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[Scalyback]

I was showing off Tornado's new Lithium-ion battery to my RE mechanic.



I went through one kick start, LED lights all over the place, Even an H4 headlamp LED running light, providing a very bright beam of pure white! It has worked very well from the outset, but pride and stupidity came before the fall.



Tornado was in overnight to have the tyres replaced, so I Ieft after lunch and returned the next day. I thanked Mr. Enfield for his excellent work and went to turn the key on. It was already on, and must have been since I showed off the day before. Tornado has an early version of the boyer electronic points, and kick as I might, engine would not fire. The mechanic connected a battery charger and astounded me by saying that a lithium-ion would charge in about 6-7 minutes. As promised, it did charge in about 7 minutes, The engine fired first time (quite often does), and the ammeter just nudged it's way into negative for a few seconds, before crawling back to centre.



My question is...


It is possible to modify the electrics so that I could start on 'flat' if this ever happens again as I go camping a lot, and there are no handy chargers in the woods! could I change back to points ignition? or fit an ignition switch with the old 'Emergency' position to cut of battery whilst starting?



Is any of this possible, or do i need to tattoo "switch key OFF" on the back of my hand?


Thanks, Simon

[Chevy]

Fitting a Boyer powerbox in place of the regulator/rectifier will allow it to start on a flat battery
Chevy

[Gwilly]

Plus one with Chevy, might help in an emergency although i have usually found a good run and jump on bump start gets things going..

Can you not fit a bright red LED ignition lamp to show you when the key is on?.. would be difficult to walk away and not notice the light..

[Norm]

Lucky you had electronic ignition, if it was points ignition and points were closed you probably would have needed new points and coil and possibly a battery. Charging a bike battery that fast is not good for it

[Scalyback]

Ruddy 'ell Norm, believe it or not, it seems the mechanic is correct. The lithium-ion batteries really do recharge in 6 minutes.







pic taken from,

http://www.skyrichbattery.com/Lithium-I ... index.html



only a third of the weight too!

[Norm]

Simon, glad I got out of bed today, I learnt something, besides having a nice little ride down to Philip Island and back through the hills with seven others. Sadly only 2 on Enfields.

[Scalyback]

Wow, riding out with the guys, sounds great.



Unfortunately, I still don’t speak french well, and being very remote, I have not met other bikers, so I just ride alone for now. I have never seen another RE on the roads in France, but there are a few well spaced dealers, so there must be some about. BUT, I have just had an idea, there must be some clubs or enthusiasts around for the old British and French bikes, and I will go look shortly. Am on the swiss border too, where they sell decent fuel and just a little cheaper than France.







I do love this art deco advert for Peugeot motorcycles


I am only in the UK for short periods and have only seen one black Enfield bullet, which we (Tornado and I) went after, with an idea of stopping and chatting, but I guess the owner was going somewhere as I got a wave, but he did not stop. When it is a little lighter in the evenings here, I will coax Tornado to Luddesdown, Kent, to the REOC meeting. I joined the owners club, so might as well go when visits and time permit.



Thanks Chevvy for mentioning the powerbox, so if the battery were to be flat, then Boyer say to remove the fuse which disconnects the battery, start the engine, and then replace the fuse while engine running at higher revs to start charging, GREAT! I shall order one, to coincide with my next UK visit.

[John M]

If you fit a Lucas 2MC type capacitor part number LU/54170009 from our hosts then your bike will start from flat. Just plumb it in with two wires, one to negative and one to positive. I have a Bullet with the Indian Eureka electronic ignition, a regulator/rectifier, no battery and a 2MC capacitor, it starts without a problem.

[Alan (Lancashire)]

yes the capacitor , will work , however you will need to disconnect the battery , as this will soak up the capacitor , upon starting simply re connect the battery (or replace main fuse)

[Beezabryan]

Yes Mr Brooksbank that is precisely what Scalyback quoted from Boyer.