Anybody use an AGM battery in their Commando?

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BrianK

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And if so, have you had any problems keeping it charged (without a charger or other aid)? I understand that AGM batteries require higher charging output (like 14-14.8 volts) than older bikes are capable of producing.

I'll check my charging voltage when I get home in any event, but I'd be curious if anyone's run into this.

Thanks - BrianK
 
BrianK said:
Anybody use an AGM battery in their Commando?
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Yes (and in other bikes), but I've never needed to charge one up, as they stay charged for considerably longer than a normal lead-acid battery.

AGM batteries do generally require a specific charger to charge them up properly.

But may I ask why?
Do you have a problem with the battery holding a charge?
 
this was from a previous post i put up...


PostPosted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:13 am Post subject: New Battery Reply with quote
Just ordered a new battery and thought i would let everyone know, it was the best price i could find. Westco 12V14L-B (sealed AGM) for $67.48 @ california sport touring www.casporttouring.com FREE shipping!!
 
I haven't had any issues yet, but I have a brand new AGM battery, it's a relatively big one (14AH, for a kickstart bike), it sits on a battery tender every night, and the bike is still early in resto/upgrade process so it's not racking up the miles - so I probably wouldn't have run into any issues in any event.

I'm just wondering if this is gonna be an issue down the line.

Thanks - BrianK
 
BrianK said:
a brand new AGM battery, it's a relatively big one (14AH, for a kickstart bike), it sits on a battery tender every night,
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I really don't think that's necessary, especially for a kickstart bike, and you may be doing it more harm than good?

Quote from the Odyssey website " Longer storage life - Unlike conventional batteries that require a recharge every six to twelve weeks, the ODYSSEY battery can be stored for up to two years at 25°C (77°F) from a fully charged state. These batteries can be stored for two years or when the open circuit voltage (OCV) drops to 12.00V, whichever comes first."

Provided there's no power drain then this type of battery should stay charged for months, when I had an Odyssey PC545 fitted it was left for about 5 months over one winter period, it then and fired the bike up on the electric starter quite easily.

Although you have not mentioned the brand of AGM battery, here is the Odyssey technical data:
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/files/techbook.pdf
 
anybody use an AGM battery in there Commando

One of my clients has used one in conjunction with a Podtronics reg/rec unit, with no charging problems or any maintainance issues. He uses a ytx7a-bs, which is about 5 lbs., and only 3 & 1/2 inches tall or so, and he uses it 4 or 5, days a week, hard. I myself use a slightly different unit in my 907 Ducati, w/elec. leg, of the same capacity, but a taller unit, for the last three years, and it starts faster than my old 13 lb original. The only problem I have had is the usual Ducati junk rectifier burns-ups which happened with both type of batteries.
 
I've got one on my Mk111 and also had one my T160 Trident, a notoriously bad electric starter.
I'd highly recommend em.
And as Les says, no need to charge em if you don't use the bilke for some months.
millard
 
I bought a 7 AH Westco AGM battery that I am going to try in my 1961 Matchless G12 restoration. It's very compact. I have converted the bike to 12V and upgraded the charging system using a high-output SPARX alternator. I think this size battery (7 AH - 4 lbs) should be plenty if the charging system performs as expected. I am curious to see if this same size battery will also work fine in my kick-start Commando. If it works OK, it represents a considerable weight savings over a standard wet cell battery.

BrianK said:
And if so, have you had any problems keeping it charged (without a charger or other aid)? I understand that AGM batteries require higher charging output (like 14-14.8 volts) than older bikes are capable of producing.

I'll check my charging voltage when I get home in any event, but I'd be curious if anyone's run into this.

Thanks - BrianK
Click to expand...
 
You will be paid by learning a bit about what the AGM likes and dislikes. It doesn't like big amps it likes very much less than one amp. It likes high volts very happy to be charged at 13-14 volts. With a three phase alt. you could through riding style create a system that your new battery hates. Always remember that the three phase regulator also requires the use of resistor spark plugs or spark plug caps or wires. Can't win, Can't break even,Can't quit.
 
"Can't win, Can't break even, Can't quit."

Les, I think you have coined (or at least educated me to) the Commando owners' motto!

Thanks. I went out and bought a "for idiots" (and appropriately so...) book on MC electronics and I will - will your and our other compatriots' kind assistance, no doubt - figure out all this and more. Winter approaches here in Boston, and many projects loom

Thanks again all. I appreciate your help. - BrianK
 
I am not Les.I am not Les.I am not Les.I am not Les.I am not Les.
I am norbsa,I am norbsa,I am norbsa,I am norbsa,I am norbsa,
 
You live in a town with a brit bike legend, John Healy he owns Coventry spares and could be a big help.
 
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