Going batteryless / PMA Upgrade

rafanomenon

XS400 Enthusiast
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I like to think I am the king of Google, but I just can't seem to find ANY info on any modifications to the charging system for our XS400s.

Yes, I have seen the post from madpressdog about taking a Banshee rotor and fitting it, but his thread doesn't really do a good job at explaining the process in depth. Has anyone else done this modification? Would you mind starting a thread of the process, with photos and explanation e.g. what year banshee PMA you used, how you made the backing plate, wiring config, etc.

Otherwise, what is everyone using for battery-less? I know what my options are for running a smaller battery. I would just like to go completely battery-less, and maybe a capacitor if anything.

The only electrical on my bike is an LED headlight, one tail light, and the coils. No dummy lights, gauges, turn signals or anything, so going batteryless I think would be the best bet. Not to mention I am trying to keep my bobber cleeeeean of all bulky stuff.
 
Other than the guy you talked about I have heard of no other setups for a battery-less bike. If you really want to do it you may just have to try something yourself and post what you come up with:shrug:
 
I think I may have just found something... The Power Dynamo ignition system from Penton Racing makes a pretty good setup. Fitment and compatibility are still up in the air, but I just contacted them and will let you all know what I find out. Twin cylinder systems are $550. Kinda steep, but if you are really going for that clean, battery-less look without having to sacrifice installing and fitting older parts, this is an option.

powerdynamo-kit.jpg
 
Any reason you want to go batteryless when you can get a 4 cell LiPoFe4 pack and hide it pretty much anywhere?? Costs about $500 bucks less in parts and about 4 fewer hours of labor too.
 
I can understand why you would do it but I like having something to light my neutral light before I start it instead of humping the bike back and forth to see if it's in gear.:laugh: Also $500 Is a lot of money to loose a few lb's my 80's 1.3ah battery only weighs 1lb 3oz and cost me $10.
 
I have a 4-cell Anti-Gravity battery running it now... Or should I say HAD.

I've heard multiple times that our old bikes' charging systems don't get along with LiIon batteries at all, leading me to believe that my Anti-Gravity battery is completely fried.

After the CDI, reg/rec, wires and ignition switch are mounted, there's really nowhere else on my bike even a smaller battery can fit without sacrificing the look I'm going for.
 
You will have to decide between looks or function. I like to ride my bikes so I prefer the later.
 
You will just have to figure how to make it work or spend the money on that kit and hope it works. Whatever you do I am sure it will be awesome:thumbsup:
 
I have a 4-cell Anti-Gravity battery running it now... Or should I say HAD.

I've heard multiple times that our old bikes' charging systems don't get along with LiIon batteries at all, leading me to believe that my Anti-Gravity battery is completely fried.

After the CDI, reg/rec, wires and ignition switch are mounted, there's really nowhere else on my bike even a smaller battery can fit without sacrificing the look I'm going for.

I've been running one for over 6 months. So far so good (knock on wood).

For now I have mine zip tied between the seat frame rails, under the seat. I'm eventually going to do a tank swap and put a new seat on there, so until then, I'll just leave it like it is, but you def can't see it currently. Not sure what set up you're going for.
 
His setup don't leave him many options:(
 

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Battery less is achievable. If you willing to deal with the hard to start. I tryed sevral copassitor all were hard to start and kick only somtimes 15 or 20 kicks. If you have a working charging system look at a small battery. I didn't have a working system. The banshee system worked very well I still ran a smaller battery. As for the thread they're are a lot of xs650 threads I just touched on some of the thing to make it work. It dose just do it
 
my 80's 1.3ah battery only weighs 1lb 3oz and cost me $10.

How has the reliability been? How long did the battery last? Which battery did you use exactly? I've been using an everstart es4lbs agm (35 cca, 3 ah) scooter battery for 3 years now. I'm curious if I can really go much smaller with kick-start only. I also don't want a lithium battery because they seem fickle.
 
How has the reliability been? How long did the battery last? Which battery did you use exactly? I've been using an everstart es4lbs agm (35 cca, 3 ah) scooter battery for 3 years now. I'm curious if I can really go much smaller with kick-start only. I also don't want a lithium battery because they seem fickle.

The battery I have is a jjj brand I paid $10 off ebay. I used it in a moped of mine for two years and it's been in my 80 for two years with no issues. The battery has a max voltage of 14.5-15v witch is why I think it works so well.
 

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Over two years with no issues sounds pretty reliable to me! Since I am only running an LED headlight and tail light, I'm sure it will be enough. I just hope it doesn't OVER charge, even with a newer RR from Oregon Motorcycle Parts. I think I'll give it a shot.. Looks like it will fit perfectly where my starter motor used to be!
 
Kick start doesn't have to be unreliable, but I imagine running without a battery that it could cause it to be more difficult. Even with a permanent magnet, the motor has to spin to get voltage to the coil.

My bike starts very easily on half choke, one kick on the kick starter with no throttle will get it to run. However, since my bike draws coil voltage from the battery, I'd have a leg up over any kickstart only system. If it were up to me (and I wanted to get rid of the bigger battery), I would go with a capacitor or very small battery to make starting easier. You can cut the wire that leads to the start button and BOOM! Kickstart only ;)
 
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