Did ya' know? And I've gotta storage question?

#1 Did you know that Baja Designs has small rechargable nicad 12 volt batteries for lighting systems? Well I didn't. My #1 84.5 Husky WR 400 came with a non-lighting capable PVL ignition that's in perfectl condition -- I added a FWW to restore the low end tractability and improve starting...As some of you may know you've got make the PVL spin fast on the bigger bikes to get the engine fired up. ANYWAY, I always wanted lighting on this bike, but I couldn't justify scrapping the PVL and dropping another $500 bucks just so I have lights. I've got a wire harness on it and I've used 12 volt batteries, but they would drain immediately after being used, and wouldn't hold a charge after that -- bottom line...they were useless...So this morning I stumbled across this:

https://www.bajadesigns.com/NET/C-124/BATTERIES & REGULATORS

So I just wanted to pass this on. Your oem ignition is good, but your lights are out, or you've got a PVL on your WR, OR, XC, and no light capability -- well now there's a fix for it.

#2 I don't know what's happening in my tiny little 1 door attached townhouse garage, but slowly and surely I'm starting to "collect" some bikes that I definitely will not be letting go of anytime soon. So do any of you guys use local storage places (I'm not asking you where you store them, just if you use them!)...What do you guys do -- storage centers, friends houses, PODS, living room (that's not happenin' here), sheds?

I have four dirtbikes, one Mini-Trail 50, one YSR 50 and two pocketbikes in the garage. My XS1100 and BWS 50 are outside under bike covers. I would have them inside but it is a little tight for space now and I just can't give any up. Bikes or space. I need help.........

I am concidering a Pod or one of those plastic sheds you see at Costco. Just to get the two outside bikes out of the damp air. We'll see.

Nice find Skoalman. I'll have to try and persuade them to ship to UK. There's a few nice goodies on there!

Storage - my garage has 2.5m ceilings so I rope whatever I can up into the rafters, including old motorbikes, bicycles and a small car. Block and tackle comes in very handy, and it helps having steel girders.

I have been known to bring in bikes to the house. Currently doing a bike rewire inside. Clean job, so not so bad. From my wife's perspective, she can watch TV while I do the bike and we can still chat. My cats and my 2 year old daughter on the other hand are not so keen. She cried.

We always need more space!

Okay, so obviously I'm not the only one!! --

NFG -- My brother has a lil' brother has huge, huge house, no kids, just he and an o' girl...You can literally get lost in the house -- he has 2 garage spaces, and a cool big concrete floored shed he built on his property. He said I could keep 2 of them there -- which is really all need to move and help me get my feung shuei back in the Mancave!

But I'm just worried about it getting cool and damp in there -- Guess I'll WD 40 and use an old cotton bed sheet...

White Husky -- that's a cool little story. Oh, BTW, I heard the BD Nicad batteries can hold a charge for months!!

John,

Sounds like every is in the same boat!

I cant help ya with the storage problem but I can give u some insight on the nicad battery thing. I have a 98 RM250 set up for woods riding. what i did is wire up (2) 6 volt remote control car batteries in a series pos. to neg. with bullet connectors giving you 12 volts. so you can un plug and recharge using the battery charger. I made my own wiring harness and the batteries fit nicely behind the headlight with 2 velcro straps to the forklegs.i also wired in an on/off toggle and when i come to a roadcrossing or have to ride down the road I switch it on and when i jump back in the woods I shut it off. batteries last awhile using this method. and when they do die just un plug em and charge em up.its worked for years like this and you can get it all at a hobby shop.

Have a 3 car garage with only 1 car and 1800 feet of basement that a garage opens into so I would be glad to "Store" anything for you LOL!

Skoalman, I have a single car garage but pretty deep, try to keep only one or two bikes in there to work on them. 12'X10" shed is filled and just bought/added a 14'X18' next to the garge thinking I would have plenty of space. Doesn't work new buildings full and I can't fit much more in there either. I guess the more space you have the more you can try to stuff in it.

WRX -- good tip -- thanks for passing it on.

Joe -- I might have to take you up on that!!! LOL!

Hemitkn -- "I guess the more space you have the more you can try to stuff in it," -- so true, so very true.

Funny you should mention Vanderhoof. I grew up in Prince George and understand the refrence. Ha ha! I take it you know your away around up North. Was a magic place back in the late 70's and 80's. Had a Husky back then and hung out at the BearCycle.

I will post up some pic's tomorrow. Maybe throw in a few old ones. Had a rough day with no sleep and a short shift at the Olympics to finish me off...........

The husky is tucked away all safe. It's not going anywhere.

Did not know Toby. When I had my Husky there was a small shop called the Bearcycle that was a HD and Husqvarna dealer. I used to hang there with two of the four owners. Brian Rice and Pearson. I owe these two a huge debt for all they tought me and the passion they had for the sport. Lost track of them when I moved to Vancouver in 87.