Lithium batteries anyone?
Lithium batteries anyone?
Thinking of swapping my huge, heavy, tired traditional battery for a new lithium style battery. I have an 860 GT, no electric start, etc, so it seems like it would be perfect for me. Anyone tried one? Potential issues?
Shorai has a large range of lithium MC batteries.
just do a google search for Shorai for more info
i am ordering one from
http://www.bohemianracing.com/batteries/?Itemid=201
pretty soon myself
Eldert
just do a google search for Shorai for more info
i am ordering one from
http://www.bohemianracing.com/batteries/?Itemid=201
pretty soon myself
Eldert
Yeah, I have read a bit about them. Most of the concern and debate seems to be around starting power. In my case, and many other bevels of course, you don't have a starter so that isn't important. Haven't seen any discussion on using them on a vintage bike.
Looking at the specs for the 860 without an electrical start it needs 12v, 12a. Which means this guy at 1.5 pounds!
http://www.shoraipower.com/p-149-lfx12a1-bs12.aspx
Looking at the specs for the 860 without an electrical start it needs 12v, 12a. Which means this guy at 1.5 pounds!
http://www.shoraipower.com/p-149-lfx12a1-bs12.aspx
Hi All,
I use two of the lithium batteries. A Shorai LFX18 ( http://www.shoraipower.com/default.aspx ) that I have in a Kawasaki Concours 14. The battery in this bike is located in possibly the worst location due to heat. The Shorai is unaffected by heat, vibration, orientation, etc.
Also an older four cell from this company ( http://www.ballisticparts.com/products/ ... teries.php ) that I move around among several bikes including a Ducati 916, Norton 750, Ducati 750GT, Kawasaki KLX 400, and a friend's Triumph 675 when I use it.
No issues ever. The great thing about these batteries for vintage bike owners is that if you are not using the bike for long periods the lithium batteries won't lose their charge as quickly as a lead acid battery does. (less than 10% over a period of a year). Plus you can charge them with a 10 amp charger in about 20 minutes. (Do not ever use a trickle charger on them, Bad)
The only time you might have a starting issue on a bike with an electric starter is if you choose a battery with cranking amps too low. ( in other words a 4 cell battery when you need an 8 cell.) There should be no debate over starting power. Use the right battery and there will be no problem.
Also, don't be fooled by the price. At first it seems very expensive but consider that these batteries under similar conditions against a lead acid battery can last 2-3 times longer. If you get 2-3 years out of your current battery you could expect to get 6-8 out of a lithium.
And then there is the weight, or lack thereof. These things weigh almost nothing, really. When you purchase a Shorai you will get foam pieces in the box with the battery to adjust the space where your old battery was.
Hope this helps,
Dean
I use two of the lithium batteries. A Shorai LFX18 ( http://www.shoraipower.com/default.aspx ) that I have in a Kawasaki Concours 14. The battery in this bike is located in possibly the worst location due to heat. The Shorai is unaffected by heat, vibration, orientation, etc.
Also an older four cell from this company ( http://www.ballisticparts.com/products/ ... teries.php ) that I move around among several bikes including a Ducati 916, Norton 750, Ducati 750GT, Kawasaki KLX 400, and a friend's Triumph 675 when I use it.
No issues ever. The great thing about these batteries for vintage bike owners is that if you are not using the bike for long periods the lithium batteries won't lose their charge as quickly as a lead acid battery does. (less than 10% over a period of a year). Plus you can charge them with a 10 amp charger in about 20 minutes. (Do not ever use a trickle charger on them, Bad)
The only time you might have a starting issue on a bike with an electric starter is if you choose a battery with cranking amps too low. ( in other words a 4 cell battery when you need an 8 cell.) There should be no debate over starting power. Use the right battery and there will be no problem.
Also, don't be fooled by the price. At first it seems very expensive but consider that these batteries under similar conditions against a lead acid battery can last 2-3 times longer. If you get 2-3 years out of your current battery you could expect to get 6-8 out of a lithium.
And then there is the weight, or lack thereof. These things weigh almost nothing, really. When you purchase a Shorai you will get foam pieces in the box with the battery to adjust the space where your old battery was.
Hope this helps,
Dean
Faster, faster until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.
Hunter S Thompson RIP
Hunter S Thompson RIP