Hey Richard. I wonder if you could do some benchmark charging numbers prior to ugrading the charging system. Voltage output at 1000, 2000, and 3000 rpm should be enough I would imagine.
Yeah, Yuasa has some issues with their specs. Unfortunate. Hopefully their batteries are still OK.
I would hope for 4 or 5 years on the battery if you take care of it. Time will tell, I guess. The battery in my Jetta TDI is 7.5 years old and still no issues. Will change before winter 2011 though! Not bad for a diesel battery
There are some that are starting to use li-po batteries. They are incredibly light, very expensive, and offer a lot of punch. They don't do well in the cold, though.
http://www.carbon-speed.com/prod.htmH.
