any point in uprating battery spec?

Hi all

I'm replacing my battery and I plan to go with Westco since I have heard good things of them.

My 750 normally has a 10 amp/hr battery fitted, is there any benefit in uprating this to 14 amp/hr?

If so, would I need to change anything else? my alternator is on it's last legs so now would perhaps be the time...

Thanks

Alex

I would spend my money first on the charging system, then (maybe) on the battery. An old inefficient charging will put a strain on a new battery regardless of its rating. You will need to periodically charge it at home to preserve it.

A kickstart Norton doesn't draw much amperage. If you are in a state that requires a full time headlight, you spend a lot of time at low engine speed, and you have a halogen bulb, you might benefit from the higher battery output. As long as the charging system is putting out more juice than the bike is drawing, the size of the battery is irrelevant. When the charging system output drops below the current draw that current comes from the battery. The longer you operate at this state, the more you need a higher rated battery.

old grey biker said:

my alternator is on it's last legs so now would perhaps be the time...

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Far better to have a good alternator with a smaller battery, rather than a large battery with a weak alternator I would think, personally.

Ron L said:

If you are in a state that requires a full time headlight

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No 'states' in the UK Ron L, (Alex is in Oxford UK) there being no compulsory daytime headlight law in the UK.

Charging

I would definately go for an uprated alternator. I fitted a three phase alternator to my 920 Commando and it's much better when riding with lights on continuously. With the old single phase the ammeter would show a discharge unless the engine was above 3000 rpm - with the three phase it is now 1500 rpm. I purchased the alternator kit and Boyer Power Box from RGM. I fitted a similar setup on my BSA Rocket 3 but this was with the Podtronics control unit - the results are just as good.

HtH