Batteries not necessarily for the original purpose

After performance measures on the engine, with a raised compression of about 2.0, your Harley may need a new starter motor. Most definitely, however, a more powerful battery, i.e. one that can deliver a higher current (cold start current, CCA) for the same size. Not necessarily more capacity, i.e. ampere hours (Ah), capacity is more important if the engine doesn't start at the first push of the starter button.

These two things tend to be confused: capacity is the charge of the battery, that is, how much energy it has stored in total. Current is how much of that charge the battery can deliver at one time. The higher the current, the faster/better the starter motor will work. The higher the capacity, the longer it spins.

Bike rebuild - battery redesign

If the starter motor is eliminated and also the electrical system is rewired, or if a different oil tank is installed, many also immediately think of a new battery, as small and hidden as possible. However, when choosing a battery, it is important to consider the regulator and the alternator: can my regulator handle the small battery? Mechanical regulators can be adjusted, electronic regulators have a certain range and can adjust the charging power within certain limits. If neither works, the regulator or even the alternator must be changed.

How do I find a suitable battery for my conversion?

When you have finished thinking about the conversion, it's time to choose. Our store will help you: with the dimensions of our batteries you can start making a tray or choose a ready-made tray from us. In addition, we list values for voltage, capacity and starting current for each battery, ... so you can decide whether your charging system harmonizes with the new battery.

I would like to have a lithium-ion battery. How can I enjoy it as long as possible?

LiFePo4 batteries used in motorcycles like to live in controlled conditions:

• few of us ride at freezing temperatures, but the upper temp limit should definitely be considered if the battery is to be installed in the oil tank. No contact with the walls, leave enough space for cooling air to flow through, consider thermally insulating the battery.
• Temperature limits also apply to plug-in charging. - Absolute maximum for regulator voltage: 14.6 V. Please remember that regulators can raise the voltage to over 15 V at higher speeds. This doesn't have to be the case, but we have seen original regulators that brought it up to 18 V - and at idle everything was ok. So if in doubt, measure it at high rpm as well.
• If the bike is not used for a long time, check the battery voltage regularly. At 12.4 V or below it should be recharged. Modern speedometers and instruments on Harleys work on 12 V continuous current, as do the flasher modules. If you don't mind resetting the clock, consider pulling the main fuse or unscrewing the negative wire. By the way, Antigravity advises against leaving batteries on the charger all the time, even if it is a trickle charger. Please charge only with a charger that is also suitable for lithium-ion batteries.
• Regular driving is the best thing you can do to your lithium-ion battery.