Lithium Battery for '58 R50

[jposig]

I'm finally getting back on my '58 after medical and business delays. Originally, I put a post for the flooding of the carbs. 2 trips to Charlie/Bing
didn't fix it so he sent me 2 new carb tops that I now have the time to install and hoping that fixes it.

I need a reference for a lithium battery. I currently have a acid GS-B38-6A, measuring 4.5"L/3.25"W/6.25"H.......I figure this is a good first step
as I assemble the carbs and as well as some other stuff so I can start riding it again.

Appreciate anyone's time on this.

Thanks,
Jim Posig

If anyone can refer a BMW tech for this bike in or near my area, 27343, let me know that as well, or someone I can talk to if the new carb
parts don't fix the flooding issue. And I"m happy to pay for any help........

 

[20774]

Jim -

Not too familiar with resources in North Carolina, but you might check with Bombars Beemers in Durham. Here's a list of independent mechanics:

Independent BMW Mechanics - The Internet BMW Riders

Independent BMW motorcycle mechanics in the USA and Canada

ibmwr.org

As for lithium battery, not sure why the need to push for that kind of tech on an R50. I wonder if the charging system will do it justice...can't be that you're trying to save weight!! I had issue with a similar battery on my R69S but ended up going with a sealed battery supplied from then Bench Mark Works (no longer in business, parts sold to Max BMW). It's a non descript battery probably something that might have been used in an old uninterruptible power supply. It has two spade connectors, so I had to rig up a small box so it will mate with the bikes existing wire loom. I ended up using some trailer wiring with quick disconnects. Here's a view of the battery in my bike...I had to sit it on a piece of plywood to let the battery hold down strap do its job.

 

[kbasa]

I buy the $40 DieHard from Batteries Plus for my R60/2. It's a battery they use for those Barbie cars or similar that kids ride around on. I peel off the big sticker and spray paint it black. I made a little SAE harness for it so I can quickly disconnect and charge it if it needs it. The stock battery strap works great if you have the stock pad under it.

I get about 5 or 6 years out of them. Lithium batteries aren't cheap and they need a special charger, so I've yet to move to one for any of my bikes. The battery only runs the lights on an R50 or R50/2, so it's not like you need a lot of juice for a starter.

I swapped the headlight to an LED, which means my bike finally has a headlight I can see with at night. An LED tail/brake light made a big difference too, if bulb brightness is part of your motivation for the lithium battery.

 

[jposig]

Jim -

Not too familiar with resources in North Carolina, but you might check with Bombars Beemers in Durham. Here's a list of independent mechanics:

Independent BMW Mechanics - The Internet BMW Riders

Independent BMW motorcycle mechanics in the USA and Canada

ibmwr.org

As for lithium battery, not sure why the need to push for that kind of tech on an R50. I wonder if the charging system will do it justice...can't be that you're trying to save weight!! I had issue with a similar battery on my R69S but ended up going with a sealed battery supplied from then Bench Mark Works (no longer in business, parts sold to Max BMW). It's a non descript battery probably something that might have been used in an old universal power supply. It has two spade connectors, so I had to rig up a small box so it will mate with the bikes existing wire loom. I ended up using some trailer wiring with quick disconnects. Here's a view of the battery in my bike...I had to sit it on a piece of plywood to let the battery hold down strap do its job.

Thank you for your time with a reply and the referrals. I have the stock charging system which still works fine but wanted some kind of option to
get away from the acid batteries and didn't know what was available for 6 Volt....I'll pursue the options recommended

 

[jposig]

I buy the $40 DieHard from Batteries Plus for my R60/2. It's a battery they use for those Barbie cars or similar that kids ride around on. I peel off the big sticker and spray paint it black. I made a little SAE harness for it so I can quickly disconnect and charge it if it needs it. The stock battery strap works great if you have the stock pad under it.

I get about 5 or 6 years out of them. Lithium batteries aren't cheap and they need a special charger, so I've yet to move to one for any of my bikes. The battery only runs the lights on an R50 or R50/2, so it's not like you need a lot of juice for a starter.

I swapped the headlight to an LED, which means my bike finally has a headlight I can see with at night. An LED tail/brake light made a big difference too, if bulb brightness is part of your motivation for the lithium battery.

Thank you for your time with a reply and suggestion.....As a BMW tech who builds BMW race cars, making suitable wiring won't be an issue...
Again, my issue was finding options for the 6 Volt system........

Is there a LED headlamp bulb available for a 6 Volt system???

 

[kbasa]

Thank you for your time with a reply and suggestion.....As a BMW tech who builds BMW race cars, making suitable wiring won't be an issue...
Again, my issue was finding options for the 6 Volt system........

Is there a LED headlamp bulb available for a 6 Volt system???

There is. I found both the headlight and tail light bulbs at www.superbrightleds.com, but I'm sure there are other options available elsewhere. The tail light is actually a big help as well as it's visible during the day and the brake light is way brighter than the 6V bulb. I think it's just a 6V 1157 style bulb and it just plugged right into the socket.

The battery really only needs to run the lights, so I don't feel like you need a big strong battery if you just have a couple LEDs on the circuit. I grafted an SAE connector onto the stock battery leads to add a fuse and make it easy to disconnect the battery. The connector can be minimized by using black shrink tubing and attaching the lead to the frame rail kind of out of sight.

Good luck. I hope that's helpful.

 

[jposig]

Jim -

Not too familiar with resources in North Carolina, but you might check with Bombars Beemers in Durham. Here's a list of independent mechanics:

Independent BMW Mechanics - The Internet BMW Riders

Independent BMW motorcycle mechanics in the USA and Canada

ibmwr.org

As for lithium battery, not sure why the need to push for that kind of tech on an R50. I wonder if the charging system will do it justice...can't be that you're trying to save weight!! I had issue with a similar battery on my R69S but ended up going with a sealed battery supplied from then Bench Mark Works (no longer in business, parts sold to Max BMW). It's a non descript battery probably something that might have been used in an old uninterruptible power supply. It has two spade connectors, so I had to rig up a small box so it will mate with the bikes existing wire loom. I ended up using some trailer wiring with quick disconnects. Here's a view of the battery in my bike...I had to sit it on a piece of plywood to let the battery hold down strap do its job.

I'm in touch with Max now ordering in some other parts and the only battery they offer is the acid type which I need to get away from. Just a FYI.

Jim

 

[jposig]

There is. I found both the headlight and tail light bulbs at www.superbrightleds.com, but I'm sure there are other options available elsewhere. The tail light is actually a big help as well as it's visible during the day and the brake light is way brighter than the 6V bulb. I think it's just a 6V 1157 style bulb and it just plugged right into the socket.

The battery really only needs to run the lights, so I don't feel like you need a big strong battery if you just have a couple LEDs on the circuit. I grafted an SAE connector onto the stock battery leads to add a fuse and make it easy to disconnect the battery. The connector can be minimized by using black shrink tubing and attaching the lead to the frame rail kind of out of sight.

Good luck. I hope that's helpful.

Thank you for the referral on the LED's, which I'm going to pursue. I was shocked on what a difference they made in my '74 Norton Commando....

And thanks to all of you for the advice on a battery, I have a clearer picture of what I need and will do the kind of shopping I like to do,
spending money on my bikes!!!

Jim

 

[kbasa]

Have fun, Jim.

We're always happy to help others spend their money.

 

[jposig]

Have fun, Jim.

We're always happy to help others spend their money.

And you've just done it well. Thank you for the Batteries Plus referral. I went to the closest store 50+miles away and bought
a Duracell Ultra DURA6-14A. 6V 14Ah AGM which will fit perfectly in the battery box with zero mods. It does have the spade
connectors but I have skills making wiring harnesses. I'll include the quick disconnect for the 6V trickle charger if I ever need
to charge it. Total Battery Cost a little under $ 55.00.

My afternoon shopping spree, thanks to you guys, will be getting the LED bulbs....And I have an order coming
from MAX's BMW.....The fun never ends!!!!

Now I am going to hopefully fix the leaky/flooding carb issue and start riding it again!!!!!

Thanks again, you guys are great...

Jim

 

[kbasa]

I'm really glad to hear that worked for you and it saved you some coin.