Lithium Iron Batteries

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Been using the same Shorai in my Alton Estart Commando since '12. Initially I used the OEM charging system (rectifier/zeners, etc) then the Podtronics. No issues at all and the only battery I would consider installing when the time comes for a new one is another Shorai.

FWIW, their was no "improvement" of any kind that I found from switching to the Podtronics over the original stuff. In fact, the max charge voltage was .1V to .2V higher from the OEM than from the Podtronics! ;)
 
I think from all the chatter on this subject, what I draw from these first hand accounts, is that Li-(whateverflavour) although has "some" technical advantages its not as intrinsically "stable" as the older proven lead acid technology. I think that when I replace mine I will stick to an AGM due to its inherent lower volatility characteristics.

Unless your bike is electric powered there is absolutely no advantage that can be measured for general use.

*** funny side note, some military analyst has just debunked Australia's proposed fleet of French based submarines as its "out of date" even before they start building because of its Lead Acid batteries opposed to other Li-(chooseflavourhere) subs...... CAN YOU IMAGINE THE SIZE OF THE BATTERY BANK OF LI-ION IN A SUB....!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
 
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comnoz said:
The LiFe battery in my bike went up in smoke about this time last year.
Along the road in Utah. Luckily I was on a big enough hill to get a good roll and start it without a battery.

I won't be trying another one of those even though it was a few lbs lighter.

Back to Odyssey AGM. I didn't even have to buy one. The several year old battery I took out when I installed the LiFe battery was still good.
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Which Odyssey do you have?
 
Fast Eddie said:
Indeed, once bitten twice shy Terry!

And I’m not gonna try and persuade you otherwise.

But I do feel the need to challenge get your choice of words when you say the battery caught fire “for no reason at all”.

I don’t agree with that. Maybe there was no reason you could see or find, but clearly something was wrong.
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Yes you're certainly correct in what you say Eddie. Perhaps what I should have said was everything on the bike side of things was functioning as I would expect. It happened after 20 odd miles of sustained 70 mph plus running, maybe just coincidence .....
I do wonder if i/we are choosing to ignore the published very fussy charging requirements of these type of batteries and thinking a crude (yes even electronic) automotive charging system will be just fine. The manufacturers of these automotive batteries have a vested interest to support this view.
Terry
 
Been running this in my TR7 for 2 seasons now, I think they're used in emergency light systems

Lithium Iron Batteries
 
What battery other than lithium can provide at least 18 AH and will fit into a 74 Commando battery compartment?
 
Since the Stock and later Podronics system on my Norton has managed to keep my Shorai charged and operating OK for almost 7 years now, it's difficult for me to think of these batteries as being "fussy" to maintain. ;)

It is true that a standard charging system will not keep them 100% charged but that clearly hasn't been a problem and the Shorai has easily lasted twice as long (so far) as any standard battery on any motorcycle I have ever owned.
 
I have had a couple of Shorai for a while now. My Commando has one that is a couple years old, and does not require much top up charging as it sits as there is no current draw at all when off. Charges great with my overkill TS 3 phase and my LED voltage indicator is most always green even with the 100w halogen bulb in.

On my old Ducati ST4s the Shorai only lasted ~2yrs. It had an immobilizer that would draw down the battery when off unless plugged in. A couple of times I forgot to plug it in when going on business trips and it would flatten the battery. AS it was a bit of a tank of a bike, I went back to a lead acid battery after the Shorai died, as it was way cheaper and I would just put it on a tender anyway as well. Good thing, as I got hit and totaled the bike not long after, so saved me some cash.
 
If you used lithium ion batteries to handle solar power at your home, would the insurance premiums be higher because of the fire risk ?
 
maylar said:
What battery other than lithium can provide at least 18 AH and will fit into a 74 Commando battery compartment?
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The LFX 18 only has 6 ah of storage.
And that is with a charging system that takes it to its fully charged voltage.
With the average Norton charging system you'd be lucky to see the battery half way to fully charged, so the actual Ah you have on board a Norton with an LFX18 is about 3 AH.

How much does a 3 AH lead acid battery weigh and cost?

The Fort nine video covered part of that, although he was assuming full charge as per modern bikes. We just don't have that capacity.


If the green voltage monitor gortnipper mentions is a Sparkbright unit, green means 13.2 volts or greater. A Shorai is fully discharged at 13.1
How much reserve do you really have? Its likely a very tiny amount. Accidentally leave the headlight on for ten minutes while getting a coffee and that might drain the battery.
On the other hand, as long as it's enough for your usage, you would never know how close to flat the battery is and it would never matter.

The amphours ratings below are at fully charged voltage , 14.4v



Glen
 
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worntorn said:
How much does a 3 AH lead acid battery weigh and cost?
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Well, the 6ah Yuasa Katana TTZ7S is about $140 NZ. It is about the same physical size as the Shorai you note, and the Odyssey. Weight (kg):2.57

the 3ah YTX4L-BS - a scooter battery - is around $90 NZ. 1.74 kg.

the LFX18A2 is 0.575 KG
 
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gortnipper said:
Well, the 6ah Yuasa Katana TTZ7S is about $140 NZ. It is about the same physical size as the Shorai you note, and the Odyssey. Weight (kg):2.57

the 3ah YTX4L-BS - a scooter battery - is around $90 NZ. 1.74 kg.

the LFX18A2 is 0.575 KG
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I'm going to give this little fellow a try. It's already mounted and hooked up as a booster for ignition. It will be interesting to see if it can handle the whole electrical load ( not including e start.)
1.2 lbs
$25.00

https://vancouverbattery.com/it-1-3-12-f1-gs-infinity-12volt-1-3ah-f1/

For a lightweight bike as a permanent setup I might run two little batteries with one held in isolation. This would be 2.4 lbs, about the same weight as most of the LFX18 series.
One advantage to this setup, aside from not bursting into flames, would be the battery in isolation, should lights be left on etc.
Also cost.


Glen
 
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gortnipper said:
A PC310 in NZ is ~370 NZD. An 18ah Shorai is about 220 NZD. Ouch.
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That is still cheaper than the Antigravity battery that went up in smoke in my bike.
And I was wrong about it being a LiFePo Battery.
I looked it up and it was a Lithium Ion battery. It had enough amps to start my car and it was being cared for by a high quality pass style regulator.
But I suspect it didn't like the heat and vibration. It lasted ~3 years.
 
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