mounts length ways for which Alton suggests a YTX20LBS where as a Mk1A/ Mk2A & Mk3 the battery mounts across the frame so a YTX20CHBS is as big as you can go.

Hey Possum, my post #7 states it is a 74 model. Not that it matters "Roadster". I really wanted to know if anyone ever tested the amps drawn by an Alton starter motor preferably or any other manufacturers. Thanks

elefantrider · May 11, 2025

I'd be curious to hear actual user experience with that DEKA AGM.

I bought one that did not last very long in a vibey P11, maybe 1-2 years.

The only AGMs I've had somewhat good luck with have been Odysseys.

concours · May 11, 2025

elefantrider said:
I'd be curious to hear actual user experience with that DEKA AGM.

I bought one that did not last very long in a vibey P11, maybe 1-2 years.

The only AGMs I've had somewhat good luck with have been Odysseys.

I have had a dozen Deka AGM batteries in ATV's, snowmobiles, tractor, dual sport & street bikes.

Nothing but good long life.
Exception was a failed diode in the bridge rectifier killed one because I ignored the root cause.

Was your battery properly vibration isolated with rubber/foam, etc?

elefantrider · May 11, 2025

concours said:
Was your battery properly vibration isolated with rubber/foam, etc?

It had the bottom rubber mat but still shook a fair amount. So maybe not the battery’s fault. I really wanted to like that battery because it was a neutral color, not orange or yellow, yuk.

NORTSTER1974 · May 11, 2025

elefantrider said:
I'd be curious to hear actual user experience with that DEKA AGM.

I bought one that did not last very long in a vibey P11, maybe 1-2 years.

The only AGMs I've had somewhat good luck with have been Odysseys.

https://www.batterymart.com/SEARCH.html?q=etx20l Like Concours says, I've never had any problems with Deka AGM. Deka is the house brand for East Penn manufacturing based in PA, USA. They make batteries for a lot of different companies. Harley Davidson etc..They just slap different labels on them. I've used Deka AGM, as well as other companies AGM manufactured by East Penn with good results in the Harley (Milwaukee vibrator), lawn tractor, and Norton. Slow self-discharge rate and usually get at least 5 years out of them.

elefantrider · May 11, 2025

My model was a Deka ETX9 which I bought for $65 on Amazon in 2017. I see it is still avaialble but priced $87 now.

Alton Starter Battery.. which one?

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