Anyone using a Lithium Battery?

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Dr.Инженер, Nov 13, 2019.

  1. Dr.Инженер

    Dr.Инженер New Member

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    Anyone here using a Lithium battery on their 2nd Gen? I'm in the market for a new battery and was wondering

    Are their any gains to a Lithium battery?
     
  2. KarlR

    KarlR New Member

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    The Gen5 I bought last year came with a Battery Tender brand LiOn . Worked great this past summer. Never needed to hook up a charger. They are small and light. Foam blocks added to keep it from bouncing around the battery compartment. Not supposed to store on tender or in the cold. I put mine in a non freezing location in the winter and connect to the tender for a few hours once a month.
     
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  3. Dr.Инженер

    Dr.Инженер New Member

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    Thanks KarlR.
     
  4. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I'm running a LiFePo4 battery for the last 5 years. I like it. It doesn't need charging and all you need to do is bring it in for the winter.
    Also, while sitting, the voltage stays the same in storage.
     
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  5. carlgustav

    carlgustav New Member

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    I have 3 in use, both Shorai and BT types. In my VFR, RSV, and R6. From 2 to 6-1/2 yrs (VFR) old. Never bring them in but they are in a garage and we don't get 'real' cold for any length of time. So far no issues.

    I may update the VFR battery as I understand that when these go, they just go, no warning like you may get with an AGM batt. Someone else may have better info about this characteristic.

    ACE
     
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  6. OOTV

    OOTV Insider

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    I have two Shorais and one Deltran (Battery Tender). One of my Shorais was installed in my 6 Gen when my stator/RR gave up the ghost. I thought it was history but my friend who helped me get back on the road, took it home and her husband put it on a charger. He called me a day later and said the battery is holding a charge did I want to come and get it?

    I ended up picking it up and put it in my 5 Gen and then bought the Shorai charger for it. This was a few years ago, turned out the Yuasa I put in the 6 Gen to get back on the road gave out, so I then put another Shorai in it, so far both Shorais are doing just fine. While all this was happening, I found a great deal on the Deltran battery with charger, so bought it and put that in my Ducati 900SS. So far I’m happy with all 3.
     
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  7. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    another related question - Is anyone using a quick disconnect on their battery ?
     
  8. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I have been using this quick connect for 5 years. Apparently its a high amperage trailer type connector. Its nice to be able to install or pull the battery out no tools in 5 seconds. I like it. - If I would go to a new battery, I think I would adapt the connector to it.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. Dr.Инженер

    Dr.Инженер New Member

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    Ha, that's a good idea. Not something I had though about. Going with a smaller lithium batter also will provide extra space to do the quick disconnect. Thanks Mello
     
  10. Dr.Инженер

    Dr.Инженер New Member

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    So it seems it is safe to say NO modification need to be made to the electrical when swapping to a lithium battery?
     
  11. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Before you get one, make sure your charging system is in top shape.
     
  12. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    So yeah, the battery installs like any other..
     
  13. RS125

    RS125 New Member

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    I like the idea of a quick disconnect. I have one for the gas tank.
    I've used a battery tender for years with it's remote hookup. It's nice in the winter for a standard battery
     
  14. wpbarlow

    wpbarlow New Member

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    Not quite-- if you totally discharge a regular battery, it will probably recover if you recharge it. The lithium battery probably won't. As a guideline, they like 13.8 and above, according to this article https://www.motorcycle.com/products/lithium-motorcycle-batteries-myths-vs-realities

    I installed my first lithium battery in 2009- lasted 7 years without ever being on a tender. Did need electrical warming up for a minute or two when it was below 40 or so. I found the article tracked with my experience.
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2019
  15. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    The discharge point is one among many, kinda of a "what if" ...... That article is pretty good and lists some things I have noted in the thread previously and also goes with my experience.
    In general, I really like them. They are higher voltage, dont lose static voltage, dont really need a charger, and do the job essentially no maintenance. Whats not to like?
     
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