AGM battery replacement for early CA77 style battery

[Bon]

I'm experimenting with a sealed AGM battery that fits the early style battery compartment of the CA77 Dream. I would love any advice or experiences that anyone can share. The battery that I'm trying is a Westco 12V7L-B. It is very, very close to the same height and depth of the original battery but is narrower, right-to-left, when viewed on the bike. I don't have a battery/tool hold down so I'm going to take this opportunity to fashion one that will be very similar to the original but have a couple of tabs that are bent down to secure the battery both front to back as well as on the one side that will keep the battery from sliding side-to-side.

I haven't been able to find the electrical specs for the original battery. Judging by the late model dream batteries size and its specs I guessing that the Wesco might be up to the task as a substitute for the early battery. It has specs of 88 CCA and 7 ah capacity (The late version has 9 ah capacity). The terminals are correct with negative on the left and positive on the right. However, the terminals are a bit smaller than the original battery and they are on the top-front rather than the sides.

I've temporarily hooked the battery and it cranks the electric starter over with enthusiasm. I'd love to get rid of the maintenance issues associated with the original wet cell battery as well as the relatively short service life. I've heard of other AGM batteries giving 5-10 years of life when treated well. I don't know anything about Westco though. The battery is made in Vietnam.

Now you know what I know and I'd love to know what you know about battery options with the early model CA77's. Thanks!

[e3steve]

AGMs are getting less expensive these days. Originally developed for aviation applications; top quality AGMs are purported as having a 20-yr lifespan! Any attitude, high CCA (Cranking Current Amps) and longevity.

I run CB with a €22, non maintenance-free, 7Ah flooded batt -- I couldn't get a 9Ah. It's been a year, now; never topped it up and only run it down once, after some enthusiastic tinkering. A 7Ah Absorbed Glass Mat should perform as well as a 9Ah flooded, outlasting same 3- or 4-fold.

CB started last week after 5 months of sitting undercover, albeit in my garage. No hesitation, on the button, no maintenance charging of the battery.