Anybody know where I can get a starter upgrade kit?

[iltl32]

DesmoTimes used to sell an upgrade kit for the battery and starter cables for around $40, but they don't sell it any more.  I can only find it on E-Bay for ridiculous prices.  Any ideas?

It's for an '05 620

[ducpainter]

Check with motowheels...

http://motowheels.com/c-181242-parts-electrical-lighting-batteries-and-spare-parts.html

[oldndumb]

Fairly easy to assemble your own using welding cable.

Or, if that is not your choice you could use http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables/custom-battery-cable-assembly

Since this mod is used on just about every brand bike, there have been industrious entrepreneurs offering kits. Originally, most were reasonable, but unfortunately that seems to be changing as greed becomes a factor. I have also noted some people reporting difficulty doing the mod, but that is because they were not using the correct cable. Welding cable is probably the most flexible cable available, and the insulation is extremely durable.

[iltl32]

This is a newb question, but if I just buy cable by itself how easy is it attach the connectors?  Are they bolted on or otherwise removable or do you have to cut and splice the connectors onto the new cable?

Motowheels doesn't seem to specify if their cables will fit a 620 (You'd think the cables would all be the same but they specify different bikes so something must be different).  I sent them an e-mail.

[oldndumb]

 

[DarkMonster620]

http://www.motolectric.com/makes/ducati.html


$120.00

[iltl32]

http://www.motolectric.com/makes/ducati.html


$120.00

Yeah, that's one of the 'ridiculous' ones I mentioned.  Anything over $40 for this is a joke.

[DarkMonster620]

well, use the picture and make your own . . .

[silas]

I paid the $120 for the motolectric kit for my M900. They can make them for any Duck, all custom made to order. It doesn't actually seem too bad a deal, it's a better kit than some of the $75 ones. It would have taken me dozens of hours to figure out what types of cables, ends, lengths, and then to fabricate. The motolectric is a super high quality kit (best?) and my bike fires right up so easily just by touching the button now.

The motolectric owner has you do a process where you state what side of the engine/ path and where you want each wire routed, then they make it to your spec exactly. The wires are huge and it will save your battery.

[oldndumb]

I paid the $120 for the motolectric kit for my M900. They can make them for any Duck, all custom made to order. It doesn't actually seem too bad a deal, it's a better kit than some of the $75 ones. It would have taken me dozens of hours to figure out what types of cables, ends, lengths, and then to fabricate. The motolectric is a super high quality kit (best?) and my bike fires right up so easily just by touching the button now.

The motolectric owner has you do a process where you state what side of the engine/ path and where you want each wire routed, then they make it to your spec exactly. The wires are huge and it will save your battery.

While my choices are obviously different than yours, and I understand that some have various reasons for choosing among options, I agree each of us are entitled to our own preferences.

However, I do wonder what evidence you have to support the claim that the motolectric kit is better than the $75 ones? Maybe you could explain. 

And ,BTW, it aint rocket science figuring out the routing and terminals. And, I would bet that he supplies a ready made kit for each model rather than reinventing the wheel each time. 

[brad black]

i really like the motolectric kits, and have fitted quite a lot of them.  lt at desmotimes said they were better quality than the powerlet kits he sold.  but how much better depends on how you see it.

you just need to have the right tools to make them yourself, i'm sure it wouldn't be too hard otherwise.  if the welding cables just use a solder terminal you probably just need a torch to get it hot enough fast enough.

[Capitalview]

Go to NAPA and just get bulk battery cable.  It is very flexible.  You can also get ends for it and the heat shrink to cover the ends. 

Just get some solder and a propane torch.  Place end in a vice.  Heat end and melt solder into end. Ķeep heat on end and insert cable and remove heat.  One end done.  Rinse and repeat.

Use 6 gauge wire, or if you are crazy about volt loss, 4 gauge.  The oxygen free stuff is used mostly for audio stuff to prevent, possible, signal distortion.

[Rudemouthsky]

Fairly easy to assemble your own using welding cable.

Or, if that is not your choice you could use http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables/custom-battery-cable-assembly

Since this mod is used on just about every brand bike, there have been industrious entrepreneurs offering kits. Originally, most were reasonable, but unfortunately that seems to be changing as greed becomes a factor. I have also noted some people reporting difficulty doing the mod, but that is because they were not using the correct cable. Welding cable is probably the most flexible cable available, and the insulation is extremely durable.

That link is fantastic. The missing link between DIY and getting ripped off. I think I'll have a go at making my own tho. Thanks OND, good stuff as usual.

I will say, although the Motolectric kit is absolutely outrageous, the Motowheels kit isn't *completely* unreasonable if you have their VIP membership.

[oldndumb]

Don't know about other model Ducatis, but I found it more convenient on the EVO to carefully remove the stock 90 degree terminals from the factory set and reuse them (soldered) on the new set. On other bikes I just use copper terminals and swage them in a home brew fixture that I place in a large vise. I buy the cable and terminals from a welding supply house.





Pull test setup. The cable used in this instance was auto parts store bulk cable, not welding cable. Note the flexibility. Welding cable is just as flexible and has superior insulation.



Examples of crimps done for a Triumph.

[Howie]

Nice work.  Good way to save money and have a quality product.

I've seen the Motoelectric kit.  Pricey?  Yeah.  Great quality?  Yeah.  If I was feeling rich and lazy would I buy it?  Yeah