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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 18 Nov 2014
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XT600 - Lithium ion battery for Africa
Hey everyone,

i'm getting my 03 XT600E ready to head to South Africa from Europe and one of the things that came up was the battery.
My currrent Yuasa has about a year and a half.
I've been recomended to replace the battery for a JMT Lithium Ion battery.

Something like this:
Motorrad Lithium Ionen Batterie JMT YTX9-BS / YTR9-BS | eBay

What do you reckon?
Anybody know or has used these batteries?
Are they reliable for long term overlanding or should I just stick to the Yuasa?

Cheers
RN
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  #2  
Old 18 Nov 2014
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Shorai Motorcycle Battery Review vs. Ballistic Motorcycle Battery Comparison Review - webBikeWorld
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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Need to research problems with these batteries when subjected to higher charging voltages than specified, or if totally flattened, because they don't react well to either condition.

Reported poor performance at low temperatures might also be important, although the same applies to conventional batteries.
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  #4  
Old 18 Nov 2014
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I have GEL battery, cheap from Biltema low price. Never had problems and run for 4years, summer and winter.
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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I am trying out one of the new Lithion-ion(actually LiFe-PO4) types and if one isn't needed I would go the gel route. The new ones are too easy to get wrecked as was stated over charging or letting it get too low will/can permanently damage them. I can watch my volts drop as the battery cools down while riding to work at 10F , then once it is inside for an hour or 2 the volts climb back up, it is close to 1/2 volt change. On an important trip I'd go with the tried and true tech.
That said they are unbelievably light, small, and powerfull , just a pain to deal with.
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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Don't know about the battery but a kickstart conversion is a great back up.

I have same model/same year and put a kick start on mine from an earlier model.
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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Well, i dont think it matters if you save 1kg on the battery on this bike and the space for battery is not used to anything else. Charging system on these old bikes are not the best for ION battery.
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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My stock battery lasted me around 9 years....I bought a well known industrial brand when I replaced it. (exide)

I wouldnt bother with lipo, the actual amp hours is also lower than the original battery.
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Old 18 Nov 2014
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+1 on a gel batt.
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Old 19 Nov 2014
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Recommended by who ???

Lead acid have been getting people around the world for a million years..

You have a good quality battery and it's pretty new. Why change it ?? It's proven and well understood technology and it works very well.

As long as it hasn't been abused or left flat for long periods it should last you AT LEAST another 5 years or even 10 years.


Okay, the lithium batteries weigh less but that's about the only benefit and with Lithium Iron, you have to use specific chargers. They are also fairly new technology when it comes to motorcycles and their charging systems.

It's an another complication which you just don't need. And like said.. They have LOWER performance than lead acid.

Personally.. Don't bother !!
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Old 19 Nov 2014
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The Lithion-ion actually do have more power than the acid and gel( in comparable sizes) but for shorter periods,I've directly compared them on a high comp motor that any lead battery that would fit couln't turn over fast enough , the much smaller Lith-ion does no problem. However they tend to be needed to be "warmed up" by running the lights for a few seconds or other higher draw item as it gets colder. The lead & gel will have quite a bit more reserve capacity which is the big deal for most situations and if I could I would have myself. I doubt it'll last as long as any lead/gel either .
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Old 19 Nov 2014
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Hey guys,

cheers for the feed-back!

I'm more of a keep it simple supporter but lot's of people were telling me to go lithium, so!
I do in fact believe that charging the Lithium ion on a old"ish" bike , as they seem to be sensible about the charging, could be a issue.
The weight loss was appealing but like Xtrock said 1 kg is not all that significant on a XT...I'll just have to cut back on the bears until I leave!
I will probably keep my Yuasa or have a peek at the gel ones, and if not too expensive maybe consider, otherwise year and half Yuasa it is!
Cheers,
RN
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Old 19 Nov 2014
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Hi Guys.....
Interesting conversation and points here.
Just for the record, i have had a Shorai in my DR650 for 31/2 years now and it's still going strong! Last year I rode 41,000 kms around the world and it never let me down once.....except when i left the ignition on and ran the battery down......then all i did was jump start it off a car just like a regular lead acid battery. I don't "condition" it either when I store the bike for the winter and it still cranks the bike over every spring.
Very happy with the Shorai

Have wonderful travels!
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Old 20 Nov 2014
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I've been too-ing and fro-ing on this issue for a few months. Major 'recommended' advantages were cranking amps and weight. I was worried about the battery 'blowing up' on me in outback somewhere and about cost.

In the end, I went down to the shop and we spent about an hour going through the books and comparing cranking amps. Found a sealed lead-acid for a third of the price of the Li with more cranking amps. Don't know how it compares in weight, but sure gave me more peace-of-mind and I'm happy with it.
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Old 21 Nov 2014
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Hey guys,

had an ideia! Please let me know if I've got insain or just too caught up in the whole gizzmo/gadget thingamajig!

My african trip will be something like 40,000km in 1 year.
As I said my Yuasa is relatively new and should withstand the trip.
The major problem is if it goes dead, right!
And what if I have one of these with me...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Multi-functi...ds=bestek+jump

They are not cheap, but can "supposedly" jump start the bike and still charge my laptop, GPS, phone and whatnots...and even have a spare flashlight!

Now seriously has anyone ever tried one of these things and do you believe it would infact withstand and be of added value to a african overland trip?

Cheers,
RN
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