Removing redundant TCI box

[Jimbo W]

Got my '80 Special 11 back from Rick at Smedspeed today. Mikuni TM32 carbs & replacement coils & electronic ignition fitted. I want to remove the old TCI box now, it is mounted under the battery box & plugs in behind lefthand side cover. Is there an easy way to get to the 2 screws securing the unit I wonder? It looks like I might have to remove it along with the battery box but I'm not quite sure how that is held in place.
Any advice welcomed, thanks in advance.

 

[Jim]

If I remember correctly, I removed the lower plastic rear fender just aft of the battery box to get to 'em.

 

[jetmechmarty]

If I remember correctly, I removed the lower plastic rear fender just aft of the battery box to get to 'em.

Ditto. That's how I did it. The motorcycle is built around the battery box, so removing it for access es no bueno.

 

[xjwmx]

If it can wait until next time you have your rear wheel off, it's very easy. If original, can be tight. Shorty Phillips can help.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Shorty Phillips can help.

Right! Those bolts should be replaced with hex heads. I think I did that. Now, what happened to my 10 mm socket?

 

[gggGary]

Seems like you can get straight up or nearly so with extensions from the bottom.
If they're badly rusted in, drilling the heads off would be an option.

 

[xjwmx]

what happened to my 10 mm socket?

Shorty Phillips slipped it in his pocket.

 

[Jim]

Stock ex. Crossover might hinder that a bit...

 

[Jimbo W]

Great thanks, one crosshead is very rusty so I'll spray them as a 1st step & have a go at it in next couple of days.
On a different topic - do we really need that huge 14ah battery in our bikes? I'd like to save about 10 lbs of weight with a lithium. Any likely problems with charging etc if I did that?

 

[Jimbo W]

Got it off, managed to reach the screws by removing the front battery box fasteners & moving the box enough for a screwdriver to line up. Fiddly though!