Michael A. Terrell wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:

In article tqvSh.13654$Rg2.5267@trndny02,
James Sweet wrote:

Well my car with a relatively small 2.3L 4 cylinder engine has a starter
motor rated at 1.4KW, so well over 100A. I'm not sure if this is typical
but the starter is powerful enough to move the car if I put it in gear
and turn the key. I suspect larger engines typically have even more
powerful starters.

The current needed depends on several things - notably how much friction
in the engine which varies between cold and hot.



I have never looked at the specs on the electrical system on a bike.
Years ago any car starter that drew over 70 amps, no load was considered
defective. That's why I asked.




Well yeah, 70 amps no-load is a huge draw. Hundreds of amps under load
is not uncommon though. Big difference.