Battery hold down bracket for Odyssey PC925

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

Created: 2008 January 07

Updated: 2008 January 07

After installing an Odyssey PC925L battery in my Ambassador, I wanted a well fitting hold down bracket. The stock bracket didn't work well and I did not wish to drill any additional holes in my battery tray. So, I decided to craft my own homemade battery hold down bracket. I could have welded a few pieces of steel together and that would have worked just fine. Instead, I decided to use commonly available aluminum pieces and stainless steel fasteners. A hack saw, drill, and file were all the tools needed. There are simpler designs, but this battery hold down bracket can be made by almost any loop frame owner with very basic skills, tools, and readily available materials.

A few notes:

• The flat stock I used was 1 inch wide and ³⁄₁₆ inch thick.
• The L-shaped stock I used was 1 inch × 1 inch wide and ¹⁄₈ inch thick.
• I chose to round the exposed corners of the L-shaped aluminum pieces. I traced the corner using a socket of a size I found pleasing. I started by using a hack saw to cut the basic corner shape, then finished it up with a hand file.
• When everything was complete, I used the wire brush on my bench grinder to clean up the aluminum and give it a brushed appearance.

Disclaimer: I have not tried this bracket with the stock air box. It may extend too far forward and interfere with the stock air box. But, I think the battery could be moved rearward somewhat and provide the needed clearance. The stock battery hold down bracket had a tendency to hit the stock air box, too. I would fit a piece of rubber between the bracket and the air box to prevent damage.