[G_Force]

Is the weight saving on a Lithium Battery worth the cost over the std lead acid? How much are they and where can i get one from(preferably from Aust.)?

Need one ASAP. Bike stalled when i was on the way to the workshop (just my luck), had to get it towed the rest of the way.

Also would like to know if the Lithiums can be left on the trickle charger over the winter mths?

 

[Beej]

I got a SSB Powersport from here, offices all over Oz - Super Start Batteries > Contact Us > Head Office

 

[G_Force]

I got a SSB Powersport from here, offices all over Oz - Super Start Batteries > Contact Us > Head Office

I just spoke to a local battery store that stocks the SSB, they recomended the LFP12B-4. Whats your thoughts on their battery. Can they be hooked up to a trickle charger all the time?

 

[Beej]

Yes these batteries can be used on a normal 12v charger

 

[Jaguar]

A number of Ducati specialist mechanics advise against the use of these. I've been warned off them by the guys at Motologic and my mate was also advised by his mechanic in Canberra not to use one on his 1198. I can't say I've got a good understanding of the technical considerations, but it's probably worth a bit of research.

 

[G_Force]

A number of Ducati specialist mechanics advise against the use of these. I've been warned off them by the guys at Motologic and my mate was also advised by his mechanic in Canberra not to use one on his 1198. I can't say I've got a good understanding of the technical considerations, but it's probably worth a bit of research.

Are you referring to the trickle charger or the Lithium battery?

 

[Beej]

Ive been told there stronger than the Yuasa and my Mechanic recommended it.

Be good to know what you have heard as to why not.

 

[Tassie V2]

Weight difference is unbievable , they have far better intial cranking than lead acid , but dont hang on for as long as lead acid . when they drop off their crank they will go dead.
positives
1. weight
2. bike starts much easier
3. if it does go flat it only takes minutes for a full recharge
I have them in 4 bikes. Never going back to heavy acid again.

 

[rick_b]

I run them in both of my son race bike no trouble.

Try Matson Battery 0298333444, they build the Lithium battery that the V8 supercars are now using and they have a few built for bikes.

Rick

 

[G_Force]

I run them in both of my son race bike no trouble.

Try Matson Battery 0298333444, they build the Lithium battery that the V8 supercars are now using and they have a few built for bikes.

Rick

Thanks for the replies guys. I just bought one. I was told that u cannot use a trickle(step) charger on it. What sort of charger do u guys use on your Lithium?

 

[rick_b]

i don't use any, but I do have a Lithium battery charger I got from an RC shop. I have had one battery sitting on the shelf for 18mth put it in and it started the Ducati strait up.

Rick

 

[G_Force]

i don't use any, but I do have a Lithium battery charger I got from an RC shop. I have had one battery sitting on the shelf for 18mth put it in and it started the Ducati strait up.

Rick

Wow... thats good to hear. I guess if there's nothing draining it, it should be ok. But when its connected to the bike with things like the immobiliser draining it, one should put it on a charge periodically.

Have been told that once these batteries run flat they become useless.

 

[rick_b]

I haven't been told that. I know the charger I got is meant to only take 10 to 15min to fully charge.

Rick

 

[G_Force]

I haven't been told that. I know the charger I got is meant to only take 10 to 15min to fully charge.

Rick

What sort of charger is it?

 

[phillthy]

I just bought a $300 super start lithium as a std Yuasa didn't last 2 years in ideal conditions and the bigger size 14BS or whatever has no extra cold cranking amps. The 2 year warranty will get me out of trouble if it shits it's self like early lithiums did. If you read the instructions you will find a normal charger is used, not a lithium type. Best charger would be a little bike maint charger as big chargers and little bike batteries don't mix. Lithiums shouldn't need charging unless it sits for more than 6 months or so.

 

[rick_b]

What sort of charger is it?

The mate bought one off Ebay Genuine Imax B6AC Digital RC 3s 4s Lipo Nimh Battery Balance Charger W T Plug | eBay

Half the price that I paid at the RC shop.

Rick

 

[G_Force]

The mate bought one off Ebay Genuine Imax B6AC Digital RC 3s 4s Lipo Nimh Battery Balance Charger W T Plug | eBay

Half the price that I paid at the RC shop.

Rick

Thanks Rick. Will check that one out.

 

[phillthy]

I wouldn't risk wrecking and voiding the warranty on an expensive battery by using the wrong charger.

 

[G_Force]

I wouldn't risk wrecking and voiding the warranty on an expensive battery by using the wrong charger.

Well thats wot im trying to find out. What is the right charger for it? Are you saying that the imax charger Rick mentioned is not suitable? Everyone i speak to is recommending something different, even the battery shop i got the battery from didnt give me a definitive answer.

From wot ive gathered so far, majority of ppl ive spoken to are saying.
- Dont use a trickle(step) charger on a Lithium.
- Any conventional charger should work on a Lithium
- A Lithium doesnt need charging as often as a lead-acid and will hold its charge alot longer
- Dont let a Lithium battery deplete or it will not be re-chargeable

 

[phillthy]

If it is the Superstart one you got, have a read of the papers with it and the box. On mine it states it is the only lithium model to use a standard type battery charger. It states to not use a lithium type charger. Also you don't need to top up and keep lithiums fully charged like a lead acid battery. I ride my bike at least weekly but if I do need to charge it will use the little maint charger as big chargers are more for big car batteries than little bike ones. I have a little 6-8 cell sitting in a locker for a few years and it still tests strong, was from my tracky.