Battery Confusion

AndyK · Post by **AndyK** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 12:17 pm

I have an '00 R11SS and have been sent a Varta battery that is at least 3cm higher than original. Varta says that it IS the right one and I've seen some discussions about ABS having some inout into this. As I do not have ABS should this battery fit? What about the rubber/metal retaining strap?

theseadog · Post by **theseadog** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:08 pm

Hi Andy welcome !

Not being funny but have you actually tried installing it ? There are different sizes of battery available with osmebeing marginally taller than the others. Myself and a number of others have got eh Odessey 680's installed which are slightly larger than the standard, but a little stretch of the battery strap and Bob's your mothers brother !

What are the physical dimensions of it and we can compare it against what others have fitted ?

Cheers
PAul

AndyK · Post by **AndyK** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:39 pm

The varta I have is 186Lx82Wx171H (mms), the OEM appears to be identical in all dimensions except height - about 136mm.

No I haven't tried to install it, but considering the difference of nearly 4cm I don't expect my rubber thing to stretch that much even if it fits under the tank.

Where did you guys buy the Oddesey 680 from?

boxerpan · Post by **boxerpan** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:48 pm

It should still fit under the tank as long as the base dimentions are the same because that's the space where you can gain an extra gallon fuel capacity (non abs) although you may have to modify/change the strap.

Lloyd

Jason M · Post by **Jason M** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:51 pm

Andy

The ABS installation doesn't affect the room available for the battery as it all sits directly forward of the battery tray. I have a spyball alarm fitted and they chose to put the main box directly under the tank on top of the battery. This box is at least 3cm thick and so I would guess that your battery would fit OK if it's only 4 cm higher. As others may have said, the battery tray sits directly over the gearbox via 2 10mm bolts through the bottom of the tray. Under the tray, there are 2 rubber isolators about 1.5cm thick. If it came to the odd 0.5cm, you could probably trim the isolators a bit and screw the tray down a bit further to give you some more room.

As for the strap, it's probably about 8-9 inches long so would easily stretch another inch to fit yours IMHO

Jason

AndyK · Post by **AndyK** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 1:59 pm

I'll let you know how it goes. Its worth a try since Varta official position from Germany was...'Dis is de one, ya' and I'm facing posting it back to the mail order house on my own dosh. Thanks for the info

theseadog · Post by **theseadog** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 2:19 pm

Andy don't be such a big blouse !!!!!

That's only 1.5 mm more than the 680 so the band will stretch no problem, if you're really bothered then buy a longer one. I got mine from Motorworks, though I htink some of the other guys did a group buy from another supplier.

Just bung it in it'll be fine, don't worry about it.

gus · Post by **gus** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 4:57 pm

Stretching the stock strap is a short term answer as i have now found out.I installed a PC 680 and stretched the bugger with a little heat and brute force.Upon removing bodywork for tthe major refit,the bleeders in two pieces.Where did other people get their longer straps and at what cost?
mucha gratious
gus

theseadog · Post by **theseadog** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 5:05 pm

Didn't use a longer one Gus, and I didn't have to heat it either... Does the uprated alternator setup for heated grips etc etc also have a bigger battery ? If so then the delaer may have 2 sizes, I'd try Motorworks, M&P, Busters etc etc or even just A N other brand dealer givng them an approximate size that you're after.

To be honest it's not going anywhere though is it

winger · Post by **winger** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 6:08 pm

What bloody carry on e'h!!!! batteries a nat's cock bigger might have to send it back!!!!!,it's fit's no problem the 680 goes in fine with a ton of room on top of that,i did the group buy last year for the batteries

As far as the battery strap is concerned,Seadog if your useing the original strap it'll break thats a dead cert,Gus's did and so did mine it's just to much,were my brains were?? god knows i bought ajob lot of stuff at an auction when a local bike shop went bust years ago,so have a selection of straps,just zip tied two together and bingo,Gus you didn't say i'll sort something.

Chris

gus · Post by **gus** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 7:44 pm

Just one more thing in a never ending list of "things to do".

cheers mate
gus

boxerpan · Post by **boxerpan** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 8:15 pm

Do the fuel tank mod and then the battery can't go anywhere, with or without strap - job done

lloyd

theseadog · Post by **theseadog** » Wed Jun 09, 2004 11:08 pm

Chris to be honest if it breaks I'm not bothered, I'll just fix it in place with some suitable Heath-Robinson solution !!!!

Your solution sounds far too logical and simplistic

but you're right, just put the frigging thing in a leave it there, job done.

Lloyd is it you that's got the extra modded tank on standby ? as I'm ready to take the plunge on that I think.

Toodle pip !

boxerpan · Post by **boxerpan** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:58 am

No, spare is not me tis Mr Chris (winger) but I think that one is spoken for when Boxertools gets back from his jaunt round Scotland. Leave him a message just to check.
I very happy with mine

Lloyd

winger · Post by **winger** » Thu Jun 10, 2004 6:13 pm

Yep it's me,i guess when Mike comes of his hols he'll want it,but i'll have his to be converted,so when thats done you can have the next one,being a fine upstanding member of the community,i operate on a non profit makeing basis,hence a tetchy posting on another subject!!!!!,the conversion costs!! by the man that does it,but my running around is free!!!,must be my Commi instincts

Chris