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Author Topic: Lithium Battery  (Read 1413 times)

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dayne66

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Lithium Battery
« on: June 02, 2012, 10:29:08 AM »

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/11-Harley-Davidson-CVO-FLH-Touring-Shorai-Lithium-Standard-Motorcycle-Battery-/200740632761?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ebd12f8b9

Anyone tried one of these?  They sure make them sound good.

I'm hoping it'll be a while for the SG....but, the Wife's Sporty is an "06 and should get replaced to be on the safe side.
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twinotter

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #1 on: June 02, 2012, 12:27:03 PM »

While the idea sounds good, I have some real questions about charging lithium batteries with a motorcycle altenator.
I fly RC airplanes, we use Lithium Polymer or Lithium Life cells. They both require a special charger to NOT overcharge the batteries, which will and has caused fires and explosions.
Ballistic batteries offer another Li type, they even show a battery charger that is exactly the same as available for charging my RC stuff. Only difference is the far bigger price (same units, but its for your bike right!)
Maybe theres no issue here, but I can't see charging these batteries at the high amp ratings a motorcycle system can deliver, especially if you run the battery down a little. JM2C FWIW   twinotter ;D
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1sharprdkg

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #2 on: June 02, 2012, 03:04:20 PM »

Never tried one! They lost me at $265.00 and I thought the HD battery was priced to high. Two months ago bought a Deka AGM battery for my wifes Road King off Ebay for $95.00 fit great and is working fine. Good Luck. 
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grc

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #3 on: June 02, 2012, 04:10:42 PM »


There are at least a couple other threads about the Li-ion batteries, try the search feature.  As for all the glowing claims in the ads, what would you expect from someone trying to sell you something you don't need?  If they told you the truth they probably wouldn't sell many.

The only "advantage" might pertain to those who race small motorcycles, since there is a weight advantage in that circumstance.  But when you're talking about a big heavy Harley with an electric starter, any small weight advantage would be completely unnoticeable.  Somehow I don't think a 10 pound lighter battery is going to make much difference in a 900 pound motorcycle.  And the claims that somehow not having lead or acid makes it safer is a real joke.  Look up the properties of lithium; it makes lead look pretty safe by comparison.

The charging system is a concern, and the circuitry in those batteries has been known to fail and cause fires.  For instance, there have been many recalls of Li-ion batteries over the years in laptop computers and other consumer electronics products due to the fire hazard, and most recently there have been issues with the automotive Li-ion batteries in some hybrids or full electric cars.  And of course they are priced much higher than the tried and true AGM batteries normally used on a Harley.  Somehow I don't see any real advantages.

Btw, there are different sources for the actual cells that are inside the outer case, and some are nothing more than cheap Chinese junk.  Buyer beware most definitely applies.


Jerry
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Jerry - 2005 Cherry SEEG  -  Member # 1155

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Big Dog

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2012, 04:29:00 PM »

Dan, I considerered a lithium but was a little concerned about the cost vs longevity, was looking at the Ballistic, as I needed one for my 09, I just went down to NAPA and bought a direct replacement for $150.00, same make as the oem.
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moscooter

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #5 on: June 02, 2012, 06:13:33 PM »

 :cherry:

Those that have moved up from the older style batteries for drills, etc.  can really appreciate the advantages of lithium type batteries.....They last much longer and re-charge quicker.

I have a Sthill chain saw and it's the best but very heavy.  So for light work,  I bought a B&D battery operated chain saw.   Sadly,  it works OK, but is the older style battery and the whole thing would/could be much better if it were powered by lithium batteries.

If any of you are Bass fishermen,  they now are offering lithium batteries for powering the trolling motor.   I'm not a pro on the circuit, and just an occassional fisherman or I would have one.  They are super expensive but the (way to go) if that is your "business".

As to paying extra for one for a Harley..........................Way too much overkill on price............absolutely no way to justify the extra cost. IMO.
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CVODON

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Re: Lithium Battery
« Reply #6 on: June 02, 2012, 10:09:55 PM »

Have family member who bought one for Pro Mod Drag Car. The main thing is the weight for him, but the maintenance is unreal. Let it go dead and it can only be brought back with it's own charger, you jump it you ruin it. I am not sure the unstable HD charging system would ever be able to maintain it like it needs.
Weight is  just not that big of a thing on a Dresser, or any other HD short of a purpose race bike.
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