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... Very nice write up. Thank you.


Agreed, and thank you, Richard for such a concise and comprehensive writeup!

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In brief in order of effectiveness:
1. Upgrade (heavier) and shorten the cable from the R/R direct to the battery. A cheap fix.
2. Use a good quality trickle charger if your bike doesn't run regularly or only runs for short trips.
3. Check and upgrade your connections - battery, also to and from the R/R.
4. Get a Shorai LiFePo (lithium iron potassium) battery. Deep cycles many times more than lead acid. Tolerates dropping to 50% charge. Carries a bigger charge for longer. Much more powerful, smaller and lighter. Lead acid batteries are old technology.
5. Replace your R/R with a mosfet (superconductor) R/R from an R1 Honda.
6. Fit an onboard voltmeter to monitor your charging/battery status.
7. Fit a bypass switch for the ECM low voltage cut out. This enables you to start the bike with less than 11.6volts. Only recommended for emergency use because damage to the ECM could result with low voltage.

You probably only need to do the first 2-3 easy fixes. The rest is if you are really enthusiastic (read obsessive) like me.


I would include # 4, that to switch to newer technology. Once my lead/acid battery expires (or even before it does) I'm going for one of these.


Live to love, love to live.