Lithium Battery - Long Term Experience Anyone?

[Grip Fast]

The battery in my R12S is struggling to turn her over after barely 18 months from new. I'm guessing the lack of regular use during lockdowns hasn't helped, although I do put the Optimate on every few days (it's impractical to leave it connected). The last few charges, it's gone to recovery mode first, so I think the battery is past its best before.

I'm thinking about getting a Li-ion (I have very positive* experience with Life-po batteries for another use). Has anyone here had a li-ion battery fitted for a few years, and what's your experience?

I'm looking at a Shido from SportsBikeShop. Anyone used a Shido? Many thanks for any advice.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/248674

*no pun intended

[popsky]

Hi Grip Fast, I know an ex Boxertrixer who has li-on battery’s in all his six bikes, has had for many years, not sure what make but do know you need the correct charger.

[Grip Fast]

Hi Grip Fast, I know an ex Boxertrixer who has li-on battery’s in all his six bikes, has had for many years, not sure what make but do know you need the correct charger.

Cheers Phil.

[capt howdy]

I have had a lithium battery in my k12R for 7 years and it has just failed. I am replacing it with a new one. Be aware that at there are lot of manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon and making LiFePO4 batteries but are using cheap cells with overrated claims as to their performance. I am putting one in my HP2 sport. Smaller physical size but 360cca instead of the original 230cca. Should handle the boxer easily

https://www.fullspectrumpower.com/blogs ... in-my-bike

[Blackal]

They tend to have a slightly lower cranking capacity on first crank, but that puts heat into the cells which makes any second crank - stronger than a similar capacity Lead-acid.

They don't need a different charger unless it is also a battery 'conditioner' (a la Optimate etc).

[popsky]

They don't need a different charger unless it is also a battery 'conditioner' (a la Optimate etc).

I meant this, sorry for any confusion caused

[SP250]

"They don't need a different charger unless it is also a battery 'conditioner' (a la Optimate etc)."

Now that is a surprising statement - the battery chemistry is radically different in Li Fe, Li Ion and Li Po cells compared to Lead Acid types.
In my extensive modelling use of Lithium batteries we have speciallist chargers for all three different Li types as well as the old Ni Cads and newer Ni Mh chemistries. All have different voltage/ current and full charge cut-off parameters.
So I find it odd that a conventional lead acid charger can be used without damaging the Li cells.

[Grip Fast]

I have had a lithium battery in my k12R for 7 years and it has just failed. I am replacing it with a new one. Be aware that at there are lot of manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon and making LiFePO4 batteries but are using cheap cells with overrated claims as to their performance. I am putting one in my HP2 sport. Smaller physical size but 360cca instead of the original 230cca. Should handle the boxer easily

https://www.fullspectrumpower.com/blogs ... in-my-bike

That's an interesting article. I'll check the charging system on my R12S before ordering. Cheers.

[Mitch1100]

Would recommend SHORAI li had them for years in 3 of my bikes, no need for trickle charging as quote "Lithium batteries handle long-term storage much better, self-discharging only about 1% over the course of about 45 days – regardless of the temperature." Very cold starting just warm battery by turning ignition on while doing up helmet and gloves.

[Blackal]

"They don't need a different charger unless it is also a battery 'conditioner' (a la Optimate etc)."

Now that is a surprising statement - the battery chemistry is radically different in Li Fe, Li Ion and Li Po cells compared to Lead Acid types.
In my extensive modelling use of Lithium batteries we have speciallist chargers for all three different Li types as well as the old Ni Cads and newer Ni Mh chemistries. All have different voltage/ current and full charge cut-off parameters.
So I find it odd that a conventional lead acid charger can be used without damaging the Li cells.

The bike’s charging system handles LI batteries’ characteristics, so a basic charger will also.

Just found this from one Li battery retailer:

[capt howdy]

Also be aware that if you purchase a lithium specific charger and you wish to charge through the accessory plug you will need to make sure that the charger is canbus suitable otherwise it wont charge.

[capt howdy]

I have just replaced the yuasa ytx12 with an antigravity small case lithium battery. The size difference is obvious as is the weight - 4.18 kg for the yuasa. 1 kg for the antigravity. The power is the big thing. 230CCA for the yuasa - 360CCA for the antigravity. It turns my hp2 sport over very energetically. The white stuff on the antigravity in the image is a paper label that I haven’t finished removing

[Blackal]

I have just replaced the yuasa ytx12 with an antigravity small case lithium battery. The size difference is obvious as is the weight - 4.18 kg for the yuasa. 1 kg for the antigravity. The power is the big thing. 230CCA for the yuasa - 360CCA for the antigravity. It turns my hp2 sport over very energetically. The white stuff on the antigravity in the image is a paper label that I haven’t finished removing

How did you fill up the space in the bike - using the small Li Battery?

[capt howdy]

I have just replaced the yuasa ytx12 with an antigravity small case lithium battery. The size difference is obvious as is the weight - 4.18 kg for the yuasa. 1 kg for the antigravity. The power is the big thing. 230CCA for the yuasa - 360CCA for the antigravity. It turns my hp2 sport over very energetically. The white stuff on the antigravity in the image is a paper label that I haven’t finished removing

How did you fill up the space in the bike - using the small Li Battery?

The battery came with 3 ‘yoga mat’ pads with self adhesive backing. Filled the gap nicely