kickstart only battery
kickstart only battery
Hello,
I own an ’87 Softail and will remove the electrical starter and make it kickstart only.
To get more space, in that area, I want to replace the actual stock battery with a smaller one.
Bike has Dyna S ignition, in case it makes the difference.
Can somebody tell me what is the minimum size (Ah) battery that I need for a kickstart only EVO?
Also, the engine has the stock alternator and regulator, will these fit to the new small battery, or I would need a new regulator?
Thank you in advance
Marcel
I own an ’87 Softail and will remove the electrical starter and make it kickstart only.
To get more space, in that area, I want to replace the actual stock battery with a smaller one.
Bike has Dyna S ignition, in case it makes the difference.
Can somebody tell me what is the minimum size (Ah) battery that I need for a kickstart only EVO?
Also, the engine has the stock alternator and regulator, will these fit to the new small battery, or I would need a new regulator?
Thank you in advance
Marcel
Last edited by marcelm; Nov 28, 2023 at 05:03 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
Since the starter is what puts the most strain on a battery any size 12 volt battery will work.
Unless you have allot of electrical stuff. The Stator and regulator don't care about the AH's.
Unless you have allot of electrical stuff. The Stator and regulator don't care about the AH's.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 2,223
From: College Station, TX
The kicker may limit which exhaust systtems you can run, or may interfere with your current system. And if getting an aftermarket kick starter, go with a high quality parts like Jims Machine. They offer a 3/4 inch longer kick shaft which will help clear the exhaust. Yes they cost more but far too many problems with the cheaper imported parts. Also consider a 1 inch longer kick arm if you have difficulty kick starting it. The extra length adds to the force while kicking it over.
Paul
Paul
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 759
Likes: 936
From: Under the affluence of incahol.
The minimum battery you need for a kick only bike these days is the smallest 12 volt AGM battery you can buy. It only needs to power the coil for a minute or two while you start it. I know guys on cafe racer Brit bikes who run tiny little 3 amp-hour batteries the size of a cigarette packet. If you want a bit more back up than that, old kick only Sportsters and Nortons and Triumphs and stuff used a 7ah battery, look for 12N7A battery code. Smaller than your electric start battery but still not miniature. A 5ah might be a good compromise.
Your stock regulator and alternator should work ok with the smaller batteries.
Your stock regulator and alternator should work ok with the smaller batteries.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,916
From: Long Island, New York
I would recommend an Antigravity Lithium battery:
RE-START LITHIUM BATTERIES – Antigravity Batteries
I have one on my kick only 1946 Flathead, has been flawless so far. Much smaller than stock, and stock in 1946 was already smaller than a modern bike. DK Customs, a supporter of this site, sells them as well. I would give Kevin a call to discuss best model for your application, good luck.
RE-START LITHIUM BATTERIES – Antigravity Batteries
I have one on my kick only 1946 Flathead, has been flawless so far. Much smaller than stock, and stock in 1946 was already smaller than a modern bike. DK Customs, a supporter of this site, sells them as well. I would give Kevin a call to discuss best model for your application, good luck.
Thank you very much.
The new kickonly bike will have minimum electrical stuff, no extra consumers. Turn signals & tail light probably LED, maybe only the head light will be classic 55/60 Watt.
My biggest fear was that the stock regulator will burn the new small battery. But, if you say it will not happen, then is OK. Thank you.
Bike has a 5 gear box and I plan to buy the Cannonball kickstarter. Another option is the Baker kickstarter, but I found the Baker one only together with the gear box, not separately.
Marcel
The new kickonly bike will have minimum electrical stuff, no extra consumers. Turn signals & tail light probably LED, maybe only the head light will be classic 55/60 Watt.
My biggest fear was that the stock regulator will burn the new small battery. But, if you say it will not happen, then is OK. Thank you.
Bike has a 5 gear box and I plan to buy the Cannonball kickstarter. Another option is the Baker kickstarter, but I found the Baker one only together with the gear box, not separately.
Marcel
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,804
Likes: 7,431
From: OH
What are you going to do with the extra "space" under the seat ?
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
If the Charging system goes **** up...It is Not because of battery...All olded H-D charging Systems Charge WFO, constantly..all excess is shunted to Ground! If it was me, I would replace the entire System with one from a mid '70's shovelhead..low amp!! Then utilize the Higher output (which yer Kick bike will Not Require) on another "project"...Just the Hollander comin outta me!!!
Possibly..."None-Ya"
Possibly..."None-Ya"
Last edited by Racepres; Nov 28, 2023 at 09:43 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
Here is my recommendation on battery and a way to hold it
https://www.hawthorncocycles.com/pro...ravity-12-cell
https://www.hawthorncocycles.com/pro...ravity-12-cell
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,115
Likes: 51,404
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Hello,
I own an 87 Softail and will remove the electrical starter and make it kickstart only.
To get more space, in that area, I want to replace the actual stock battery with a smaller one.
Bike has Dyna S ignition, in case it makes the difference.
Can somebody tell me what is the minimum size (Ah) battery that I need for a kickstart only EVO?
Also, the engine has the stock alternator and regulator, will these fit to the new small battery, or I would need a new regulator?
Thank you in advance
Marcel
I own an 87 Softail and will remove the electrical starter and make it kickstart only.
To get more space, in that area, I want to replace the actual stock battery with a smaller one.
Bike has Dyna S ignition, in case it makes the difference.
Can somebody tell me what is the minimum size (Ah) battery that I need for a kickstart only EVO?
Also, the engine has the stock alternator and regulator, will these fit to the new small battery, or I would need a new regulator?
Thank you in advance
Marcel
And yes the dyna-s makes all the difference in this case, stock or most other electronic ignitions have 1 or 2 dead revs before firing, the S doesn't.