[Motorcycle] Securing Battery Question

[Frank06]

Hi All,

"All batteries shall be properly secured with metal hold downs, framework and fasteners."  My old Suzuki has a metal battery box with metal door surrounding the battery and it cannot "fall out" under any circumstances.  It can move up and down a bit.  Would I still require the typical hose-clamp I've seen used in the past?

Opinions appreciated!

Thanks,
Frank

[RansomT]

The reason you have seen the hose clamps is that on a lot of the newer bikes, the battery box is plastic and to satisfy the rule a clamp is wrapped around the battery and the metal battery box support.  If your battery is firmly fastened inside of a metal box, then it "should" pass tech.

[ol38y]

I realize you're question is in ecta but, a side note. A hose clamp will not pass scta tech... Just in case you make it to Utah. 

[Frank06]

Thanks guys.  Actually it's for Loring but I'd like to make it to an ECTA event also.  Out of curiosity, what does the SCTA require in this case?

[ol38y]

Just something more workman like then a hose clamp.

[edinlr]

Could you use straps made from metal duct strap, or does it have to be a solid material?

[sabat]

Duct strap will pass ECTA tech, but grudgingly.

[RansomT]

and I shouldn't really use the term "hose clamp" .... stainless band clamp is more acurate.

[edinlr]

So I should refer to my hold downs as "flexible steel, engineered, restraint devices"?  Okay, maybe I can come up with some cool brackets instead.

[Warp9.9]

This is good information as one of my batteries is in a steel frame OEM with rubber strap over the top. Can I get away with installing steel straps over the Top of it?
My other Lithium battery is in the old air box I reccon I can build a steel box inside the air box that attaches to the frame of the bike. What do you guys think about that.
Maybe I should just leave the second battery out before the race?

[saltwheels262]

steel boxes with steel straps and hardware, with a solid
frame Mount, should be fine.
no rubber bands, plastic, zip ties or bungee cords.

[Warp9.9]

steel boxes with steel straps and hardware, with a solid
frame Mount, should be fine.
no rubber bands, plastic, zip ties or bungee cords.

Thanks I will add the steel strap to the OEM box. By the way it ia more like a cages thereis no way a battery can fall thru the sides or the bottom. does it have to be a solid box?  Like I said if I do not want to cut or mess with the OEM air filter box I can eliminate the extra battery as it is overkill. I just have it so there is no way the High compression pistons and Supercharger can put a drag on the starter. The standar Battery is 320CCA and the added Lithium one is 600CCA. One of the Members here is sending me  the 2012 rule book so I can get started before January. I will probably have shoulder surgery that month and want to get soem of the heavy and hard stuff in motion before I am down to one arm.

Anything you think of that will help or usually gets missed by newbee's like myself is appreciated.

Thanks
Warp

[saltwheels262]

9.9,
the factory steel box will probably be okay.
I was thinking v-twin. a picture of it would help.

is the lithium battery going to be wired in for a 24 volt start?
some people run it that way. on my ZX the booster battery was not in the charging system.
that battery would need a steel structure.
or, it could be a remote battery ( not on the bike itself ) and plugged in when needed.

bf

[saltwheels262]

Anything you think of that will help or usually gets missed by newbee's like myself is appreciated.

Thanks
Warp

pay attention to the tire requirements for the speeds you will be running and the record speed in the class you are entered.
read up on valve stems and caps, chain guards and safety wiring.
you will probably need a steering damper.

if you build the bike to SCTA specs ; it should pass Tech at any land speed event.

[55chevr]

The OEM metal box is fine.   What most do is put a piece of aluminum stock - 3/4 to 1" wide  - from side to side over the top.  Don't over work this. Bill is correct, tires are a deal breaker. Must be less than 10 years old and speed rated for the class record. Metal valve stems if over 175 mph.  Metal caps all classes.
Joe