Battery tray queston

I have a 75 MK III, which I bought about 5 years ago. I was apparently pieced together with parts from older bikes before it came to me. The battery tray is from a pre 75 model and mounts the battery long ways in the battery tray, instead of across. The bike also has pre 75 side panels so the left side panel has an area to store a tool kit. If I locate a proper battery tray, will the pre 75 left side panel still fit?

The battery is currently being held in place by a huge zip tie. I would like to mount it properly with a rubber mat and strap if I can. Seems like a better idea than rubbing a wire bare and letting all the smoke out of the wire loom.

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I'm afraid it will not. The larger battery mounted in MK3 fashion takes up some of the space now occupied by the tool compartment in the older style side cover, however the tool kit area can be cut out and it will then fit. If the side cover in question is a new replacement and does not have intrinsic value by being an original this would probably be the way to go.

Why not modify the battery tray that you have to incorporate a proper hold down?

Thanks, I was afraid it wouldn't fit. I'll have to figure out another way to secure it.

calbigbird said:

Thanks, I was afraid it wouldn't fit. I'll have to figure out another way to secure it.

Click to expand...

I have made a few holddowns for the '71-'74 battery trays from a couple old wheel spokes and 1/2" aluminum or steel angle. I have a spoke thread roller, so I cut the spoke to length, roll the threads, and use a nipple to tighten the on the angle. The spoke will hook into the holes that the original straps used.

Essentially it is like the original with the spokes replacing the rubber straps.