Recommendations for a replacement battery for a 961

Yes, the Sunshine State does have temps higher than the Aloha State, so I am glad to hear you have no issues, hope all stays that way. Re insulation, please keep in mind that the purpose of insulation is to reduce the rate of heat transfer from the hot side to the cold, given enough time the temperature will be equal on both sides. This will definitely happen under the tank in a relatively short time, on a 30 degree (90F) day I would guess much less than half hour.
 
Hmmmmm. Not discounting the possibility of a lithium battery overheating, as the percentage chance would be a non-zero number. However, I've had 5 Shorai batteries in bikes with no issue - currently my oldest Shorai is 7.5 years.

One of my Shorai was in a Ducati track bike where the battery box was inside a poorly ventilated fairing adjacent to radiator and engine, which achieved some rather hot running temps on the track in Southeast US in the 90*F+ heat of the summer without incident to the battery.

I also had one installed in a MV Agusta F4-312R which had virtually zero airflow under the fairing (though the battery was just under the back edge of the fuel tank). If you know anything about 1st Generation F4s, they heat up like a fire breathing dragon when not moving. It was not unusual to achieve coolant temps of 237*F+ at a stoplight whilst your inner thighs and right calf were being roasted. Again, no battery issue.

So I'm OK with having installed a Shorai in the battery box of a naked bike such as the Norton 961. Which I did. YMMV
 
That's a lot of proven data!! Shorai seems handle heat better than some ev, laptop or phone batteries:)
Nevertheless, as my friend Tim says, please don't confuse me with facts, my mind is made up:)
Not really, you made your excellent point ! It will not change my mind about my 961, but it can help others with their decision.
Thanks:)
 
Hey MAK, can’t answer that as that’s not how I use my bike. I don’t tour on the Norton because I’m quite tall and she’s a Cafe Racer - I would be crippled by the end of the first day. I have other bikes for that purpose.

As others have said, it seems to be entirely depend on the extent of the parasitic drain (through the clocks mainly) how quickly the battery discharges. The consensus is that most 961’s need to be on a charger/tender of some kind when they are not being ridden. The lucky few have less of a problem it seems. There are multiple threads on the forum on the subject and on lithium batteries in particular. Happy touring.

Long live Norton
Have been thinking about fitting an isolater switch for a while now if I can make it look neat.
Will have to keep re-setting the clock though.
 
Have been thinking about fitting an isolater switch for a while now if I can make it look neat.
Will have to keep re-setting the clock though.
Hi MAK , If the source of your current draw is the speedo or tacho could you get them serviced instead ?
 
Hi MAK , If the source of your current draw is the speedo or tacho could you get them serviced instead ?
That’s something to look into..
It’s done it from new, so must be a design fault rather than something has broken.
 
That’s something to look into..
It’s done it from new, so must be a design fault rather than something has broken.
Yes , I understand . Have you measured the key off parasitic draw ? I heard some have as high as 19 ma current draw with the key off. This may have been MXMartin. If you find that the speedo/tacho are causing this , have you considered just switching the clocks /optimate fuse. What I am referring to is , pull the fuse and plug in a wire set to carry it to another easy access point to fit a 10A circuit breaker . If Norton ever get 961 parts going again , would you consider replacing the speedo/tacho with a new verified set even if it is of the newer face ?
 
Have been thinking about fitting an isolater switch for a while now if I can make it look neat.
Will have to keep re-setting the clock though.
Had my bike for 5 years now and have never got around to setting the clock!! Guess it’s because I’m much more interested in watching the voltage generated - it gives me a warm feeling. And the mileage covered of course, cos I don‘t really trust that fuel light!

200km of hinterland heaven yesterday and she ran flawlessly. Shorai charger from ‘Store’ to ‘Charge’ 30 mins before ride and she leaps into action if I even threaten to go near the starter - well, you know what I mean! This bike really does like all of those CCA’s.
 
Had my bike for 5 years now and have never got around to setting the clock!! Guess it’s because I’m much more interested in watching the voltage generated - it gives me a warm feeling. And the mileage covered of course, cos I don‘t really trust that fuel light!

200km of hinterland heaven yesterday and she ran flawlessly. Shorai charger from ‘Store’ to ‘Charge’ 30 mins before ride and she leaps into action if I even threaten to go near the starter - well, you know what I mean! This bike really does like all of those CCA’s.
Have you ever owned a Harley? I thought the Norton took CCA to start, the Low rider s I bought last year puts a strain on the starter. Thank God for the compression releases lol
 
Have you ever owned a Harley? I thought the Norton took CCA to start, the Low rider s I bought last year puts a strain on the starter. Thank God for the compression releases lol
I hear ya , lump , lump , lump start . It always starts though , mine does.
 
I hear ya , lump , lump , lump start . It always starts though , mine does.
Just sold my 21 low rider S for the 2022. They made upgrades. 114 to a 117. More suspension travel, relocated gauges on the bars and not the tank.
 
Just sold my 21 low rider S for the 2022. They made upgrades. 114 to a 117. More suspension travel, relocated gauges on the bars and not the tank.
And raised it up some for better handling. They’ve done a good job, it’s a nice looking bike, especially in the solid grey, love that.

You know, it’s now so improved, I actually think it might be as good as the original Dyna version…;)
 
Have you ever owned a Harley? I thought the Norton took CCA to start, the Low rider s I bought last year puts a strain on the starter. Thank God for the compression releases lol
No, never owned a Harley - had my mid-life crisis years ago! Anyway it’s official, I own a Norton so I’m obviously waaaaaaaaaaaay to cool to ever own a Harley. Just saying;)!
 
Skyrich LTZ14S - Fits and works like a dream (300CCA) and with Li-ion even save a couple of kilogramms. Be sure to have the right charger suited for Li-Ion
 
I have just bought on of these beasts. With 500 Amps cranking power I'm not sure I'll need to start the engine at all!! It weighs just over 1Kg & NOCO boasts 2 x more power, 10 x more starts and 5 x longer life + it's guaranteed for 5 years. Twice the price of a decent lead acid equivalent though. I haven't fitted it yet but will report back.

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That’s impressive Cliff, lighter, more powerful and cheaper than the Shorai equivalent - by a country mile! NOCO make top quality gear also; have a NOCO charger on one of my other bikes - very well made, especially in comparison to the Shorai BMS.

Should be good for those (super) cold starts in you neck of the woods!
 
The NOCO batteries are good and paired with their chargers charge super quick if you need that sort of thing.

The only issue I have with NOCO is their f ing chargers aren't SAE compatible so you need their special additional adapter at an additional $15. Other than that all the stuff they make is built well including all the adapters and power ports. The battery boxes are well made as well

Did I mention the fing adapter thing? 😂
 
I have just bought on of these beasts. With 500 Amps cranking power I'm not sure I'll need to start the engine at all!! It weighs just over 1Kg & NOCO boasts 2 x more power, 10 x more starts and 5 x longer life + it's guaranteed for 5 years. Twice the price of a decent lead acid equivalent though. I haven't fitted it yet but will report back.

View attachment 109117


Let us know the motor cranks and starts when you get it installed.
 
This is the model and supplier to Norton, just to keep in mind the information given.

 
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