Battery question...

 They make batteries for bikes, supposedly based on your make and model
and maybe even the year. There seem to current draw rates, size, and
other stuff that have to be considered when buying a battery for your
bike, so you pick by bike.

My question is this: I have an good, extra 12V battery for my Honda
VTX. If it fits into my son's ZX6, why can I not use that battery
instead of him buying a new one that's "made for a ZX6"?

Thanks,
Greg

 
Right now I'm running a Polaris ATV battery in my
BMW because it was the one that was available
when my last battery split it's casing in Bakersfield.

The dimensions are more or less right and it's rated
30 AH instead of 25 like my last one, so I figure it'll be
OK. Absolute worst case, maybe the extra 1/8 "
height will eventually cause damage and I'll be
back where I started.

As long as the amp hour rating, voltage and
general dimensions match, and the one you
have on hand is in good shape, I'd probably
go for it and just monitor the battery for a while.

What type of batteries are they ? Gel ?
flooded ? You might get into some mild trouble
switching from one design to another but
only if they had different charging voltages.

 
His is flooded (acid, right?). Mine might be gel since it shipped
ready to use.

 

I'd try to check the reccomended charging voltage on
the replacement to make sure it's not higher than the
one it replaces. Even if it is, it's probably still OK but
you might want to top it off occasionally with a charger.

If it's sitting there on the shelf, what have you got to
loose by trying it, provided it's not grossly underrated.

 
Just check the battery's capacity (not sure what is the correct
English terminology). It's measured in Ah (Ampere-hours).

If the capacity is the same (or higher) and the battery fits, there is
no reason why you couldn't use it in the ZX6. If the capacity is (much)
lower, don't use it.

    Mike