LiFePo4 puncture test

worntorn · Jun 27, 2022

The factory battery in the Thruxton needs replacement and I had my mind set on using a LiFePo4 to save weight. Being a modern bike it meets charging requirements and Lithium has a true weight advantage on e start, not so much on kick start bikes.
Then I saw this puncture test.
I don't think I want a potential blow torch 3" from the gas tank. A puncture is unlikely, but things do go wrong, sometimes.
Anyway, many do use LiFePo4 without issues but still might want to be aware of the potential -
This one was fairly well discharged prior to puncture. A discharged Li battery still has a lot of energy stored.

Tornado · Sep 27, 2022

Careful now, you might get labelled as a troll when trying to question Lithium tech in some forums on here
;-)

worntorn · Sep 27, 2022

Yes, I saw that nasty comment.
And to think it was us old farts/trolls who actually voted to have a 961 forum!
Now we are trolls for posting thoughts there.
Nevermind.

Glen

EstuaryBoy · Sep 28, 2022

Mind you, a tank full of petrol might be just as much of a handful given the same abuse??

Tornado · Sep 28, 2022

EstuaryBoy said:
Mind you, a tank full of petrol might be just as much of a handful given the same abuse??

TROLL!

worntorn · Sep 28, 2022

EstuaryBoy said:
Mind you, a tank full of petrol might be just as much of a handful given the same abuse??

That is true.
The combo of a full tank of gasoline plus a battery blow torch could be very exciting!
Nonetheless, I might give Lithium another try ( the battery, not the drug, so far)

Glen

Tornado · Sep 28, 2022

In the video it would seem the battery is an array of smaller, self contained batteries like standard AA format. Quite common on many larger LiPo setups. Is this how automotive Lithiums are made up or more like custom shaped/sized cells such as LA have?

gortnipper · Oct 7, 2022

If you have an accident where you puncture a LiFePo4 battery like that, I think you have plenty else to worry about than your bike catching fire.

Fast Eddie · Oct 7, 2022

gortnipper said:
If you have an accident where you puncture a LiFePo4 battery like that, I think you have plenty else to worry about than your bike catching fire.

I agree. Really do not understand the point of that test at all.

We seem to forget that we’re all ok riding around with a highly volatile bomb between our knees… but get frightened if our batteries aren’t puncture proof…

Almost every adult in the western world owns lithium batteries.