Maintenance and modifications, now 7 years on

[ancientdad]

I am honestly beyond words with how poorly that tank was packaged especially compared to some other things I have ordered such as the shift drum neutral stopper which was packed like a Fabergé egg. If they give you very much grief just reach out to E-Bay.

Yeah, I'm working the process right now. I replied to their cheesy response and told them that was not acceptable, and that they show 4 more tanks remaining to sell so there is no reason they can't send me a replacement, at which point I'll return the damaged one. But since it's their fault for the pathetic packaging on the one they sent me, they should be paying for the return shipping. If that doesn't resolve things (and I'm not expecting it will) then eBay will be involved next.

 

[stl360+450]

Granted, the packing was atrocious, but hearing about what happened with the first tank and seeing the damage on this one casts doubt on the viability of this design long term. I had the same thought about the number listed in stock, so we'll see how it unfolds, but I would be starting to at least consider other another way to go.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this kind of aggravation — this hobby is supposed to be relaxing.

 

[ancientdad]

Granted, the packing was atrocious, but hearing about what happened with the first tank and seeing the damage on this one casts doubt on the viability of this design long term. I had the same tonight about the number listed in stock, so we'll see how it unfolds, but I would be starting to at least consider other another way to go.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this kind of aggravation — this hobby is supposed to be relaxing.

I hear you, and thanks for the thoughts. The issue is, the frame is already set up for this tank's mounts and dimensions, so any significant deviation would require frame mount changes which would, of course, require welding which, of course, would require full disassembly of the bike and re-powdercoating the frame. I found a couple of other chrome tanks but the shape is not quite the same and the mounts are quite different. So, if this doesn't get resolved appropriately, I'll be looking into getting the original re-chromed which will probably cost double or more. But at least I'll know it will fit. I've thought about the alternatives and neither a bright powdercoating nor a highly metallic silver color would be the same when matched up with the chrome fenders.

 

[ausman1000]

Yeah, I'm working the process right now. I replied to their cheesy response and told them that was not acceptable, and that they show 4 more tanks remaining to sell so there is no reason they can't send me a replacement, at which point I'll return the damaged one. But since it's their fault for the pathetic packaging on the one they sent me, they should be paying for the return shipping. If that doesn't resolve things (and I'm not expecting it will) then eBay will be involved next.

Time to start the return service directly with eBay. You will be reimbursed 100% of costs including shipping. You don't want to go down that rabbit hole with that seller. You will receive the refund when tracking shows the item was delivered to seller. Once the dust settles you can then proceed to purchase another if you choose.

 

[ancientdad]

Time to start the return service directly with eBay. You will be reimbursed 100% of costs including shipping. You don't want to go down that rabbit hole with that seller. You will receive the refund when tracking shows the item was delivered to seller. Once the dust settles you can then proceed to purchase another if you choose.

I've never had to go that far before, but I'm sure I'll be going that way after their reply to my last email. Thanks for the more in-depth information on the process.

And I'm also puzzled by the fact that this seller somehow has two eBay names. The tank shows up under the seller name of Haztmotor, but when you make the purchase or exchange emails internally on eBay it shows them as lichun40. Haztmotor shows 1300 items sold, but lichun40 only shows 192. Something fishy there.

 

[ballbearian]

Time to start the return service directly with eBay. You will be reimbursed 100% of costs including shipping. You don't want to go down that rabbit hole with that seller. You will receive the refund when tracking shows the item was delivered to seller. Once the dust settles you can then proceed to purchase another if you choose.

Yep, let ebay lower the boom on them.
Out of curiosity, if you still have the "box", did damage to the box match the impact spot on the tank? I've heard of prior damaged goods sent, with seller's hope that buyer will think it just happened in current shipping, then seller 'negotiates' with buyer (like the offer they gave you) just to move bad inventory.

 

[ancientdad]

Yep, let ebay lower the boom on them.
Out of curiosity, if you still have the "box", did damage to the box match the impact spot on the tank? I've heard of prior damaged goods sent, with seller's hope that buyer will think it just happened in current shipping, then seller 'negotiates' with buyer (like the offer they gave you) just to move bad inventory.

That's a good point, never thought about it that way. I have the folded cardboard but there wasn't any specific damage on the outside that matched the spots really, just beaten up in general but not quite enough to puncture it.

 

[ballbearian]

That's a good point, never thought about it that way. I have the folded cardboard but there wasn't any specific damage on the outside that matched the spots really, just beaten up in general but not quite enough to puncture it.

Also inform ebay of the dual seller name issue.

 

[stl360+450]

I've heard of prior damaged goods sent, with seller's hope that buyer will think it just happened in current shipping, then seller 'negotiates' with buyer (like the offer they gave you) just to move bad inventory.

I have never run into this aside from obviously poor photos of used items, but the thought crossed my mind after reading the seller's response above. The other thought was maybe they would try to make a claim against USPS through insurance, but I have no idea how that works.

 

[ausman1000]

Also inform ebay of the dual seller name issue.

But do that only after the refund is received.

Actually eBay won't give a crap about seller having two names under one account, it is not against policy. eBay is all about the sale at any cost but they will side most times with the buyer after the sale if not satisfied.

 

[teebo]

Did you resolve the tank issue, AD?

 

[ancientdad]

Yes and no. Got my refund a week or so ago, and waited for the seller to get new tanks in stock. Saw them on eBay again, along with another ad from the same seller showing "blemished" chrome tanks for $90. Emailed the seller and told him I noticed he had more new tanks and that I wanted a new one, NOT a blemished one, and said that I'd be willing to buy another new one IF he could package the tank better for safe shipping so it wouldn't get damaged. This was his reply.

"You can check listing l am updated is broken fuel tank (you old item)lf you still need new fuel tank Jul 10th will new item arrive"

Yet the seller's current listings show both 'new' and 'blemished' in stock.

Items for sale by haztmotor | eBay

Shop eBay for great deals from haztmotor!

www.ebay.com

This is about the sketchiest purchase situation I've faced in a long time and I'm not convinced that another round would end any differently. If only the communication was better, I might be inclined to try again. I'm considering getting this tank re-chromed. Or just giving up and painting it silver, or getting it powdercoated.

 

[teebo]

This is about the sketchiest purchase situation I've faced in a long time and I'm not convinced that another round would end any differently. If only the communication was better, I might be inclined to try again. I'm considering getting this tank re-chromed. Or just giving up and painting it silver, or getting it powdercoated.

It is sketchy. And, who would want a blemished chrome tank?

 

[ancientdad]

It is sketchy. And, who would want a blemished chrome tank?

Yeah, especially when those 'blemishes' are actually chipped and cracked areas of chrome. No future in that.

 

[teebo]

You packaged the tank you sold me like a BOSS.

I’ve only ever received something one other time packaged so well. Got some chairs from a place in NYC. The most amazing packing job I’ve seen. Had to taken them a couple hours to package.

 

[ancientdad]

You packaged the tank you sold me like a BOSS.

Thanks, but of course most won't take the time or spend the extra shipping costs because of the larger size and weight it ends up being when packed better. I just shipped a CB650C camshaft (from one of my two carcasses left over from the drag bike's used parts needs) to Mike Nixon and I did it the same way. Costs more, but you have the confidence it's going to get there unscathed despite all the negligence along the way.

 

[ancientdad]

The gas tank saga from earlier this year is still not completely resolved. The Chinese seller's chrome tanks came back in stock but they also have an ad selling the "blemished" tanks, which are undoubtedly those that were returned like mine, and they even used one of my pictures to show one of the "blemishes" which of course is a bent front corner with chipped/cracked chrome plating. They added a red arrow and some blue text, but if you look carefully you can still see the red oval I put over the obvious chipped chrome area.



Obviously I won't be buying another one from them. So the months went by and I periodically checked Webike and others for more Ape 100 tanks available, but the stock has been dwindling and the chrome version has never come back in stock since. Finally I decided that my only option was to get my tank rechromed, or buy another new tank of any color and strip it to be rechromed. I decided on the latter so the bike would still be rideable during the process.

On to the next buying adventure. I found a painted tank on eBay, seller based in Japan so it seemed they would be more trustworthy (though their rating was a bit low at 97.4%, as well as no returns allowed). Being in a difficult spot at this point and looking at a bit more money at $136 delivered, I was at least hopeful that the packaging would be better because of the shipping origin.

The box looked in good condition on my porch when it arrived. The hopeful feelings continued until I picked it up from the porch, then I realized that the country of shipping origin apparently was meaningless. I immediately felt lots of movement inside the soft box and knew it wasn't going to be good. I guess I can be thankful that the tank (amazingly) did not have any dents, which seems almost inconceivable based on these pictures of the box as I opened it. (no matter what I do the picture is still upside down but whatever, the point is obvious)




That's exactly how it looked when I opened the box from the bottom because I didn't want to slice down the middle of the completely taped-over address label. No additional padding to keep the tank from bouncing around inside the box, and the thinnest, smallest-bubble bubble-wrap bag one could use. And, they just tossed the small bag of gas cap, keys and petcock in the box below the tank, which then got beaten into the cardboard while being bounced around. (also upside down but you get the point)



So it was pretty obvious what I was in store for once completely unwrapped.





And a bent seam on the bottom that I'm going to try to straighten a bit, hopefully without it cracking. The slight bend in the front of the tank are far less obvious when the tank is mounted, but the bottom edges are on full display so those bends will be quite visible.



The consolation here, of course, is that the paint being chipped doesn't matter because it will be stripped to get chromed. However, to add insult to injury, the interior of the tanks has some light rust that the original tank bought from Webike in Japan (supplied by Tanaka Trading) did not have.

I guess it's the price you pay to have something custom. At least I now have a backup and that should perpetuate things until I'm no longer riding the bike.

 

[bilbikek411]

The gas tank saga from earlier this year is still not completely resolved. The Chinese seller's chrome tanks came back in stock but they also have an ad selling the "blemished" tanks, which are undoubtedly those that were returned like mine, and they even used one of my pictures to show one of the "blemishes" which of course is a bent front corner with chipped/cracked chrome plating. They added a red arrow and some blue text, but if you look carefully you can still see the red oval I put over the obvious chipped chrome area.

View attachment 40348

Obviously I won't be buying another one from them. So the months went by and I periodically checked Webike and others for more Ape 100 tanks available, but the stock has been dwindling and the chrome version has never come back in stock since. Finally I decided that my only option was to get my tank rechromed, or buy another new tank of any color and strip it to be rechromed. I decided on the latter so the bike would still be rideable during the process.

On to the next buying adventure. I found a painted tank on eBay, seller based in Japan so it seemed they would be more trustworthy (though their rating was a bit low at 97.4%, as well as no returns allowed). Being in a difficult spot at this point and looking at a bit more money at $136 delivered, I was at least hopeful that the packaging would be better because of the shipping origin.

The box looked in good condition on my porch when it arrived. The hopeful feelings continued until I picked it up from the porch, then I realized that the country of shipping origin apparently was meaningless. I immediately felt lots of movement inside the soft box and knew it wasn't going to be good. I guess I can be thankful that the tank (amazingly) did not have any dents, which seems almost inconceivable based on these pictures of the box as I opened it. (no matter what I do the picture is still upside down but whatever, the point is obvious)

View attachment 40351


That's exactly how it looked when I opened the box from the bottom because I didn't want to slice down the middle of the completely taped-over address label. No additional padding to keep the tank from bouncing around inside the box, and the thinnest, smallest-bubble bubble-wrap bag one could use. And, they just tossed the small bag of gas cap, keys and petcock in the box below the tank, which then got beaten into the cardboard while being bounced around. (also upside down but you get the point)

View attachment 40352

So it was pretty obvious what I was in store for once completely unwrapped.

View attachment 40353

View attachment 40354

And a bent seam on the bottom that I'm going to try to straighten a bit, hopefully without it cracking. The slight bend in the front of the tank are far less obvious when the tank is mounted, but the bottom edges are on full display so those bends will be quite visible.

View attachment 40355

The consolation here, of course, is that the paint being chipped doesn't matter because it will be stripped to get chromed. However, to add insult to injury, the interior of the tanks has some light rust that the original tank bought from Webike in Japan (supplied by Tanaka Trading) did not have.

I guess it's the price you pay to have something custom. At least I now have a backup and that should perpetuate things until I'm no longer riding the bike.

Was this an NOS tank that they treated so poorly in shipping ?

 

[ancientdad]

Was this an NOS tank that they treated so poorly in shipping ?

I wouldn't call it NOS, but they are new aftermarket replica tanks for the Ape models.

 

[bilbikek411]

I see.
Similar in design to your chrome tank ?

 

[ancientdad]

I see.
Similar in design to your chrome tank ?

Same design, the chrome tank was also an aftermarket replica Ape 100 tank.

 

[bilbikek411]

Same design, the chrome tank was also an aftermarket replica Ape 100 tank.

We need sellers who professionally operate a business selling parts to the public to 'get with it' and treat their valued customers like they want to be treated themselves.
I'm glad our technologies offer online reviews,which can sometimes help some of these individuals to stop that stuff.

 

[ancientdad]

We need sellers who professionally operate a business selling parts to the public to 'get with it' and treat their valued customers like they want to be treated themselves.
I'm glad our technologies offer online reviews,which can sometimes help some of these individuals to stop that stuff.

While that's true and a good sentiment, the reality is far different. Money and profit are all that matter today and the time it takes to properly package something, let alone the extra cost of shipping a larger package for proper damage avoidance, are never going to happen. And, if you slam them in a review, it's unlikely you'll get anything but personal satisfaction. And the seller, or eBay, may well remove the bad review.

Instead, what I've done privately with this seller is take them to task about how poorly packaged it was, resulting in the damage shown. I complained to the seller and told them if they didn't do something to make this right, they'd suffer a horrible review. That resulted in a $20 refund plus the tax on that money for a total of $21.20. I replied that I had to repair the damaged areas and repaint the tank (they don't know I plan to have it chromed, though it really doesn't matter), plus remove the rust inside the tank AND hope the petcock wasn't damaged by getting beaten into the bottom of the box by the tank in the sloppy packaging, and that a mere $20 will not come close to covering the cost of my labor and the materials needed. And THAT resulted in my getting another $21.20 refunded. So the end result is a tank with less damage than the first chrome tank ordered months ago and returned (for full refund after arguing), and for roughly 30% less than the initial selling price.

In the end I suppose it worked out okay, but the path to get there is so typical for these times.

 

[bilbikek411]

While that's true and a good sentiment, the reality is far different. Money and profit are all that matter today and the time it takes to properly package something, let alone the extra cost of shipping a larger package for proper damage avoidance, are never going to happen. And, if you slam them in a review, it's unlikely you'll get anything but personal satisfaction. And the seller, or eBay, may well remove the bad review.

Instead, what I've done privately with this seller is take them to task about how poorly packaged it was, resulting in the damage shown. I complained to the seller and told them if they didn't do something to make this right, they'd suffer a horrible review. That resulted in a $20 refund plus the tax on that money for a total of $21.20. I replied that I had to repair the damaged areas and repaint the tank (they don't know I plan to have it chromed, though it really doesn't matter), plus remove the rust inside the tank AND hope the petcock wasn't damaged by getting beaten into the bottom of the box by the tank in the sloppy packaging, and that a mere $20 will not come close to covering the cost of my labor and the materials needed. And THAT resulted in my getting another $21.20 refunded. So the end result is a tank with less damage than the first chrome tank ordered months ago and returned (for full refund after arguing), and for roughly 30% less than the initial selling price.

In the end I suppose it worked out okay, but the path to get there is so typical for these times.

That helps.

 

[ausman1000]

By the way, they can state No Returns but that doesn't hold water anymore unless it was decribed as Parts Only, Not Working etc. If you want to return it you can for a full refund and they provide the prepaid shipping label.

 

[ancientdad]

Thanks for the clarity, and thankfully it's in usable condition so I don't have to go through it. Good to know for the future though.

 

[stl360+450]

That's pretty lousy packing, especially for a tank, but luckily your plan for that tank isn't dependent on the competence of the seller.

The hopeful feelings continued until I picked it up from the porch, then I realized that the country of shipping origin apparently was meaningless.

Maybe I missed it, but where did the package come from? China again?

 

[ancientdad]

Maybe I missed it, but where did the package come from? China again?

While the package was shipped from Japan, the tank was made in China and as you can see, the packaging was almost as poor as the previous chrome tank purchase. I have to say, upon closer examination it looks like a notch below the overall quality level of the Tanaka Trading chrome tank from Webike I bought originally. There are a few more imperfections along the seams and the front edges at the lower part of the tunnel area are more "lumpy" near the seams from sloppy metal shaping, though overall it won't be much more noticeable than the original because of the location. With any luck, and with a proper, professional chrome job, this tank should last a while.

 

[Flyin900]

Quite the tank saga there AD after just reading the last few posts about shipping and packing materials. When you see the level of even US sellers and their knowledge level of what their selling the packing is commensurate to that parts level knowledge it seems.
That Bring a Trailer CBX seller I sent a question about the last carb cleaning and valve shim adjustment procedures. He has had some minor work done by outside service shops and nothing by himself.

His response was "the bike runs fine, so I leave it alone". The carbs were cleaned in 2010. The FSM suggests checking the valve shims at 1000, 4000, 8000 and 12,000 miles. Guess he missed that memo.

 

[ancientdad]

A couple things going on as of late. The new tank was packed up and shipped to the chrome shop today, and my new Ikon shocks arrived a few days ago. I put them on yesterday afternoon since the weather is finally warmer (and really nice today, in the low 70s). Haven't ridden it yet with them, but first impressions sitting on it feels like the springs might be a bit stiff. We discussed the spring rate situation at length and they give you one free spring rate change in the first year (IIRC), so I have the option. The main reason I wanted to get better shocks was the custom spring rate I might get, the better damping will just be a bonus. We'll see, maybe this afternoon if I get the chance.



Chrome work is very nice, and the color combo is completely opposite of the Emgos.



Ignore that nasty rear fender...






When they powdercoated the frame the second time, they really went overboard on the right side. I had to wash off a fair amount of red from the upper shock mount post before the sleeve would slip onto it. The Emgos did not come with the right size sleeves so they went without, and the rubber grommet was a little loose on the mount previously though I never felt any movement. Now I hope they ride as mice as they look.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

They'll be a vast improvement over the "one size fits all" Emgo units.

 

[ancientdad]

They'll be a vast improvement over the "one size fits all" Emgo units.

I hope so, and I'm sure the damping will be way better, but the concern I discussed with Roger was the weight of my bike compared to a stock 450. He suggested a spring rate that is apparently pretty close to stock, but my bike weighs at least 60 lbs less, possibly 70. His concern was bottoming with the only lighter spring rate they offered.

 

[ballbearian]

Now I hope they ride as mice as they look.

Indeed. I look forward to your report.

 

[jensen]

Nice Tom, something with a Dutch origin added to your bike, this must be good

 

[ancientdad]

Nice Tom, something with a Dutch origin added to your bike, this must be good

Yes, I hope so. The longer these bikes are around on this earth, the more international they become. Dutch origin shocks from Australia by way of Pennsylvania.

 

[ausman1000]

Yes, I hope so. The longer these bikes are around on this earth, the more international they become. Dutch origin shocks from Australia by way of Pennsylvania.

Which Australian distributor?

 

[ancientdad]

Which Australian distributor?

It's actually Ikon in Pennsylvania, but I placed the order by going to their website and starting an email conversation. I'm not sure if they were manufactured/assembled here or in Australia.

 

[ancientdad]

I decided to put together bits and pieces from my existing YT ride videos and make a highlight reel (with a shameless plug for VHT at the end).

 

[Troy]

I decided to put together bits and pieces from my existing YT ride videos and make a highlight reel (with a shameless plug for VHT at the end).

Love it. Assume that is 12ozPBR you are riding with?!

 

[ancientdad]

Love it. Assume that is 12ozPBR you are riding with?!

It is, we've probably ridden around 1000 miles together, mostly in the mountains.

 

[Boosted]

Nice Tom, something with a Dutch origin added to your bike, this must be good

@jensen : i.e., Pennsylvanian Dutch; noted.

 

[ancientdad]

To follow up on the new Ikon shocks, I had a feeling when Roger convinced me to go with the basic spring rate that it would be too stiff. I explained to him that the bike is about 60 lbs lighter than original and told him my weight (right at 200 lbs) but he was concerned about them bottoming. After a 40+ mile ride on varied road surfaces it was clear they are too stiff, so I arranged for my one-time free spring swap and shipped them off at my cost to Roger in Pennsylvania. More USPS adventures ensued, they went out 3 day Priority Mail on the 10th and sat in the black hole that is the Jacksonville post office distribution center for over 5 days, allegedly finally arriving tomorrow. He'll do a one day turnaround on the spring swap and ship them back to me.

 

[ancientdad]

Aaand it looks like the shocks will get there today, tracking shows they're out for delivery. Hopefully have them back late next week barring any additional adventures. Wonder if they'd give me a partial refund considering it was an upgrade to go 3 day "Priority" Mail... right.

 

[Maraakate]

Yeah you won't get that shipping refund. They got a bunch of CYA on their terms.

 

[ancientdad]

Yeah you won't get that shipping refund. They got a bunch of CYA on their terms.

Oh I know, this isn't the first time it's happened and I'm sure it won't be the last.

Springs were swapped yesterday on the day he received the shocks as promised, packed back up and shipped out yesterday evening. Looking forward to a little relief for my lower back.

 

[Maraakate]

Interested how the IKONs work for you. As I'm in PA don't mind supporting local distributors. The other aftermarket shocks that I've put on for customers seemed way more stiff than I'd like. One was an adjustable set from 4-into-1 and even at its lowest range it is too stiff for me. The other set I think also came from 4-into-1, but I'm unsure. Either way. I wouldn't use them.

FWIW, both of my own personal bikes have the original shocks and everything rides fine. The biggest thing to handling issues really came down to refreshing front forks and servicing the swingarm.

 

[ancientdad]

Interested how the IKONs work for you. As I'm in PA don't mind supporting local distributors. The other aftermarket shocks that I've put on for customers seemed way more stiff than I'd like. One was an adjustable set from 4-into-1 and even at its lowest range it is too stiff for me. The other set I think also came from 4-into-1, but I'm unsure. Either way. I wouldn't use them.

FWIW, both of my own personal bikes have the original shocks and everything rides fine. The biggest thing to handling issues really came down to refreshing front forks and servicing the swingarm.

Remember that this isn't a standard situation, my bike is lowered 1.5" so these shocks are custom length to keep the same geometry. The 11.5" Emgos I bought from 4into1 work okay overall except they're too firm for my taste. So hopefully this change puts them at a spring rate that is more comfortable for me personally.

 

[Maraakate]

For sure.

 

[ancientdad]

You know you're getting old when you want help pushing a bike up a short ramp. My wife is willing, but she's older than me and it would be like when she holds the ladder for me.

So a couple weeks ago I was pondering some things and saw a winch on sale at HF. Now as often goes with HF around this area, by the time you get to the store nearest you the sale item is gone so that $20 off didn't happen. But I did get an inexpensive winch, albeit not the wireless remote model I actually wanted that would have been about $5 less than what I paid had I been able to use the coupon.

Winch in hand, I looked around the garage for something to use to mount it. Turned out something that's been laying around since my old friend Mike welded it together for me in 2017 to use on the front motor mount of a 450 engine while doing a rebuild fit the bill perfectly, with a little trimming and drilling.

Marked, punched and drilled the holes in the front of the carrier rail after marking and drilling the bracket. MUCH easier with the drill press, drilling that steel plate took a while even with fresh bits (fortunately my father left me literally hundreds of bits, many of which were never used). Used a corded drill to avoid tiring out my 8 year old HF Hercules cordless.

Test-fitted everything. I bought wing nuts for the bolts so it could easily be removed if the carrier has to sit outdoors. Rather than have the cable drag over the front of the carrier, I figured a stout eyelet would do. Found a good sized stainless one and spread the eyelet open just enough to slip the cable into it, which would also make it easy to disassemble later.

Took it apart, painted the bracket, and reassembled

First test, just to see if it was up to the task. If not, then I can still use it to lift engines in my garage. Though I expected to do it, the remote wiring length wasn't long enough to comfortably stand next to the bike to guide it, so I added 4 feet of 10 gauge wire, heat shrunk and taped with Vintage Connections' self-fusing silicone tape periodically along the length to tidy it up.

I used my 900 battery and it worked as hoped, pulled the front end of the bike right to the top. So then it was time to try it on the truck today.

Best part is, I tried my emergency replacement AGM battery for the 450 on it this time hoping it would be up to the task, since it's much smaller. As our UK friends would say, it worked a treat. Pulled the bike up onto the carrier all the way, then reversed it to roll it back down under winch control, then back up fully and back down again, all on a 4 amp AGM that would fit in my tiny 450 battery box. Which tells me I'll have no trouble putting electric start back on my 450 if I want to. And I put it on the charger afterward, went from 1 LED of 4 up to 3 LEDs of 4 in less than 15 minutes. And that battery is going on 3 years old, I've taken it with us to the mountains as a backup for the bike 2 years in a row and will be again this year. Gotta love AGMs, especially that inexpensive Chromebattery brand of which this is yet another one.

 

[EzPete]

Those 4AH batteries have enough kick to run about 3 starter cycles (long enough to crank to figure out you have the coils backwards, times 3) - or at least they do on the CX and the GL, pretty sure the starter on the DOHC is about the same draw. With how easily yours starts, it shouldn't be an issue at all to bring push button start back.