Where's the battery?!

I found these xjs while cruising for ideas on battery boxes. Most cafes are obvious that it's hidden in the tail section these don't appear to be set up that way! Looking for a good idea how to hide my battery on my custom Xj.



And yes, obviously it's some sort of LiFePo4 battery they're using.. just not sure where they hid it!

 

Small antigravity battery's. Usually mounted under the swing arm

 

Yes, I'm aware it's a LiFePo4 (antigravity, battery tender, ect) battery. I looked pretty close and it doesn't appear that the battery is under there. This has been my plan on where to mount, but after seeing these vs some of the ones I seen that are mounted under the swing I would venture to say I don't think these are under the swing arm?

 

Under the seat.
You know those small Li-ion jump start batteries?

They
are
Smallllllll.

A fella building a bike that's more show than go can get away with using one as their regular starting battery.
If you go that route I suggest upping your fire insurance.

 

I'm already not fond of a LiFePo4 battery with 340ccas on my ride. I much prefer knowing my battery is taking a dive when it sounds cranky (or non cranky, get it?) These newer batteries sound great until they're completely dead and you're high and dry..

That being said my bike is shaping up to be more show than go, kinda regretting abusing my baby that way but she'll still get the love she deserves, whether it drives me crazy or lands me with alimony payments, actually most likely both.

Okay okay enough of the funnys, I'm guessing kmoe is in the know as always. Makes a lot more sense. Under the swing arm it is!

 

I would not do under the swing arm.... too much road grime and risk of debris hitting it. Also think about how difficult it will be to move or access to jump or charge the battery.

 

Yes, it's not ideal, but I'm struggling to find a better place. If I design it right it'll swing down, for (not going to say easy) access. Road grime will be an issue, and depending on gauge of steel I fold it out of it should be able to take a fex dings.

I'm 100% open to ideas on other location. Some times it needs a fresh eye.

 

Could you mount an AGM battery at an angle under your monoshock? It's hard to judge in the pics just how much room is there now let alone how much will be there when you get the carbs and such installed. Just an idea anyway...

 

I placed my battery 8-cell anti-gravity under the seat and used the box to mount the ignition. This works but isn't as ideal for the full open look. The other option i am looking into moving my battery is to the top of the swing arm as close to the motor i can get it. There is a crossbar that the brake switch mounts too and would be a good mounting/welding point. It is also a good location to help hide wires cause of the vertical support bars. Black small tie wraps are your friend, unless you go through the frame but thats another headache.

 

I could possibly squeeze it in there, but I have to consider this travel zone of the shock. Which makes it a tight fit.. I'd hate to throw a box in there to be honest. I would like to keep it open just to show off the shock. I'll play around with it there and still under the swing arm.

I think a box could be put there, it's slightly above the height of the oil pan. So it's shielded somewhat. Accessibility will be an issue but I can keep a trickle charger connection on it and have it be easy to utilize.

 

What size battery are you running?

 

5.27" length x 2.55” width x 3.62” height

 

Would you be OK with having a little less fuel on board, and doing a bit of welding?

 

For a split tank?

 

Sort of. Cut the tank and build a battery box into it.
There's a few ways to go, but the easiest might look something like this DENPR tank's storage compartment.

 

While that's a possible idea, I dug out my mock up for the biggest possible battery box I could put under the swing arm. This was what I came up with. It swings down for loading and servicing. I cut smaller sides never redid it with them and may re profile it slimmer but this is what I came up with a few months ago.

 

Smaller box.. sits slightly higher, exhaust will cover some of the box to help conceal it. Still just playing around and spot balling.

 

Looking at that last set of pictures, why not set an AGM sideways under the seat in a box that could also hold tail-light and turn signals (and maybe a plate mount?)

 

I would go with a smaller lithium battery. This is what i run. No issues, the size is 4.25″ x 2.25″ x 3.75″.
https://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/products/starter-batteries/small-case/ag-801/

The mock up box you made takes away from the look. I know the exhaust piper will cover most of but i would want to minimize it as much as possible.

 

So, your battery is really only an inch smaller the long way. Which the way I'm mounting it wouldn't make much of an issue I'm already mounting with the smallest metric as the depths. I left room to put in foam blocks that were included. If I JUST do battery I can get smaller

 

Here's a better idea maybe.. just making it accessible/installing is the issue here.

 

You could also consider (btw this is a stupid idea) running with an undersized battery and being that cool guy who always bump starts his motorcycle. You could even make a blanking plate and save some more weight by removing the starter.

 

That's exactly what I told everyone when my starter clutch went out and took the starter motor with it. No blanking plate though, just removed the armature and booked the housing back in...

 

No thanks I'm young but not that young.. if only it was an xs and a kick start.. cards I'm dealt I guess.

I'm liking my newest idea. Just need to fold a box and tack on two brackets and I should be able to slide the box in and out and use a wing nut to secure

 

I like your latest idea. Looks the slimmest and most unoticable at first glance. Thumbs up

 

This works the best go for it! exhaust will completely hide it.

 

Since you are running pods you might want to invest in a set of water resistant air filter wraps. It helps keep water out if it rains. K&N makes a set called dry chargers. If they dont have the size you need check https://www.outerwears.com/. They have more sizes and can make custom ones.

The wraps aren't water proof they are water resistant. The mesh screen is coated with a chemical that repels water. If you are caught in the rain you place them on and ride. If you wash your bike, you can put the on and not have to worry . you can even use a hose with a low pressure setting.

 

if the li-po batteries in my r/c planes and quads come back too hot to comfortably hold, well that battery isn't going to be around much longer. just say'en

 

Then you should stop buying cheap Chinese knockoff's and buy American

 

Also, LiFePo4 are not lipo batteries and also rc vehicles utilize the battery different than a starting circuit. Pretty sure if you deep cycle most batteries in a rc fashion they'll come back hot. I'm not saying that LiFePo4 are Superior to a wet cell, but from the little research I've seen they are more reliable and safer than other lithium based batteries.

 

I miss having a kickstart.
Still think all bikes should have one.

 

I don't think I'd like kicking over my 1900cc bike much. I'd have a Popeye leg!! 100% for these smaller bikes. Considering the name same of the Seca you'd think it would have a kickstart just to save weight! (See blanking out the starter) I digress..

I folded a lid to finish the box portion. Still need to figure out orientation, brackets, mounting, ECT but glad i found a box that works. Now to find myself a break... Maybe I'll ask harbor freight if I can demo theirs.

 

do you have friends that work at a American battery factory or just like to throw out old cliches?

go ahead, it's true. i just think it's a little hot behind the engine hidden by the pipes. batteries don't like to get hot

 

....But any Polock knows if it's on sale and cheap just keep buying it if it breaks and spend the rest on beer.

 

No, but i do try to buy American made batteries. Especially with all the recent issues with lithium batteries coming from china.

USA! USA! USA!

 

That's why I bought DelTran! ('Merica) The Polock in me wanted money for beer, hence why no antigravity. Honestly though, would have bought local from Deka but they're not into the LiFePo4 business.