What batteries are people using with an Alton electric start?

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baz

baz

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As the title
What batteries are people using?
I was using a ytx 20 varta but it hasn't lasted very well
So I'm looking to replace it with something better
Cheers
 
Oh boy! A battery thread.

I have the cNw electric start kit and have been using the Shorai LFX21 lithium iron battery as recommended by
Matt at cNw. It's expensive, but very light weight and small. I've had it for 2 years with no issues. I'm sure others
will chime in about lithium batteries catching fire.

Before the Shorai and before the electric start kit I had an Odyssey glass mat battery that lasted 13 years
 
lazyeye6 said:
Oh boy! A battery thread.

I have the cNw electric start kit and have been using the Shorai LFX21 lithium iron battery as recommended by
Matt at cNw. It's expensive, but very light weight and small. I've had it for 2 years with no issues. I'm sure others
will chime in about lithium batteries catching fire.

Before the Shorai and before the electric start kit I had an Odyssey glass mat battery that lasted 13 years
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Sorry I hadn't thought about "starting a battery debate"
Just wanted to know what people have had good service with, on a commando fitted with an Alton
I believe the one recommended by Alton is a ytx 20 varta but I could be wrong?
But mine hasn't lasted a year and I don't have a receipt or proof of purchase
Cheers
 
I’m using a yuasa, same as in my 961 - can then swap them if needed.
Intrigued at the Motobatt coming top in that test, I have had a few die far too soon and have given up on them.
 
ntst8 said:
Intrigued at the Motobatt coming top in that test, I have had a few die far too soon and have given up on them.
Click to expand...

I've read that here on the forum as well. Someone linked to a brand that was touted as the best made AGM in another thread, but I can't seem to find it... there are a lot of battery threads here.
 
I have had the SAME Shorai 18 AH since I installed the Alton in '12. I have never had a conventional bike battery last even 1/3 that long. ;)
 
J'ai DEKA ETX15 AGM GEL (made in usa) pour mon 850MK3,90$ us here, la première 6 ans avec démarreur électrique seulement, et la deuxième depuis 3 ans.
 
Same Shorai on my Commando since 2013 until this year when I put the electric leg on it and went for the much bigger (but still amazingly light) Shorai.
 
Shorai battery is sounding very good
The next question is about the the charging
I have a podtronic reg/rectifier fitted at the moment
Is this compatible with the shorai?
I have read but not understood about the different regulators on the market!
Cheers
 
baz said:
Shorai battery is sounding very good
The next question is about the the charging
I have a podtronic reg/rectifier fitted at the moment
Is this compatible with the shorai?
I have read but not understood about the different regulators on the market!
Cheers
Click to expand...

The regulator would be OK. Whether the alternator can put out the required voltage is the question. And the answer to that is, "It depends...". LI batteries require a higher charge voltage than lead acid or AGM.
 
maylar said:
The regulator would be OK. Whether the alternator can put out the required voltage is the question. And the answer to that is, "It depends...". LI batteries require a higher charge voltage than lead acid or AGM.
Click to expand...
This is where a complete layman like me gets confused
Cheers
 
baz said:
This is where a complete layman like me gets confused
Cheers
Click to expand...

The available voltage depends on the rotor, stator, engine rpm, and the load (ignition, lights, etc). The regulator's job is to supply what's available and limit it (regulate) at somewhere around 14 volts. Any regulator will do that.

The problem is that what's a good charge for lead acid can be too low for LI. Example, 12.8 v at rest is a healthy AGM but severely discharged for LI. The alternator and R/R have to be up to the task.
 
Alton alternator/Podronics regulator since '12 when I installed the Alton/podtronics/Shorai 18. No issues at all.
 
I have put led bulbs on worth doing brighter and gives the charging system a rest
 
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