Topic: Whats the smallest battery I can run on my CB750

[edosm]

Hello,

Bike 1975 CB750F

I'd like to run kick start only on my bike. What is the smallest size battery I can run with this set-up and still run headlight and turn signals?

Does the Stock electrics draw to much power? I'll have LED turn signals and tailight installed, but a regular headlight.

A llsit of Battery specs or Links to battery sites would be great

Thanks
Mike

[MCRider]

That's exactly what i want to do with my 75F. So I'll be interested. But my gut says something about 1/2 the physical size will work asthe starter is what the battery is for. Without it, you just need enough power to energize the alternator adn ignition. Then you're on the road.

One of those fancy pants gel batteries might be even smaller and lighter.

[Elniniomuchachos]

Not sure about the 750. But on my 550 I'm running a 12v 6amp and the bike runs great. I'm only running head.  and brake lights at the moment. But may add turnsigs in the future.

If you have a batteries Plus store near you that's the place to check out. They have a wide variety of sealed batteries. Find out the minimum amps your 750 can handle, and search for a battery that suits your needs. If you do go to Batteries Plus, they will try and sell you a "motorcycle specific" battery, it's called an "extreme" or something stupid like that. But it doesn't matter, I got a 12v 6 amp battery for 20 bucks that is smaller than the 12v 6amp "extreme battery, that they wanted 55 bucks for.
Lucky for me the guy that was working was into bikes and said there really aren't any differences besides price and name.

Good luck with your battery search!

Oh, and your charging system better be tip top shape.

[scottly]

I ran a 3Ah Yuasa YT4L-BS battery for 5 years on my 750, with an H4 headlight and incandescent taillight, but no turn signals. I'm currently running a high-tech LiFe 2.3ah battery, due to my obsession with weight reduction. (That's why I was willing to part with the exhaust clamps, Ron. ) 

[wannabridin]

check out the a123 batteries!  i have one awaiting install, and it's SMALL!!  little bigger than a deck of cards, way less than a lb!  i'm running kick only, with a headlight switch.  i'll have LED turn sigs and brake light, and a 55w HID headlight.  will run HM ignition box, probably a Digital Guard Dawg security box, reg/rect combo, balanced and slightly lightened rotor, etc...

mine is just like this, except i got it cheaper from a member on here: http://www.a123rc.com/goods-130-A123+Motorcycle+Start+Battery+132V23AH-4S1P.html

389 grams = .85 lbs!

[Gregorymoto]

Hi I just found this thread. Did you install that 123 battery?
How did it workout?
Thank you

[wannabridin]

i never installed the battery, but i found an even smaller (somewhat) and lighter battery out that i might buy.  i have the 8-cell in my '01 spirit 70 and that helped me shed 8+ lbs off! 

here's the one i'd like to run in my CB when i get it back up and running: http://www.ballisticparts.com/products/batteries/4cell.php

  i'd sell you my 4 cell a123 battery if you're interested, still in new condition

[scottly]

The battery I've had on my bike for over a year now is the same A123 as wannabridin's. It's been working fine so far.
A few cautions about this type of battery:
1) They will NOT tolerate deep discharges; if you run them down too far, and don't immediately recharge them, they will be permanently damaged. You can turn one into junk by leaving the ignition switch on overnight. Make sure your charging system is working.
2) The discharge curve of these batteries is very sharp; when they start to run down, the voltage drops off very suddenly, like from 12V to 8V in seconds. You don't want to find out 20 miles out from home that your charging system isn't working.
3) I recommend using a solid state regulator, as the stock mechanical reg can cause voltage spikes, which might otherwise be damped somewhat with a larger lead-acid battery. I don't know if it really is necessary, but I figure why use a stone-age reg with a high-tech battery.    

[luap]

I had that 4 cell ballistic battery in a bobber I built- kick start only low beam an running light on a switch  new single reg rec unit good ground everything solders brand new, Never held/took a charge, multi meter on it numerous times after  trickle charger 12.4ish in garage reving rpms show charing, ride it day time no problem light on 10 minutes dead, replaced with acid walmart battery no more problems, It not real a whole lot smaller then the bikemaster 4x which ive used before with no problems, just my opinion not worth the 100 buck they charge

[wannabridin]

Sounds like you got a bad unit that wasn't properly charged.  My ballistic 8 cell has worked flawlessly in my spirit 750.  The battery I have currently (an x-cell) has started up my spirit 750 as well for initial tests on a warm day.  I don't know if it would work well for a bigger bike or on colder days, but I know ballistic stands by their product with their warranty very well.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I had heard good things about Ballistic.  I think Motorcyclist just reviewed them and other cell batteries. Maybe you got the one off fluke.

[Gregorymoto]

I went and put a 12c 4amp AGM in in July. Still working like a pro.