HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => Shovel Head => Topic started by: Timber0472 on February 27, 2019, 04:18:11 PM

Title: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: Timber0472 on February 27, 2019, 04:18:11 PM
Hey guys I was looking for a small battery that wouldn't break the bank so I bought a YB10L-A2 12V 10AH sealed battery. I'm running kick only (points) and headlight/taillight only. Would this battery be ok? Seems really small.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: Burnout on February 27, 2019, 06:43:01 PM
Not going to get you very far if the alternator quits, but it will work.

Make sure you can run without the lights on (not legal in some states) but a ticket is/may be cheaper than a tow.

Some bikes have the lights jumpered to run mode so you cant turn them off.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: Timber0472 on February 28, 2019, 02:43:27 AM
Quote from: Burnout on February 27, 2019, 06:43:01 PM
Not going to get you very far if the alternator quits, but it will work.

Make sure you can run without the lights on (not legal in some states) but a ticket is/may be cheaper than a tow.

Some bikes have the lights jumpered to run mode so you cant turn them off.
Thanks. I figure if the alternator goes it would get me at some point regardless. I run the running lights always. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: Hossamania on February 28, 2019, 04:40:06 AM
A friend of mine runs a 6 volt lantern battery (if anybody remembers those) on his '47 Indian, generator, no alternator.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: DresserDan on February 28, 2019, 02:19:23 PM
I ve seen a points bike no charge, run all day long with a good battery & charge. Ive used the old FX kick only style and just make sure no lights hooked up. Disconnect the brake light and go several hundred miles.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: guppymech on February 28, 2019, 04:29:19 PM
Mid 80's H-Ds ignition switches had a white jumper wire looped between two terminals that gave "lights on" in all key positions. If you cut that loop of wire the first key position gave power to everything except lights, it's nice to have ignition power without lights-on on a kick only bike.
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: dusty1 on February 28, 2019, 07:35:03 PM
Not sure about battery nomenclature. Is that a typical FX/softail battery? If so, it's plenty fine. I ran 230 miles home on highway with no lights on with a crapped out charging system. Nice to keep battery strong when kicking bike too with lights off...and you can escape/evade easier with ignition on with no lights (especially brake).  :chop:
Title: Re: Cone shovel battery kicker
Post by: 76shuvlinoff on March 01, 2019, 05:01:46 PM
Quote from: guppymech on February 28, 2019, 04:29:19 PM
Mid 80's H-Ds ignition switches had a white jumper wire looped between two terminals that gave "lights on" in all key positions. If you cut that loop of wire the first key position gave power to everything except lights, it's nice to have ignition power without lights-on on a kick only bike.

When I replaced the dash switch on my 76 it had that jumper, I removed it. Even with electric start I don't want the lights on when cranking the 93 over.   Most times I forget to turn them on until several miles down the road.