Author Topic: Battery type make a difference with m-unit?  (Read 770 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Michaelsoberanes

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 39
Battery type make a difference with m-unit?
« on: April 20, 2022, 11:17:12 PM »
Just switched to AGM after three lithiums melted on me while my current setup shorted. M-unit have a favorite type of battery? I wouldn't think so...
1977 CB 550f SS
1987 Kawasaki ZX-6

Offline stocky

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 91
Re: Battery type make a difference with m-unit?
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2022, 10:43:28 PM »
Using an Anti-Gravity lithium battery as well as many others i know with no issues. It is imperative you update your charging system to a newer regulator/rectifier otherwise there is potential risk of battery meltdown/fire.

If your setup is shorting, its not the battery, its something else and should probably be dealt with first. 
« Last Edit: April 21, 2022, 10:45:31 PM by stocky »

Offline calj737

  • Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 21,041
  • I refuse...
Re: Battery type make a difference with m-unit?
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2022, 04:47:03 AM »
Regardless of battery type, be certain that it has sufficient storage (amp hour rating) to support your bikes needs. The stock bike was 12aH, and most Anti-Gravity units are much smaller. They can work, but your bike has anemic charging characteristics. Meaning, the system is in a deficit when the motor is spinning at less than 2,500 RPMs. Stop and go traffic at night will drain your battery. Electric starts draw a lot of reserve power from the battery.

Updating the Regulator/Rectifier only helps with recharging a lithium/modern AGM type of battery, but doesn’t overcome the basic charging profile of the alternator. Things to understand as you proceed…

The mUnit is nothing more than a deluxe fuse block. It has nothing to do with charging, battery storage, or recharging habits. I love them, recommend them, have heaps of experience with them. But, your foundation (charging/battery/wiring) must be in proper order for them to behave. As you are re-wiring from scratch it can be a good choice. All your connections and splices need to be clean, water tight, and securely fastened. Else, you will suffer intermittent issues.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Michaelsoberanes

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 39
Re: Battery type make a difference with m-unit?
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2022, 08:23:25 PM »
Regardless of battery type, be certain that it has sufficient storage (amp hour rating) to support your bikes needs. The stock bike was 12aH, and most Anti-Gravity units are much smaller. They can work, but your bike has anemic charging characteristics. Meaning, the system is in a deficit when the motor is spinning at less than 2,500 RPMs. Stop and go traffic at night will drain your battery. Electric starts draw a lot of reserve power from the battery.

I just checked my new AGM battery, it's 12ah
1977 CB 550f SS
1987 Kawasaki ZX-6