best remedy-lighting

[Leejm]

Nothing in this world is prefect, if anyone tells you something is better they are lying! Things are better in one way but worse in another, so you have to pick the right one for how you use the bike. If you do alot of night riding then 12 volt is the way forward. If like me you don't then 6 volt is fine. I have fitted led bulbs everywhere on my 1948 NH, with a 13 ah battery. The bike has the early short 45 watt dynamo. So leds are the best thing for it bright with little drain on the battery. Prefect no but 100 times better than dull standard 6volt bulb that use alot of power.

[CFritz]

I've got for some time now 6v 11A gel batteries on the NG and VB, same size as the Lucas, all black. the price became the king of darkness.

[johnwalsh]

Thanks for all the replies. I've taken the plunge and bought an AGM 13AH battery. I do quite a bit of riding in the dark and the narrow roads I tend to use a lot have very sharp bends etc. so early warning of their approach is a must although I don't ride that quick. I suspect the LED bulbs may be bright and not draw a lot of power but they do seem to lack the depth or length of beam. See how we go!

[nevhunter]

I'm still hunting for an AGM 6 volt reasonable Amp hour battery that will fit the bike OR inside a hollowed out case. Nev

[DaveH]

Nev,

I've had good luck on my AJS 18S with the Power-Sonic PS-682-F1 (6V 9AH). It will fit into a hollowed or replica standard Exide battery shell. The bike runs an E3L dynamo, electronic regulator and a 35W halogen headlamp. I normally ride with the headlamp on, for visibility in daylight, and the battery charges at speeds above 30 mph or so.

For our old kick-start bikes, I don't see a need for much battery capacity unless you spend a great deal of time in urban congestion, idling at traffic signals. All the battery needs to do is keep the lights going during brief periods when the dynamo output is lower than the lighting load. (This assumes your dynamo can balance the lighting load at a reasonable road speed.)

Dave

[nevhunter]

Thanks Dave. I'll see if that is available. The reason I go for a larger capacity battery is the charge rate can be too high for smaller batteries. Nev

[Leejm]

Nev I have a Westco battery. It fits inside the lucas box with 13 Ah. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2902417538

[nevhunter]

That looks good. I'll see if I can get them in Australia. I've had enough of the acid leaking types that I've been using. Thanks Lee. Happy riding. Nev

[DaveH]

Yes, I've used the equivalent of these (Powersonic PS-6120 6V 13AH) in the past with success. They're a good fit in the standard battery box, except a bit high - you may need to trim ribs or molding from the inside of the lid, as the battery extends above the edge of the box.

[Leejm]

Nev is correct small battery's are not suitable, the charge rate is too high for them and it will damage them . Having a large battery you have a chance of getting home with lights if the charging system packs up.