[Ducati] Re: Batteries

[rich lambrechts]

Robert asked..
challenged and unable to find a listing for
> > batteries suited to a Vintage Single, who can tell me how to select a
> > battery?  My bike has an updated 12-volt system using traditional points
> > (stock was 6V).

Robert...best suggestion is to find the 12 volt battery with the greatest
amount of amperage-hour rating available...that fits in the tray.   Having
changed to 12 volt  has not actually increased the the output of the system
as it is basically limited to what the charging system can provide to
recharge the battery.  The lights are the biggest draw on the battery and
therefore the greater amp-hour rating you can find means the greater reserve
you have in the battery itself before the marginal ( IE low output in
watts/amps) charging system has to begin working itself to death.

The standard battery in 6 volt was a B38-6a and came with 18AH rating...
they were 4 1/2" long  3 1/2" wide and 6 1/2" tall.     I do not think there
is a standard 12 volt that match that exact dimension..so you'll be faced
with some bit of retrofit.    You then have the choice of newer sealed high
density types which will perform well but have a modern look.

I'd just do a web search for batteries and choose a place near where you may
live...you'll probably find something cheap at a Wal mart type store...  to
something insanely expensive for the modern compact types.

rich