Battery

[Corky78]

Hi all,

Would like advice on batteries please.

I have a standard one on my KTM at the moment but have been doing some reading around Lithium Iron - they weigh less, discharge slower and charge quicker. Sounds great but is it actually true?

Anyone had one?

Reason for asking is the initial investment is high - around £50 for a battery and then I'd need a new charger too (another £50). If they last 4/5 times that of a normal battery, then worth investing. Otherwise, I won't really notice the weight difference (as I'm a fat b@stard!) and as I put my standard battery on a Optimate, I don't have charging problems - therefore may be easier to go with a standard and replace every few years as necessary.

Would appreciate feedback from those in the know.

Cheers

[Stewie]

If your looking to change your battery, the best one to get IMHO is the GelBatt has a better cold crank, also came up in conversation the other day, is the fact that most electric starters on Enduro type bikes are in fact re-starters, so use the Kick Starter first thing and then once the engine has warmed up then use the electric starter.

[Dave]

On the subject of Lithium Ion batts:

Couldn't confirm how much longer they will last but the technology surrounding them makes them an excellent choice if the charge is constantly fluctuating.

However, just like with phones, lithium ion/polymer batteries suffer from overcharging and prolonged discharge. This causes crystallisation within the battery and you forfeit your capacity. Normally you'd get about 3000 cycles in one of these batteries before it degrades from normal use. So in theory it could be very good for An enduro bike.

Lead Acid batteries are a good choice for vehicles in their own way because they don't suffer from over charge. But perhaps they aren't the best choice for an enduro bike which is under so much strain?

Be interested to hear from anyone using one of these newer batts.

[Beerbelly]

+1 for gel batteries. LiOn batteries - leave them for your smart phone or laptop!

[mudeevee]

I whacked a Lithium on my Husaberg as a trial. No problems to date and it has never hinted at going flat between rides. Never charged it as yet, except when riding.

Been on the bike since September........

[big yellow tractor]

Last couple of batteries I've bought have been these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350872009651? ... 1439.l2648

£42.00 inc delivery.

Fully sealed battery, seem to have good cranking power. One has been on my S for three years and I've just bought one to replace the aging one on the E.

Obviously riding a DRZ, weight isn't an issue but value for money is.

[G-Bru]

Shorai.

Just checked my battery and my Optimate is reporting a status on the battery of "Weak", so it looks like the standard battery lasts roughly 1 year. Gonna try the LFX14L2-BS12 version, 135A Cold Cranking!! Just what the KTM starters need!

http://shoraipower.com

G

[big yellow tractor]

What's the price in the UK ?

Their US website gives a price for a DRZ battery of $150. It'd have to be bloody good and last forever for that much coin.