Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Lithium Ion Batteries Lithium Ion Batteries
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 286
Lithium Ion Batteries
I'm riding a BMW 650 single and I'm now in Thailand. I have just charged my battery and it's not going to work, it's cooked. This is now going to be my 4th so maybe it's time to think of an alternative to endlessly pouring money down the drain.
In my bike's defense, it's not all her fault. When i was in London I had an attempted theft, they destroyed the ignition barrel and I replaced it with a marine switch. Sadly I left the lights on and killed my first one. I replaced it with a gel battery. That got cooked when some arsehole pulled out the wiring loom to joyride her and cooked the battery! Third one was not a perfect fit but seemed to work. It got low through lack of proper use and I had to fly back to London for 3 weeks, got back and yet another dead battery in deep-discharge.
So I see adverts for Lithium Ion. A third of the weight and more power. Ok, I'm interested even though they're quite expensive. One advert says they're not much good in the cold (not a huge issue in Thailand) but what worries me more is the fact that my laptop battery is cooked in 2 years using the same technology.
Has anyone used these? Are they worth it?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Mar 2012
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Various in Ontario, Canada (no fixed address)
Posts: 38
Are you speaking of lithium ion or lithium iron? They are not the same thing.

Shorai is one manufacturer making lithium iron batteries. I bought the bullet and installed one in a DR-650 and one in a DR-Z400.

They are indeed *very* light and compact. Almost surprisingly so but that is in comparison with what we are used to.

I did read about the negative performance in cold weather. I can attest that I was starting the DR-Z well below freezing. Apparently they like to "warm up" -- i.e. run something with a draw for a few minutes (lights, grip heaters) and then fire it up. I was also a little surprised at how much cranking power I could get out if it when the bike was slow to start after sitting for several weeks. I suspect that the previous lead acid battery would have been drained at this point, or at least start to feel this way.

Anyways, I am definitely not trying to make a sales pitch.

That said, neither of these bikes have big adventures planned for them in their near future. *Personally* I don't feel that verdict is out yet. I have been pretty happy with the AGM battery in my KLR and its still works well after several years including a trip lasting several months.

I would love to hear feedback from others.

Adam
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Mar 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
We just used Shorai batteries on a world record altitude expedition into the Andes. Every morning the temps were -10 c or so. We never had a problem starting the bikes (even at 6200 metres), but then we knew the starting procedure. You need to create some electrical drain on the battery to warm it up.

Put it this way, warming up a shorai battery is as simple as cranking it once or twice or running the headlight for 30 seconds. Warming up a lead acid battery is a case of sleeping with it in your sleeping bag, or sticking it in a hot tub of water for half an hour.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 84
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
We just used Shorai batteries on a world record altitude expedition into the Andes. Every morning the temps were -10 c or so. We never had a problem starting the bikes (even at 6200 metres), but then we knew the starting procedure. You need to create some electrical drain on the battery to warm it up.

Put it this way, warming up a shorai battery is as simple as cranking it once or twice or running the headlight for 30 seconds. Warming up a lead acid battery is a case of sleeping with it in your sleeping bag, or sticking it in a hot tub of water for half an hour.
Colebatch.. nice job on the Andes trip! which Shoria battery (LFX 36?) did you take and what bike was ridden?

doing a series of LiFePO4 battery tests. trying to gather much information as possible. especially under cold conditions.
__________________
R90S, R80G/S PD
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Apr 2012
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by _CY_ View Post
Colebatch.. nice job on the Andes trip! which Shoria battery (LFX 36?) did you take and what bike was ridden?

doing a series of LiFePO4 battery tests. trying to gather much information as possible. especially under cold conditions.
We took Husaberg FE570s, batteries used were Shorai LFX14L2-BS12 ... 14 AH.

More info here: Andes Moto Extreme
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Apr 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 84
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
We took Husaberg FE570s, batteries used were Shorai LFX14L2-BS12 ... 14 AH.

More info here: Andes Moto Extreme
NICE! .. a world record for motorcycle!!



__________________
R90S, R80G/S PD
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: London
Posts: 286
The only reason I mention the cold thing is when I search for an Li battery for my bike I find one on ebay with a warning on the advert that they won't work at lower temperatures. At this point it's not a huge problem. My issue really is that I'm now in Thailand for maybe a year and I'm using the bike infrequently and the batteries are just not lasting. I had an issue a few months ago where she just wouldn't start as the only run she was getting was a mile a day through Bangkok traffic. When she cooled down she fired up fine but two days later I had to fly and I was gone 3 weeks. I came back to a dead bike... obviously really. I just don't want it to happen again, not least because getting parts here is a pain in the arse.
I've never heard of "Lithium iron".
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,028
There are a lot of threads on lithium iron on ADVrider. Some with nothing but bullshit, others with good solid info. It's easy to pick it once you do a bit of homework on it. Look for LiFePo4. This is lithium IRON phosphate. Anyone that calls these batts li ion are mistaken as they've now gone down different paths of development.
__________________
Tacos Tyring Travels.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Mar 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Northern Arizona, USA
Posts: 103
I put Shorias in a KTM 950, GSA and MTS 12, live at 7000' (apprx 2100M) and have had 95" (about 2.5 m)of snow this winter, and major below freezing temps. I ride all the time and have not had a bit of trouble starting, sitting out on overnight trips. I have never had to pre-start the Shorias and they work perfect, even the GSA sat for 4 months. I have a Shoria charger but haven't used it YET. Now, they were all purchased in Nov 11 so still new. The KTM explodes when started, I barely touch the button, the GSA a couple of turns and the MTS...3! I was initially worried, as who buys all new batteries from a new mfgr. Me? so far so good.
Allen.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Mar 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Tulsa, OK
Posts: 84
I'm doing a super detailed Lithium ion (LiFePO4) battery testing on ADV.
test mule is my R80G/S

Motorcycle Batteries .. AGM, GEL, Wet, Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li-ion) - ADVrider

it's pretty lengthy so feel free to ask what ever questions...

it's absolutely essential learning how to start your bike in cold condition with Lithium iron phosphate batteries.

having trouble embedding videos... here's the link
Cold Starting Characteristics of LiFePO4 Batteries - YouTube
__________________
R90S, R80G/S PD
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Spot messenger batteries Hemuli Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 1 11 Mar 2012 22:43
Shorai batteries reliability - Suitable for overlanding? kickaha Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 11 14 Feb 2012 02:46

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top