Lithium Battery

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by bob1, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. bob1

    bob1 Noble Member

    Mar 12, 2018
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    any one have problems with lithium batterys i bought two one for me R1 and one for my aprillia ok during the summer. as soon as it got cold they wont start. the bike hardly cranks over. i know all about turning the lights on to warm them up doesnt make any differance. not impressed wasted nearly £200 swapped back to lead acid started first time perhaps my bikes are not compatible with lithium not sure.
     
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  2. Tom Gillam

    Tom Gillam Guest

    They’re ok for summer but like most batteries,need maintenance in the winter.
    I bought a genius charger that does lithium as well but I’ve also topped it up with a trickle charger,without blowing it up.
     
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  3. Ducatitotriumph

    Ducatitotriumph Crème de la Crème

    Apr 25, 2019
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    Thanks for this information as I was looking at one for my bike.
    I’ll just get a like for like as it’s been fine (although heavier and not as many cca’s) but a guarantee start is better than hoping it’s not cold!
     
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  4. tcbandituk

    Subscriber

    Apr 8, 2016
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    I did see it mentioned before somewhere (might have been on here) that lithium batterys really struggle when the temps go below a certain value.
     
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  5. johne

    johne Standing on the shoulders of dwarves.

    Jan 16, 2020
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    I've got one on my Tuono. I've had it for a couple of years now with no issues, but to be honest I don't ride the bike during the colder winter months and I do keep it topped up with a genius charger. If I keep my Thruxton I may well buy a Lithium battery for that too when the lead/acid original gives up the ghost.
     
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  6. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
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    I use a Lithium (Shido) on my 2010 Speed Triple - fantastic in the summer, but as averages drop to 5 centigrade they really struggle to hold any charge - currently sitting inside and use a Motobatt for the colder months
     
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  7. bob1

    bob1 Noble Member

    Mar 12, 2018
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    mine was connected to a optimate and still wouldnt start. apart from the weight saving cant see any point in them.
     
  8. Red Thunder

    Red Thunder Crème de la Crème

    Dec 2, 2014
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    I liked the higher crank power, much more definite starting
    I also upgraded the rectifier and wires to a larger gauge and the engine turned over so much faster and cleaner than before the upgrade
     
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  9. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
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    Charging is far more critical on Lithium batteries versus lead acid types and also different between Lithium Ion and Lithium Ion Phosphate types . The self discharge rate on Lithium batteries is far less than lead acid so, personally, I wouldn't leave a Lithium battery permanently connected to a trickle charger. I have lead acids on the car and the bikes but have a 12v LiFePO4 battery pack I use infrequently for portable radio use and it keeps good charge for months. High temps and incorrect charging are the big killers of Lithium battery life. I also use the 3.7v 18650 Lithium Ion cells for numerous other uses and find the useable life can vary massively from cell to cell despite careful discharge/recharge regimes which comes down to quality of manufacture so it's possible you just got a "bad" one.
     
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