New battery required, what to buy?

LPCityNorton

LPCityNorton

VIP MEMBER
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Messages
14
Country flag
Hello folks. I'm nearing the completion of the rebuild of my 1973 commando 750. At least I'm at the point where I need a new battery to test the new wiring harness and components that have been added during the rebuild.

My question is; what battery are most of you running in your Commandos of this vintage?

The particulars of my bike are:
- "standard" 1973 equipment: new wiring harness, turn signals, halogen headlight bulb. Nothing really added that requires more juice such as running lights, etc.
- the bike has a single dual lead coil which supplies the spark and I'm running a Boyer electronic ignition system.

I'd like to hear what people are running in similar bikes and better yet, where have your purchased your batteries.

Many thanks.
 
I run a 9Ah traditional lead acid battery. I have the standard rectifier and zenor diode. I think I have the slightly higher 21 wattage rotor/stator than the stock one which I think is 19 watts. (not sure about the wattage numbers)

Without having an electric start you don't need a high amperage battery. Certainly, if your charging system dies for some reason and you have to ride home or to some place to make repairs, a more powerful battery will get you further than a 9Ah battery before there's not enough voltage to fire your ignition....

I also have an ammeter wired into my electrical harness. I can see my bike's charging situation at a glance. It's saved me a few times.

I bought my battery at a local motorcycle shop. I also use a battery tender on it. I plug it in after every ride and it sits on the tender with little fear of it burning down my house...
 
Last edited:
LPCityNorton said:
Hello folks. I'm nearing the completion of the rebuild of my 1973 commando 750. At least I'm at the point where I need a new battery to test the new wiring harness and components that have been added during the rebuild.

My question is; what battery are most of you running in your Commandos of this vintage?

The particulars of my bike are:
- "standard" 1973 equipment: new wiring harness, turn signals, halogen headlight bulb. Nothing really added that requires more juice such as running lights, etc.
- the bike has a single dual lead coil which supplies the spark and I'm running a Boyer electronic ignition system.

I'd like to hear what people are running in similar bikes and better yet, where have your purchased your batteries.

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Last I bought for non-eStart: https://a.co/d/53oY5Ft This was a two-pack but others on Amazon sell them individually. So far, I've installed four and they are all working well.

I was buying: https://a.co/d/7FD02dD for $29 delivered but they were out of stock for a while and now the price is higher. Of the eight of those I bought, one lasted 3 months and the rest are still working fine after two years as far as I know.
 
I have been buying AGM batteries from Napa Auto as recommended by local mechanic for some time now. Fit the bike and hold up to an electric start
 
MexicoMike said:
Shorai 18AH lithium Iron battery since 2008 in my '73 Commando with Alton E start added in 2013. Never had a conventional battery last more than 1/3 the length of time of the Shorai.
Click to expand...
which one exactly? What battery tray do you have?

Shorai LFX Lightweight Lithium Motorcycle Batteries | MDS Battery

Shorai LFX High Performance Lithium Iron LifePO4 Ultra Lighweight Sports 12V Motorcycle Batteries, Improved Starting Performance And Rugged Design. Same Day Despatch, Free Delivery Service.
www.mdsbattery.co.uk
 
MexicoMike said:
Shorai 18AH lithium Iron battery since 2008 in my '73 Commando with Alton E start added in 2013. Never had a conventional battery last more than 1/3 the length of time of the Shorai.
Click to expand...
I am 100% in agreement with Mexico Mike on the choice of the Shorai battery.Mine has been in my bike now for over 7 years. I am always pleased with the fact that I have never even had to put in on a slow charge.Bike is ridden on a fairly regular basis with a CNW Estart.Shorai batteries are available from various vendors.
Mike
 
My Mk3 had a Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 installed when I bought it last Summer. I have no idea how old it may be, but it has served me well so far with a single phase stator through a TriSpark regulator. I did buy a LiFePO4 tender but the bike seems to keep it charged. The battery is installed turned terminals forward in the standard tray retained by a standard rubber strap.
 
Thanks for all the input and recommendations folks. I looked around a bit today and the sealed AGM batteries are relatively affordable and should be sufficient for my non-electric start motor. Of course my bike has been sitting for many years so once I get it running I'm going to have to verify that all components of the electrical system are doing their job.
 
TRWham said:
My Mk3 had a Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 installed when I bought it last Summer. I have no idea how old it may be, but it has served me well so far with a single phase stator through a TriSpark regulator. I did buy a LiFePO4 tender but the bike seems to keep it charged. The battery is installed turned terminals forward in the standard tray retained by a standard rubber strap.
Click to expand...
Did it fit in the MKIII tray?
 
jimbo said:
Did it fit in the MKIII tray?
Click to expand...
Even the next larger Shorai battery has lots of room to spare in either Norton battery tray if that's what you are asking. If wondering if the MKIII battery strap will work, not without help since the battery is small. They come with LOTS of thicknesses, sizes, and shapes of padding though.
 
marshg246 said:
Even the next larger Shorai battery has lots of room to spare in either Norton battery tray if that's what you are asking. If wondering if the MKIII battery strap will work, not without help since the battery is small. They come with LOTS of thicknesses, sizes, and shapes of padding though.
Click to expand...
The strap works without issue for me.
 

Similar threads

Ride To Live
  • Locked
What to buy ?
2
Replies
35
Views
5,073
worntorn
W
Norcoastal
  • Locked
What To Build
2 3 4
Replies
69
Views
5,529
rvich
rvich
L
  • Locked
I need a new battery
2
Replies
22
Views
2,562
Mike Sullivan
M
L
  • Locked
new battery.. suggestions?
Replies
16
Views
3,241
DogT
DogT
K
  • Locked
OK, new battery, everything is dead
Replies
18
Views
842
kustomizer
K
Back
Top