Lithium Motorcycle Battery

[sykospain]

Makers like Shorai and Haiji claim several advantages of the relatively-new lithium technology "power-start" battery over the standard lead-acid type:-

a) vastly reduced weight
b) higher cranking amperage
c) extended recharge-cycle life
d) reduced physical size.

¿ So are we using them on our K-bikes, which would clearly benefit from ANY reduction in unladen weight ?

ALAN in s.e. Spain - 1995 K75RT; see my spline-lube and naked/RT format conversion videos on UToob ( Alan Sykes )

[mystic red]

Hi Alan...I looked at them before but they are about twice as much as a regular battery and I already get about 7 years out of one now. I didn't think I would feel the 6 pounds difference and thought being smaller, I would have to fabricate a tie down system. Just me though. I might look at them again when this one wears out.

[johnny]

hold on a minute there sykospain...

are you saying my k-bike takes a battery...

j o

[Uffda]

hold on a minute there sykospain...

are you saying my k-bike takes a battery...

:clap: That was perfect for tonight's chuckle.  I needed that.  Thanks.

[ssray]

Weight saving? on my k100rs I removed the clocks they are mounted on a thick metal bracket, designed to stop a 303 at 10yds

if you remove it you can fit the clocks straight back on with two of the bolts you have removed, cheaper than a posh battery and helps make your steering sweeter, less weight swinging back and forth

Ray

[ttown95LT]

Also it should be noted that you will also need to purchase a charger for a lithium battery, the charge rate is much slower!  I'm not sure I would ever feel comfortable charging one installed in the bike since they are so susceptible to catching on fire and not easily extinguished once lit.  Remember lithium batteries were what was giving Boeing so much grief with the 787.

[Jeff Sichoe]

Yeah I have to admit the thought of using a Lithium battery on my bike makes me shudder a little.

We use Lithium's in our Airsoft guns and they are prone to exploding, catching on fire, or simply getting SUPER FREAKY hot and melting the insides of our (mostly plastic) guns.

I'm sure the ones we use in our guns are on the cheaper side though, and perhaps ones designed for automotive use are more reliable? But then as pointed out above, the 787's weren't having much luck either!

[achtung3]

Can you jump start from an auto or bike with reg battery, while using a lithium battery?

Last time when I was in need of a battery on my R 1150 I was going on a long trip, my mechanic suggested an deep cycle Odessy battery because he said it can easily take a jump start and charged anywhere, meanwhile a lithium needs a high amp charger and not every one has it.

I have a lithium on my sport bike and I unplug it after the ride every time so it won't be discharged, and before I go on my ride I leave the battery in the sun to warm it up, because it takes several more cranking when is cold. I like the weight saving, I was told that I was to turn off the key as soon as I stop my rides otherwise I could easily discharge the battery.

[wmax351]

The ones that are really meant as motorcycle batteries are pretty good. Shorai, etc. They are designed with the electrical systems of bikes/cars in mind. For most used, they should be fine. Though so are the AGM lead batteries. And our bikes aren't ever going to be light anyhow.


My formula racing team used a semi-moto one for a season or two, and we had problems with it, partially due to poor storage, and charging issues. Because racecar. This one was basically power tool/laptop/rc airplane cells, hooked up to a big AMP connector, and paired to a souped up gsxr engine with a racing alternator, constant start/stops, an electric water pump, and a constant on fan. I showed the electrical folks the shorai, and I believe they used one this season.