better battery?

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maylar

maylar

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I seem to need a new battery for my Norton every 2-3 years, and it's time again. Since I'm sorta lax in watching water level I'm thinking that I'd try an equivalent sealed battery. Is there one that fits in the space of the 12N9-4B? I use the OEM hold down strap if it matters.

Thanks
 
Hi Dave,

I use the cheapest 12N9-4B I can find at the local auto parts store - lead acid type. I tried the sealed expensive type and found it does not last any longer. This is kick start so you don't need the cranking amperage.
 
I have used a motobatt agm battery for a few years now so far so good . :D
 
My '73 kickstart bike had an Odyssey battery in it when I bought it 6 years ago and it is still going strong...not sure which model off hand but it fits fine and there are several threads on them here.
 
Yes, AGM. Clubman has some Yuasa fairly reasonable, as do others. No leaks. Get a 'smart charger' for about $30-40 and keep it on a lot. I've had my Norton AGM since 05. I have one in the Miata (bigger AGM) for probably 5 years now. That said, I still have the original LA in the 03 Dakota with nothing special done to it. YPYMYTYC.

I use the smart charger on the dual battery diesel JD and it's helped with that too, used to be I changed them every other year. I've got 4 years on them now. Winter smart charging is a necessity. Even better to bring them inside.
 
I've been getting good service and long life out of gel batteries, so I bought one for the Norton. I think they are less affected by charge/discharge cycles and they never need refilling. I have my first AGM battery in the ZX-14 now, and results (one season+) are good so far. You guys with E-starts may like the lead-acid better for it's cold cranking power. I don't think anything beats PbH2SO4 batteries for that. Modern sealed batteries on cars are still PbH2SO4.
 
I've been running the same Odyssey battery in my '74 for 13 years now. Knock on wood.
I have purchased a number of cheap lead acid batteries for bikes over the years. They never last more than 2-3 years. AGM, Gel Cell, Lithium, yes. Lead acid , no. Keep them topped up with a trickle charger.
 
"You guys with E-starts may like the lead-acid better for it's cold cranking power. I don't think anything beats PbH2SO4 batteries for that. Modern sealed batteries on cars are still PbH2SO4."

I've seen no (published) CCA, CA, MCA advantage to FLA over quality AGM's. Please explain your statement. As for (automotive) OEM's using FLA, it's purely cost, JMWO :mrgreen:
 
I have bought a Lucas LYTX9BS 12v 8Ah, its an AGM which I thought would stand the vibration better and seems great for a non electric start. I also wanted to use the original mounting bar and the height allows for this easily. I already have a Lucas battery in my kit car that spends a lot of time sitting around and needs a lot of cranking to start for the first time and it always performs well.
 
The Miata uses an AGM battery OEM. The Panasonic's usually last about 10-11 years. I don't know if there are other cars that use AGM. But you can't find a Panasonic AGM in the US for some reason. Prolly shipping expense. Actually the AGM was made for use in helos because of the vibration, it kills the regular gel cell types.
 
illf8ed said:
Hi Dave,

I use the cheapest 12N9-4B I can find at the local auto parts store - lead acid type. I tried the sealed expensive type and found it does not last any longer. This is kick start so you don't need the cranking amperage.
Click to expand...

I'm leaning that way too. Just go to NAPA and get the same thing.
 
paff said:
I have used a motobatt agm battery for a few years now so far so good . :D
Click to expand...

The MB7BB looks like it'd fit though it's longer than the lead acid by 1/2 inch. I have my 3 phase regulator mounted to the back of the air filter plate, so space is limited there. And 6.6 lbs, wow. About $71 off Amazon.
 
lazyeye6 said:
I've been running the same Odyssey battery in my '74 for 13 years now. Knock on wood.
I have purchased a number of cheap lead acid batteries for bikes over the years. They never last more than 2-3 years. AGM, Gel Cell, Lithium, yes. Lead acid , no. Keep them topped up with a trickle charger.
Click to expand...

Any idea of the model? Norton isn't in their selection guide.
 
maylar said:
lazyeye6 said:
I've been running the same Odyssey battery in my '74 for 13 years now. Knock on wood.
I have purchased a number of cheap lead acid batteries for bikes over the years. They never last more than 2-3 years. AGM, Gel Cell, Lithium, yes. Lead acid , no. Keep them topped up with a trickle charger.
Click to expand...

Any idea of the model? Norton isn't in their selection guide.
Click to expand...

Found a label on the top which read: "0770-2020"
and below that it read ""4205W" The first number is a stock number and refers to the model PC545MJ
I can't find a cross reference to anything with the second number.
It's dimensions are 7w x 3.38d x 5.17h. It is not the same dimension as an OEM battery,
and required some shimming to secure it into place. Costs $111.50 + tax, free shipping on Amazon Prime
It is advertised to have a life expectancy of 3-10 years.
I have a Shorai Lithium Iron battery to replace it when I install a new cNw electric start kit soon.
 
I have a Odyessey PC625 in my MKIII (per Comnoz and Mark CNW). I'm in my 3rd full season. Standard 2 brush starter, 6 gauge wires, standard sprag, bike starts like a JAP bike. Already had a 3 phase and Podtronics installed. My bike can sit for weeks and still have 12.8+ volts at the battery. When I come back from a ride (with my headlights on) I show 13.1+ volts at the battery with the ignition off. Based on my experience I don't think you can go wrong with an Odyessey.

Pete
 
On my MK3 I have the Shoria battery LFX21A6-BS12, plus Atlanticgreen starter. It has PBOX00107 Boyer Bransden regulator.

I know the battery is over kill and with Atlantic Green starter it fires up before I can release the start button.
 
I opted to get another 12N9-4B-1 from my local NAPA. Maybe this time I'll pay more attention to the water level... :|
 
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