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Helping keep British Motorcycles on the road for over 30 years - established 1977

12N94B-1 Type Sealed 12 Volt Kickstart Battery

Part Number 335-02/A

These modern maintenance free sealed AGM batteries require no filling with electrolyte, and have been custom made to replace the old style batteries. Just check to make sure it is fully charged, and install - no more vent tubes, electrolyte level checks, or possible acid damage to your classic!

Manufactured specifically for BCS by the long established Aero Battery Company. Our latest batch of batteries are now black for non-obtrusive appearance. Ready to be installed on any classic kickstart Triumph, BSA or Norton motorcycle that was originally fitted with a single 12V battery.

Batteries measure 5-1/2" high; 2-15/16" deep; 5-5/16" wide.
Install Instructions [pdf]

These are the exact equivalent of a 12N94B1 battery, but are also almost identical to the 12N7 series batteries other than being ¼ inch higher (5-1/2" high instead of 5-1/4 inch high). Both batteries are 5-5/16" long and 3 inches wide.

12N9 or equivalent batteries are also specified for the following non-classic British motorcycles (and will probably fit many others that specify the ¼ inch shorter 12N7 such as kickstart HD FX series, 1971-1972 and XLCH Sportsters 1970-1978).

Benelli:
125 Jarno
125 CS

Cagiva:
125 Crouser (1987-1988)
125 Freccia C9/C10R/C12R (1987-1990)
125 Mito (1990-1997)
125 N90 (1997)
125 Roadster (1994-1997)
125 Supercity (1991-1997)

Gilera:
125 Apavhe (e-start)
125 Arizona (e-start)
125 Crona (e-start)
125 CS (e-start)
125 FastBike (e-start)
125 Freestyle (e-start)
125 GFR (e-start)
125 KK, KZ (e-start)
125 MX1, MXR (e-start)
125 Nebraska (e-start)
125 R1, R1S (e-start)
125 RTX, RV, RX (e-start)
125 SP01, SP02 (e-start)
125 Top Rally (e-start)
125 XR1, XR2 (e-start)
200 Arizona (e-start)
200 FastBike (e-start)
200 RTS, RV, RX (e-start)

Honda:
160 CB160 Sport (1965-1969)
160 CL160 Scrambler (1966-1968)
175 CB175 Supersport (1969-1973)
175 CL175 Scrambler (1968-1973)
200 CB200, T (1974-1976)
200 CL200 Scrambler (1974)
200 CM200T Twinstar (1981-1982)

Kawasaki:
350 A7 (1966-1971)
500 H1 (1969-1975)
500 KH500A (1976)







Mark Appleton (Owner, BCS) Comments:

There are many variables that determine battery life once in the field, such as usage patterns, charging system regulated voltage, preparation before installation (we recommend 18 hrs. at ½Amp for these batteries, though 9 hours at 1Amp should be almost as satisfactory). In addition, storage procedure also has a great effect on battery life.

While these batteries are not as expensive as some premium sealed batteries, and consequently, ours could conceivably not have as long an overall life under comparable conditions, we have been selling this type of battery for some time, with only 2 warranties since 2008.

Our warranty on all our batteries is a no questions asked free replacement for the first 90 days, then replacement on a prorated basis for the balance of our 24 month warranty. Yuasa’s warranty is generally only 6month free replacement. A few comments raised by Yuasa on their site:

How long should a battery last?

Many factors affect the life of a battery:

CLIMATE - Colder climates tend to be hard on batteries from a starting standpoint, and for the fact that many people put their bikes away for the season when not using. Sometimes without charging properly. Hotter climates tend to discharge batteries quicker, and dry out batteries quicker. "Average" climates are the best for long battery life.

USEAGE - A battery that is used every day has the most chance of living a long life. Batteries that sit a lot, many times are neglected. This shortens overall life. Periodic charging is the best defense.

APPLICATION - How well is the battery charged in the vehicle? Some vehicles have better charging systems than others. Older bikes have worse charging systems than new ones. Are there a lot of extra accessories on your vehicle? Sometimes a battery has a hard time keeping up with additional electrical drains, thus wearing it out quicker.

Negative factors that can affect battery life:

SULFATION - Sulfation is a build up of crystals on the plates of a battery. This comes from not charging a battery properly. The more sulfation that builds up, the harder the battery is to charge, until finally it does not charge at all.

WATER LOSS - Water loss can come from overcharging, or just simple evaporation over time. This only happens with conventional batteries. This does not happen with sealed AGM batteries. Once the plates of a battery are left open to the air, above the fluid level, they can corrode very quickly. Corrosion can cause an internal short, and very quickly destroy the battery. Keeping proper water levels maintained is very important.

LACK OF CHARGING - As mentioned previously, lack of proper charging is the main reason that a battery will not last as long as it should. At the very minimum, a battery should be charged once a month if left unused.

COMPLETE DRAIN - Have you ever left your key on, and totally killed the battery? If recovered in a short time period, the battery should charge back to 100%. But every time this happens, it is similar to the battery having a "heart attack", and shortening its overall life. Always turn your vehicle off with the keyed ignition switch, not the "kill switch".

The Good News:

SEALED AGM BATTERIES - Such as British Cycle's #332-02/A, last longer than other types. They are not "open to the air" by way of a vent tube. They do not lose water. They are also packed tighter. Plates do not vibrate causing material to shed from the plates and short out. Or worse yet, simply breaking apart in some high vibration applications. Sealed AGM batteries typically last 3 to 5 years on average. 6 to 8 years is easily obtainable with proper maintenance.

Typically sealed AGM batteries will give warning before completely dying. They will start slower, and require more charging. This is your clue to replace the battery. Typically they do not fail all of a sudden. Conventional "acid-filled" batteries have a harder life, for many of the reasons listed above. Conventional batteries typically only last 2 to 3 years on average. Although, 4 to 5 years is possible, in the best environments, and with excellent maintenance.