Correct battery for 1973 750

quawk

Joined
Jan 1, 2024
Messages
133
Country flag
Can someone tell me the correct battery number for my recently acquired 1973 750 Hi-Rider? I purchased what was supposed to be the correct battery from an online seller, and I bought the one that many different sellers had listed for this bike. It may be the correct battery, but it doesn't come close to filling the space provided in the battery box on the bike. I realize that not having electric start that the bike could use a considerably smaller battery than if it did have e-start. If it does use a smaller battery than the battery box size, are there some kind of spacers used to fill the unused space?
 
Last edited:
L.A.B. said:
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - BATTERY YUASA YB9B/EXIDE EB9B (COLLECTION ONLY) - 06.3244

BATTERY YUASA YB9B/EXIDE EB9B (COLLECTION ONLY)
andover-norton.co.uk
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - BATTERY STRAP - 06.1662

BATTERY STRAP
andover-norton.co.uk
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - BATTERY RETAINING BAR (06.1668) BLACK - 06.1667

BATTERY RETAINING BAR (06.1668) BLACK
andover-norton.co.uk

The Mk3 used a completely different battery tray and battery.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the info. Although I've researched the info provided here on the forum, I'm still somewhat confused about Mk3, Mk5, etc. From what I've found, it seems my bike is considered a Mk5, correct? It has the serial on the headstock of 235187, and date stamp of 1/73.
 
quawk said:
Seems kinda' backwards that the newer, (850 and e-start) is Mk3, but my older bike is MkV.
Click to expand...

Well that's down to them being 750 and 850. There are also 850 Mk1, Mk1A, Mk2 and Mk2A.
 
Last edited:
quawk said:
Seems kinda' backwards that the newer, (850 and e-start) is Mk3, but my older bike is MkV.
Click to expand...
Yes, Norton did that to confuse everyone.
And, they are successful.

Once you're around them for 20 yrs or so, you start to figure these little nuances out. :):cool:
 
quawk said:
Can someone tell me the correct battery number for my recently acquired 1973 750 Hi-Rider? I purchased what was supposed to be the correct battery from an online seller, and I bought the one that many different sellers had listed for this bike. It may be the correct battery, but it doesn't come close to filling the space provided in the battery box on the bike. I realize that not having electric start that the bike could use a considerably smaller battery than if it did have e-start. If it does use a smaller battery than the battery box size, are there some kind of spacers used to fill the unused space?
Click to expand...
The "correct" battery is:

1710972603324.png


That was an 8-amp hour battery. Most used a 12N7-4B-1 (7 amp hour) or 12N9-4B-1 (9 amp hour) for a long time - they are Flooded Lead/Acid. Today, most use the equivalent AGM such as the YB9B.

None of them fill the battery box. IMHO, the "correct" hold downs are a waste of money - unless the battery is the right height/width/depth, they don't work, and for them to work, the battery must be installed with the terminals toward the oil tank.

These days I make and install a padded "L" bracket that I screw to the inside/back of the battery box which keeps the battery from moving towards the front of the bike. Then I use a Velcro strap around the battery box and battery.

This is only considering 750s. The batteries can be the same for non-Mk3 850s but there are two different battery boxes.
 
quawk said:
Can someone tell me the correct battery number for my recently acquired 1973 750 Hi-Rider? I purchased what was supposed to be the correct battery from an online seller, and I bought the one that many different sellers had listed for this bike. It may be the correct battery, but it doesn't come close to filling the space provided in the battery box on the bike. I realize that not having electric start that the bike could use a considerably smaller battery than if it did have e-start. If it does use a smaller battery than the battery box size, are there some kind of spacers used to fill the unused space?
Click to expand...
Packing foam.
 
concours said:
Packing foam.
Click to expand...
Use the closed cell stuff so it doesn't get waterlogged and rust everything.

You can buy OEM packing from AN but it isn't cheap, and Amazon and others send you plenty of good closed cell foam that you can cut to the right size.
 
Gotta agree with Greg. Chasing an original battery by number is not the best strategy.
Who wants to deal with acid spills and vents?
Find an AGM that fits and meets your power requirements, and almost anything you use to keep it in place is better than the crappy stock hold down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top