Hitchcocks Forum

Has anybody replaced there lead/acid 12volt 5ah kick start only battery to a sealed/gel fill one like the MOTOBATT MB5U sealed one?

I replaced the 12v 14AH Lead Acid one on my Electric start work Bullet with the Sealed Gel 12v 14AH Battery sold by Hitchcocks around 4 years ago its still going strong used daily if that's any help seems too survive better in winter with more cranking power and had no problems with vibration.

I've fitted one of Mr H's 5ah gel batteries about 15 months ago .... no problems as yet.

I've fitted two 5ah 6 volt cyclone batteries, they fit nicely in the dummy box. You just need to wire them in series to get 12 volts. Been fitted a couple of years now and seem fine.

Keith.

Haven't tried the MB5U but I have an MB9U that I use in various bikes because the pos/neg terminals are reversable. I use it in various bikes and also as a cranking battery for starting some big bikes, BMW's, Hondas etc and use it often in my Inter. It sometimes gets a good workout and so far it performs very well. It appears to be a quality battery and the MB5U will be the next battery I get for a kickstart Enfield. The MB9U will fit the E/S Enfields and they are not overpriced either

The only problem I've found with gel batteries is that they die very quickly at the end of their life.

I replaced the battery on my 500 classic ES 2003 with an AGM type battery. Much higher cranking power and you can leave it standing for months without charging. I know it's not the same bike as yours but I thought it might be of interest.

Thanks for your replies,i`ve ordered a YUASA YB5L-B.
I`ve always found this make reliable and hopefully Jap quality,Chinese/taiwan crap you can keep.

Fitted one to the wifes electra X. Loads of power to crank it over, like the duel terminals - eaiser to fit the lead for the trickle charger and comes with a full 2 year replacement warranty - yuasa are only 1 year.

BIG mistake,must be an age thing,bought the Yuasa DRY battery hoping to fill it up with electrolite at A.T.S. or Quick fit or National as i did many years ago.
Sorry we do not use it and it`s illegal to sell it on it`s own.
I have got some at a price and will never do it again.
It`s gel/sealed batteries for me in future.