Battery Question...

[Flylooper]

I'm seriously thinking about springing for one of those Lithium-Iron Phosphate batteries as a replacement for my existing dead battery. From what I can see they are pretty slick: slow discharge rate, no sulfation, no dangerous heat, yadda, yadda, from what I can pick up on the I-net.

But the proof is in the pudding, as they say, so has anyone tried these hi-tech batteries out on their bikes? I would like someone to share their knowledge / experience as these things are super spendy. I'm looking at a Deltran Lithium Iron Phosphate battery right now.

Bob

 

[mdisher]

The Shorai might be the worst $120 I've ever spent on any FJR farkle/accessory/upgrade....

I found it to not be worth a $#%!@ when cold... But YMMV

Some folks swear by them.

 

[Spud]

Here's some discussion on it...

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=143607

 

[philter]

I just don't see the advantage of a Lithium Ion battery in the FJR. Most of our batteries

work for many years, weight isn't a problem in a bike as heavy as ours, even the placement

of the battery, high up like it is, isn't going to make much of a difference unless your

at a track day. I bought the cheapest Ebay AGM battery I could find, for around 40 dollars,

made by Caltric I think, and it's been fine on this bike for over a year and I had one on my

03 for a couple of years before I sold it. Just my not so humble opinion. LOL

 

[Fred W]

They are a fix to a problem that just doesnt exist. Get a regular battery (and send me the difference in cost) and youll be much happier in the long run.

 

[RichDoyle]

EarthX battery has been in mine for 5 winters. No problem in any cold weather I'm willing to ride in. Takes several pounds off the upper front of the bike. Does not need any special charger/tender. They sell these for experimental aircraft. But you take all kinds of ridicule here for putting one in - or even thinking about it.

 

[Niehart]

PM BeemerReemer. He has some sad stories with his.

 

[Viper Pilot]

I've been using the Shorai Li batteries now for the last 6+ years and they work perfect for me. Since I usually don't ride in cold weather (below 35-40) the cold weather performance is a non issue. I like the reduced weight especially with the battery located pretty high above the CG and I have had zero issues with the battery performance. They are expensive but I'm to the point in life where a few bucks extra spent on my fun mode of transportation is not too important. Bottom line, I like it!

 

[RossKean]

Safe to say that with batteries of any sort, experiences and opinions vary - a LOT!

Personally, I had such good luck with the OEM Yuasa that I wouldn't bother with anything else. 10 years and around 170,000 miles and was still working although reserve capacity was diminished. Some people have had far worse luck with their OEM Yuasa than I did - only getting a year or two out of them (can't say whether a bad battery or abused). Non-OEM Yuasa's are not necessarily the same beast since they are made by a different factory and have a different designation.

Some swear by cheap internet-purchased batteries and some swear at them. Some people only EXPECT to get 2-3 years out of a battery and this can be very much a factor of battery treatment in addition to manufacturing and design quality. Don't let it go flat, slow charge (2 amp rate max) if the battery is down, never overcharge. Don't "boost and go" unless impossible to avoid - the bike's charging system dumps too much current too fast into the battery. Storage conditions - AGM batteries don't like the heat - you will get better life out of them in a moderate climate. Willing to bet that those from Florida, Texas and Arizona average less life from their batteries than those in Maine. I never use a battery tender - FJR parasitic draw is such that even after a month, there is still lots left. If not, there is a problem with the battery (excessive self-discharge rate) or with your bike.

I agree with Fred that the Lithium chemistry batteries are a solution for a problem that doesn't exist. Yes, they are lighter but I doubt there is anyone who could tell the difference in a blind test ride. They are more expensive. IIRC, a standard battery charger/tender can't be used. They are smaller and it might be nice to have space up front to put a fuseblock or other electrical do-dads. The initial incarnations of these batteries had a lot of quality issues that pissed off a lot of people. Cold weather (lack of) performance is well documented and they are far less tolerant of deep discharge than an AGM (although they don't like it either). Note: I think it is well established that the newer generations of lithium batteries are improved in terms of quality but I see less overall interest in them than when they first came out. Perhaps people just aren't talking about them as much?

You pays your money and takes your chances. If someone wanted to give me one, I would love to give the lithium battery a try but I am not likely to go out and buy one! If you go that route, post back and let us know how it worked for you.

 

[HotRodZilla]

I have a Shorai in my KTM. It's a bitch to get to fire when its cold. Takes a few tries on the button before it will spin the starter fast enough to start. Most of our best rides start out in the cold, so it's a constant issue. I keep it becasue:

On the dirtbike every lb. counts

It has never been dead, no matter how long I have let the bike sit.

Once the batter warms up, it starts consistently all day.

I have never had to put it on a charger.

It has the capacity to help people found on the trail get their vehicles going. A while back my buddy and I had to help some guys start their Toyota truck after they had let it sit too long with the radio on. They were amazed at the power in that little package.

My '07 FJR is on its second battery. In 2013, I replaced the OEM Yausa with an AC Delco battery that was on sale, cheap. A bunch of us bought one. It's still going like a champ.

Like others, no idea what really causes some batteries to live long, while others crap out quickly. Not eve heat. The Diehard battery in my dark blue truck, in NM heat lasted 8 years. The battery I replaced that with is probably 5 or 6 years old now, and it's still starting and running great.

 

[AuroraTom]

I just don't see the advantage of a Lithium Ion battery in the FJR. Most of our batterieswork for many years, weight isn't a problem in a bike as heavy as ours, even the placement

of the battery, high up like it is, isn't going to make much of a difference unless your

at a track day. I bought the cheapest Ebay AGM battery I could find, for around 40 dollars,

made by Caltric I think, and it's been fine on this bike for over a year and I had one on my

03 for a couple of years before I sold it. Just my not so humble opinion. LOL

This is what I did as well (Caltric). $40.00 free ship. It has been about 6 months with no issues.

 

[YummYam]

+1. Turned out it wasnt battery trouble though, starter motor needed a refurb.