Battery Questions

[lancepar]

Hi,
Here is what I'd like to know.

Old motorbike only uses the battery for lights and horn, no winkers, charged via its regulator and dynamo, all working.
Existing 6v battery won't stay charged, I buggered it, but when the bike is running it does its job.
I have a small 12v 'bike battery sitting doing nothing except being kept charged on a small PV panel.
Now the questions......
If I discharged the 12v battery below 6v and then recharged it with my 6v charger will I have a battery with 6v capacity?
And if this works and I put it on the 'bike what will be the outcome regarding being charged by the 'bikes 6v system?

I have tried to search for answers on the web but one can never get the correct info' these days.

Cheers

[Krikkit]

No, you can't just run the battery flat and hope it'll work.

Best bet is to buy a DC->DC converter which'll convert 12V to 6V. Should be a tenner or so for the components, then need wiring up.

[lancepar]

Thanks, I'll look into that as there will be plenty room in the old girls battery box.

[archie456]

Krikkit said:

No, you can't just run the battery flat and hope it'll work.

Best bet is to buy a DC->DC converter which'll convert 12V to 6V. Should be a tenner or so for the components, then need wiring up.

I can't see how that will work, not for long anyway, the battery won't get charged. Unless I've missed something....

[lancepar]

I've discovered recharging would be an issue to overcome.

So best way forward will be to get a replacement 6V battery and be done with it, never mind..

Thanks all.