- Fri Dec 26, 2014 9:01 pm
#42675
This nasty thing may be traced down to one thing: an aftermarket battery that is dimensionally not correct for the motorcycle. What happens is the terminals short out on some piece of metal such as a seat pan's bottom. Then, while the engine runs just fine, you come along at some point and smell the odious smell of burnt wiring and see the damage that's been done; not knowing how the hell it happened. The burned wiring is at its point of least resistance, not necessarily adjacent to the battery. This was a frequent occurrence with 1960s and 1970s BSAs and Triumphs. The owner, unable to get a replacement Lucas battery, would just drop in whatever "seemed" to fit and this is the result. Use the dimensionally correct battery and ensure that both terminals are well insulated against other metal parts and the battery is secure while enduring constant vibration. Also, if your fuses are suspect, replace them with the correct amperage as outlined in your owner's manual. Hope this helps.