I need to get a battery as well. I believe this is the original on a 2002 FLSTFI. Not sure though because I got the bike used 3 years ago. I left it on assoceries don't know how.

 

prang [pręŋ] Chiefly Brit slang
n
1. an accident or crash in an aircraft, car, etc.
2. (Military) an aircraft bombing raid
3. an achievement
vb
1. to crash or damage (an aircraft, car, etc.)
2. (Military) to damage (a town, etc.) by bombing
[possibly imitative of an explosion; perhaps related to Malay perang war, fighting]

New to me too!

 

While it may seem counter intuitive . . . . a battery may explode (caused by low electrolyte and an over charge or high current draw that causes a + to - plate spark) . . . but a lead/acid battery will not cause a fire . . .

 

Studs wont budge!! Just been told by Jersey HD that the lead is now obsolete....thanks HD 17 years old and obsolete!! At 54 how do you think that makes me feel lol!! Jersey HD are now looking for an alternative, if its not available have to find someone to make one up....any suggestions for this in the UK guys?

 

Maybe you could threaten them with a bombing raid unless they get their ***** into gear [get going with something useful].........

Or you could try one of the independents - Geoff Wooldridge at Cycle Enterprises in Stoke Golding is v. good - 01455 213007

 

Sounds to me like you had a direct short from the positive cable to the chassis. I'd bet your cable was either rubbed from vibration over time, or the accident damaged it, and it was a matter of time before it caught the wire's insulation on fire and then spread to the battery. WD-40 wouldn't have burned after a day of evaporating the solvents in it (which is mainly kerosene by the way).

Also, if the cable's unavailable, measure how long it is, buy the ends you need for it and go to a welding supply house and get the right section of welding line and make your own. The cables they use in arc welders are really good for this sort of thing.

 

Thanks for that guys. Jersey HD not got back to me yet, I also thought about some of the classic bike specialist for the cable. Still not sure if the alternator and rectifier are history....been quoted about £126.00 for both but will prob have to pay for fitting as I have a neurological disease and its really screwing my hands up at the mo

On a lighter note found a new use for WD40, had a wasp nest in the garden, gave it a good spray with it, set it alight and now its history!! Cheaper than rentokill and twice as much fun!!!

 

Next time use a penetrating oil, it will do a lot better, that why it call penetrating.

wd 40 is -- water displacement oil, actually make to keep parts from rusting...