Battery for a 1983 model R65

[mikethebike]

My bike currently has a Varta 20 amp battery on it which is slowly dying (5 yrs old).  Some listings show a smaller battery as suitable for this year of R65.  My bike is rarely used in the winter and as the smaller battery is almost half the price, any thoughts??? Small battery is Varta 514 400 019 compared to large one (520 400 026 3100) Small battery is 135 x 90 x 167 mm and large one is 186 x 81 x 170 mm.  As I don't cover a lot of miles in the summer I am trying to economise - ha ha!

[montmil]

You didn't mention the amp rating of your possible replacement battery. Is it also a 20 amper? That information could be a deciding factor in your new battery purchase.

Your battery powers the bike's ignition, lights and any accessories you may have powered up. The alternator and related equipment simply keeps the battery at peak performance based on the load you are asking the battery to handle. Some folks opt for more alternator output due to their running twin headlights on high beam, running lights, a DVD player, cappuccino machine, heated seat and grips, blah blah blah.

If your electrical load demand is modest, you may be OK with as little as a 16 amp/hour battery. Remember that the starter is a big electrical drain even before the engine kicks off.

 

[Justin B.]

I have a sealed AGM 18 AH battery in the Junkyard LS which seems to be doing a decent job.

[mikethebike]

I think the cheaper one I quoted was 14 a/h.  I have no electrical accessories and rarely go out at night or in winter.(I know I'm a wimp but at least it gives me something to look forward to during the winter!  I'm going to cut a piece of ply to size to see if it will fit the battery tray.

[montmil]

I think the cheaper one I quoted was 14 a/h.  I have no electrical accessories and rarely go out at night or in winter...

Here in the colonies, the gub'ment requires bikes from about 1975-78 (?) onward to run with headlights on during the day... night is also a mandatory thing.  

If you plan for VFR rides sans headlight operation, you just may get by with a 14 amp battery. I believe I'd keep a battery tender on when it's garaged. Luck to you, Redcoat!