[dcb]

typically nimh bench chargers use peak detection, i.e. the charging system stops charging for a sec and sees if the voltage is still going up from the last time it checked, if I understand it right (probably not). They also may be connected to thermal probes in the pack to be on the lookout for thermal runaway.

I am not sure how you get the battery to play an active role in the operation of a vehicle with an ICE with this arrangement.

If you have a kick starter, I might suggest removing the battery alltogether and seeing if the bike runs well with a large capacitor in it's place.

But for a potential EVer, that info above is quite useful.