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Taking 10 pounds of weight off my battery tray was worth the price, as repairing my oil tank and mount would be an expensive hassle.
I am confused by this statement. The mounts are just a few rubber isolators. Their like 10 bucks for a set and you really only need to remove 1 oil line clamp to change them. Pretty easy job really. I say this not to be difficult, but I don't want anyone to freak out that this is a common issue or a hard task.
Last edited by OCSpringer; Aug 21, 2023 at 12:09 PM.
@T^2 just a quick off-topic side note praise of your Bill the Cat icon. I've been a fan of Bloom County since Berke Breathed came to my grade school back in the 80's and made custom drawings for us. I wanted "the kid with the computer", knowing nothing about the comic, but wasn't in the least bit disappointed.
It's in terrible shape, as a 3rd grader didn't know how to take care of something like this, but it's still something that I will always treasure.
Meanwhile, I appreciate the feedback, folks. Much to think about...
@T^2 just a quick off-topic side note praise of your Bill the Cat icon. I've been a fan of Bloom County since Berke Breathed came to my grade school back in the 80's and made custom drawings for us. I wanted "the kid with the computer", knowing nothing about the comic, but wasn't in the least bit disappointed.
It's in terrible shape, as a 3rd grader didn't know how to take care of something like this, but it's still something that I will always treasure.
Meanwhile, I appreciate the feedback, folks. Much to think about...
I often wonder who out there still knows who Bill the Cat even is.
I've had good results for many years using Yuasa batteries in my other bikes but one didn't work well at all on my rubber mount Sportster, the terminal connections would loosen up a few times each year
I had problems only with the negative terminal on the 2008 Sportster here and that is because it was originally installed wrong and I did the same thing.
Putting the negative lead on the crankcase and then the battery meant the terminal didn't hang straight down but at an angle, this allowed it to touch the back of the battery box. After a while of course the lead came loose and burnt a little. Fortunately I caught it in time and was able to effect a repair.
Installing the battery per the manual has the lead in the right place and now hasn't come loose.
I am confused by this statement. The mounts are just a few rubber isolators. Their like 10 bucks for a set and you really only need to remove 1 oil line clamp to change them. Pretty easy job really. I say this not to be difficult, but I don't want anyone to freak out that this is a common issue or a hard task.
The pre-1994 Sportster is well known to have a poorly designed battery tray mount, and the heavy weight of the battery can crack it at the oil tank, causing leaks and repairs to the tank. They modified the mounts in 1994 to solve the problem. My decision to go with a lithium battery was in part a way to prevent that from occurring by removing a substantial amount of weight off the tray. So far, no cracked oil tank.
The pre-1994 Sportster is well known to have a poorly designed battery tray mount, and the heavy weight of the battery can crack it at the oil tank, causing leaks and repairs to the tank. They modified the mounts in 1994 to solve the problem. My decision to go with a lithium battery was in part a way to prevent that from occurring by removing a substantial amount of weight off the tray. So far, no cracked oil tank.
John
Wow, I did not know they were different. After looking up the tray I can see why that would be a problem compared to the later setup. Can you use a newer battery tray on a pre-94 Sporty if you change the oil tank or is the frame slightly different there as well?
Wow, I did not know they were different. After looking up the tray I can see why that would be a problem compared to the later setup. Can you use a newer battery tray on a pre-94 Sporty if you change the oil tank or is the frame slightly different there as well?
They used to make an upgrade kit, but it's now obsolete. 14 pounds of lead hanging off two bolts not a brilliant idea. At least I'm down to 3.5 pounds now so that's my solution.
They used to make an upgrade kit, but it's now obsolete. 14 pounds of lead hanging off two bolts not a brilliant idea. At least I'm down to 3.5 pounds now so that's my solution.
riding once a month is stretching it. Though I am sure i have done it in spring or with multiple bikes. If you can't charge due to your situation, I'd carry a jump pack. You may be stressing the battery starting low, lesser life. Make sure you go for long rides and charge it could. A bike with out electronics should start after a month, with a good battery. But will probably need to be replaced. But hopefully it cools down and you can ride.
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