XLCH to XLH battery question
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Portage, Mi
XLCH to XLH battery question
I own a 1971 XLCH. I am converting to electric start. My question about the battery. Do I have to get the original battery for an XLH, or can I get any battery with enough cold cranking amps? There are several batteries that are 6 7/8 by 4 inches with 310 CCA.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
That 310 CCA battery is more powerful than the original battery on my Evo Glide! Should be enough for your XLCH IMHO. Modern AGM batteries have significantly greater performance than batteries of even a decade ago, which I suspect that one is.
Thread Starter
|
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Portage, Mi
Thank you for the info. Found a Harley dealer that many say has a Sporty guru working there. Went and talked to him. He told me the same as you that the smaller battery with 310 CCA would probably start my bike. But the smaller batteries only have about 17 amp hours and would not be good if making several stops around town. Recommended sticking with the larger original battery because it has 28 amp hours.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
I am using an AG Lithium 16 cell battery with 480CCA capable for everyday use on street bikes up to 96ci, but you are right...it only has 15 amp hours. The 600 CCA for up to 140ci has 18 amp hours. It is small...L4.25"XW3.25"XH5.25"
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Centerville, TX
Just to add my own relevant post here...
The pic is of the 1970 Sportster XLCH I bought brand new when I was a kid.
I only rode it for maybe 3 years or so before life happened and it just sat for quite a few years.
Then around 1982 give or take, it turned out that one of my customers owned a motorcycle salvage yard, so he rummaged through his kingly stash of parts and put together for me a complete conversion for electric start.
I can't speak about availability of parts today, but you'll note that I retained kick start capability along with the addition of electric start.
Also note the model H oil tank, and of course, I used the H battery tray and correct size battery as well. I was very happy to make it a true H bike but still keep the CH look overall.
I have kept ALL of the original parts that I had changed out over the years (except the cigar exhaust pipes... they're long gone), but I have still not come to any conclusion that I should put it back stock. I like it too much the way it is. I'll let the second owner who gets it after I'm dead do what he wants with it.
I just bought a 2007 FLHP Road King that my old butt will probably ride a lot more these days, so the Sportster is what it is and will likely stay that way.
The pic is of the 1970 Sportster XLCH I bought brand new when I was a kid.
I only rode it for maybe 3 years or so before life happened and it just sat for quite a few years.
Then around 1982 give or take, it turned out that one of my customers owned a motorcycle salvage yard, so he rummaged through his kingly stash of parts and put together for me a complete conversion for electric start.
I can't speak about availability of parts today, but you'll note that I retained kick start capability along with the addition of electric start.
Also note the model H oil tank, and of course, I used the H battery tray and correct size battery as well. I was very happy to make it a true H bike but still keep the CH look overall.
I have kept ALL of the original parts that I had changed out over the years (except the cigar exhaust pipes... they're long gone), but I have still not come to any conclusion that I should put it back stock. I like it too much the way it is. I'll let the second owner who gets it after I'm dead do what he wants with it.
I just bought a 2007 FLHP Road King that my old butt will probably ride a lot more these days, so the Sportster is what it is and will likely stay that way.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 553
From: USA
I also carry an AG micro jump starter/charger in my saddlebag which can jump trucks, cars, and motorcycles many times over for piece of mind and to help others if needed. Check out DK Customs.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 13
From: Fl
I always replace my Street Glide battery Every 2 years and put the old battery in my 77 Sporty. Works out great.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
illraptorskiUSMC
Electrical/Lighting/Alarm
5
Feb 13, 2015 07:05 AM