battery question - amp hours

[Shaolinwind]

I just acquired a project bike that needs a new battery. I happen to have a strong 12v 12Ah battery, however the batteries sold for the CSR are 12v 14Ah. Can I safely use the battery I have, or should I buy the correct battery?

[07chuck]

Depends on what the charging amperage is and what the starter motor draws,wether it has a PMS(permenant magnet charging system) or an EMS(electromagnetic charging system). Most likely it would be OK with the execption of cold weather starting(not enough cold cranking amps), and reduced battery life. At worst it could cook the battery,the stator, and the reg/rec, start a fire and burn your garage to the ground(assuming thats where it caught fire). It's up to you.

[afm199]

Yes. use it.

[LS1Bandit]

I'm a n00b in the motorcycle world, but I do know batteries pretty darned well.

The difference between a 12ah and 14ah is pretty miniscule, all else being equal. In fact, the same battery could be labeled a 12ah by one mfg and a 14ah by another, depending on whether they're stating the c/20 or c/10 life.

The bigger difference would be in terms of battery style/composition - whether it's an SLA (sealed lead acid - e.g., AGM or gel cell), or flooded. For a motorcycle you'll want one of the SLA types, with ideal being the AGM's. Avoid the gel cells, which shouldn't be too hard since they're not very common anymore.

Probably more relevant is the cranking amps, not the total AH.

Regardless, I don't believe you're going to harm anything with the 12ah, especially if it's the same type of battery. To be safest, you probably want to use the same type of battery that came OEM. But if they're different, then you may want to do a little more research first.

There is so much misinformation regarding batteries it's staggering. The following is a pretty good FAQ if you're bored and/or curious:

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/

[donoman]

Use it

[Shaolinwind]

Thanks guys, gave it a good charge and it works fine.

[ntula]

the amp hours is the chronological capacity of the battery and is relative to that in charge.

worse case, you fry the battery and it leaks acid... it overcharges and the fluid boils... but if you put one with a greater amphours, you should be safe.. it will take longer to charge and depleat...