WD Motorcycle forum

Start a New Topic

Author

Comment

Ron Pier

Jun 25, 2018 - 12:21PM

Forum Picture

A replica! Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Rob Miller

Jun 26, 2018 - 10:24AM

Re: Forum Picture

When it says "Steel plate", is it referring to the outer metal box or does it have steel plates inside instead of lead as in a lead acid battery?

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

Ron Pier

Jun 26, 2018 - 10:40AM

Re: Forum Picture

Rob it's a stainless steel outer case. No lead, no acid. In fact the specification is such that I wonder why they ever changed it.

I'll send you something. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Rik

Jun 26, 2018 - 12:28PM

Re: Forum Picture

The cost of the Ni-Fe units was more than double, but the main reason for ending their fitment to motorcycles seems to have been that the scarce materials were needed elsewhere. I believe that there were several aircraft applications. A magneto-equipped motorcycle with a flat battery is not the end of the world. Sulphuric acid swilling around inside the aluminium structure of an aeroplane is probably not a very good thing. The Air Ministry had a talent for getting what they wanted, even in peacetime.

Ian Wright

Jun 26, 2018 - 1:13PM

Re: Forum Picture

'it's a stainless steel outer case...'

Lovely, lovely stainless steel...When are they going to do the rest of the bike?...:laughing: ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Rob Miller

Jun 26, 2018 - 2:20PM

Re: Forum Picture

Thanks Ron, fascinating stuff.

It seems that one of the problems with the Nife battery was its poor performance in cold weather, the winter of 1939/40 was very cold so maybe that had something to do with the rapid change to Lead Acid batteries early in the war?

Rob

email (option): robmiller11(a)yahoo.co.uk

Rik

Jun 26, 2018 - 5:45PM

Re: Forum Picture

The Norton factory records state 'Lead Batteries now standard' from October 1939 so it seems that they were taking measures earlier.

Charlie

Jun 27, 2018 - 11:03PM

Re: Forum Picture

Could anybody tell me why five cells for six volts ?

Ron Pier

Jun 27, 2018 - 11:18PM

Re: Forum Picture

It's a whole lot of difference. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Horror

Jun 27, 2018 - 11:44PM

Re: Forum Picture

Wow, I wish I could get a battery that good now 🙂

email (option): horror@blueyonder.co.uk

Gurmot

Jun 28, 2018 - 8:16AM

Re: Forum Picture

Charlie

Could anybody tell me why five cells for six volts ?

5 cells x 1.2v each = 6v

email (option): Simon@leanmachine.co.uk

Ian Wright

Jun 28, 2018 - 4:05PM

Re: Forum Picture

This is turning into the WD battery forum....:laughing: ....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Charlie

Jun 29, 2018 - 6:51PM

Re: Forum Picture

Had the 1.2 volt figured out but the only batteries I have ever delt with over 50 odd years have all been 2volts per cell, excluding wireless accumulators , you live and learn