Big Crank Batteries

[SteveG]

Hello All!

These batteries came highly reccomended over at CB1100F.net, and I got one for my 900F from http://www.batterymart.com. Awesome!! Cranks like mad, never have to recharge (hook Battery Tender Jr. up and inside 10 minutes shows full charge), made in America, excellent price.......). No, I have no affiliation with them.

Just bought one to replace my '82 CBX battery, which I got from CBXMan back around 04-05. I had the Yuasa YTX20H(L)-BS, and it has served me well (obviously) for the last 7-8 years. I am concerned that the Yuasa only shows 12.3 volts. Charge til my heart is content, showing 13+ volts while on the charger, and a couple hours later it is down to 12.3. Still starts the CBX nicely, but, um, 7 + years? Thanks for your service.

So, infatuated as I am with the Big Cranks (maybe the name?!?), I am going for one in the CBX also.

I went back to http://www.batterymart.com and scored the "optional" battery for my X. They list two batteries for the X's, and I went big. The Yuasa was a little small in the battery tray, and I had to shim out the length with a hockey puck. This one should fit without any spacers.

The "optional" battery I got:

Big Crank ETX18L, 12V20Ah, 340cca, 8.13"x3.56"x6.38", for $89.95.
http://www.batterymart.com/c-honda-cbx1 ... ttery.html

The "standard" battery:

Big Crank ETX20L, 12V17.5Ah, 310cca, 6.88"x3.44"x6.13", for $85.95.
http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Crank- ... rt-battery

If you want to save 10%, enter the super, secret, special code of "MEMORIAL12" as you go through the checkout process. I have no idea how long the code is good for, but I did it and saved the 10%, so I got the ETX18L for $80.95 delivered to the house.

Steve

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Had great service for 5 years from the Big Crank 20L in the '79.

[EMS]

I have ben using Westco's AGM, originally for the Goldwing. It fills out the space for the battery very nicely without the need for a spacer. And they have worked flawelessly in my 79 and the 81 for ??years.

One point of caution, however: AGMs (is the Big Crank an AGM?) do NOT like deep discharges. If you let them sit for a long time or have a user draw a constant current (e.g: clock) and discharge them, they will not recover.
They may show full charge on the charger, but as soon as you put a load on them, they go down on their knees.

And for those of you, who are still using a small battery, here is a spacer:



No kidding!! That's the orignal Honda spacer as it came new in my German spec 1979 CBX. Stock batteries were really small. Remember, no automatic lights when running, thus also a smaller alternator. Saved weight!

[Jeff Bennetts]

Before you toss the AGM or deep cycle marine battery that won't take a charge, you can sometime save them by shocking the battery. I have a starter/charger with a 60 AMP setting, I have saved a few deep cycle batteries by putting them on the high 40 AMP setting for 45 mins, then reducing the setting to 10 AMPs for a couple hours then 2 AMPS over night.

Worth a try before shelling out another $100

PS it's a good idea to shock the battery outside for that first 45mins and keep an eye on it.

[Rick Pope]

Battery technology is moving forward. I just put a new battery in the XX, 410 cranking amps, and it's half the size of a CBX battery. But, it was over $150.

For some real cranking power, you can now buy "super capacitors" that look like a battery, but one unit will supply the "go" of 4 regular lead/acid batteries. They are becoming popular in places where you need a gang of batteries for regular service, such as semis and motorhomes.

[EMS]

. They are becoming popular in places where you need a gang of batteries for regular service, such as semis and motorhomes.

Yeah, but who would own something like that...

[EMS]

I have never tried a Big Crank, but I heard a lot of people praising them. So I ordered one for my CB1100R. I must admit, a great deal. From the discounted price of $71.95, they gave me another 10% to bring the total to $64.75 and free shipping on top of that. No way you can beat that! Thanks for this, Steve!

[Quickster2]

I have a Big Crank in my '80 and so far good results. I bought the "smaller one" and got the NOS spacer from Louis last year. It started my bike in 20 degree weather several times before I bought a Battery Tender Jr. Big Crank from now on in my house!

[bigsixman]

I received my Big Crank AGM standard battery for my 79 CBX yesterday and after afew minutes on my Battery Tender the green light came on and I installed it in my 40* garage and I am amazed at how hard it spins the motor. It is my first AGM style battery and my initial impression is that I am impressed with the performance of the battery and the service and fast shipping from Battery Mart.

[Larry Zimmer]

Rick, sounds like a Shorai -- Lithium Iron Phos. Great 'little' things.