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Chrisj CMA
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« on: July 16, 2022, 01:10:57 PM » |
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So a kind of progress report on the lithium battery I put in a few weeks ago. I think I’m liking it. For one thing it holds 14V with the engine off and has twice the cold cranking amps as a conventional battery.
What I like best about it is the smart feature. It stops drawing power from the alternator when it doesn’t need it. This saves the battery from overcharging and for a lithium battery that is very important so it doesn’t burst into flames, that could be bad. But taking a break like that every once in awhile is also great for the alternator. Kind of like the opposite of running on a low battery and overworking the alternator, this gives it a break. Just today coming back from breakfast I noticed the volt meter fall back to 13V for a time then ease back up to 14V.
It does cost more than a normal battery but it’s supposed to last a lot longer and if it helps the alternator last longer it's well worth it in my book.
Just thought I’d share.
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GWS
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« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2022, 03:44:05 PM » |
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Thanks for the update. I generally don't like my toys to be smarter than me, but I'd make an exception in this case. I know that servicing/replacing the alternator is a beast of a job. My next battery will be one of these.
May I ask what kind of volt meter you have? I'd like to get one but don't know how I'd mount it so it looks like it belongs between, or next to, the speedometer and tach.
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Avanti
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« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2022, 05:26:40 PM » |
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Which battery did you decide on?
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2022, 06:34:35 PM » |
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Thanks for the update. I generally don't like my toys to be smarter than me, but I'd make an exception in this case. I know that servicing/replacing the alternator is a beast of a job. My next battery will be one of these.
May I ask what kind of volt meter you have? I'd like to get one but don't know how I'd mount it so it looks like it belongs between, or next to, the speedometer and tach.
I bought one from Overton's boat catalog and made a little dashboard. I’ll look for a picture   |
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« Last Edit: July 16, 2022, 06:50:38 PM by Chrisj CMA »
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2022, 06:58:08 PM » |
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Which battery did you decide on?
  You can find all sorts of prices. I think I paid about $130 |
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« Last Edit: July 16, 2022, 07:10:33 PM by Chrisj CMA »
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Avanti
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« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2022, 07:14:15 PM » |
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Thank you
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16183
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #6 on: July 17, 2022, 03:44:42 AM » |
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I've had one in the past and was impressed with its performance, longevity and, it's light weight.
Yep, when I need another, that's what's going back in my two-wheeler Valkyrie. The trike might get one also, depends on the condition of the wallet at the time. More important to reduce the weight (IMO) on the two-wheeler than the three-wheeler. It's not that big of a difference once installed but, every little bit helps. (Again, just my opinion.)
Rams
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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GWS
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« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2022, 04:08:33 AM » |
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Great looking dashboard Chris. I'm thinking of a metal strap (chromed) attached to the bolts that hold the speedometer and tach, then, somehow, have the voltmeter attach to it.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2022, 04:55:20 AM » |
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Great looking dashboard Chris. I'm thinking of a metal strap (chromed) attached to the bolts that hold the speedometer and tach, then, somehow, have the voltmeter attach to it.
Thanks. It all depends on the type of meter you get. I wanted an analog unit that matched the other gauges as close as possible |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2022, 07:20:28 AM » |
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Just make sure you don't have a chrome doodad that shines sun in your eyes (like the gas cap in the windshield can).
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2022, 07:55:12 AM » |
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Just make sure you don't have a chrome doodad that shines sun in your eyes (like the gas cap in the windshield can).
Hush! I never noticed that until someone made me look. Don’t make me look again!!!! |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2022, 08:47:12 AM » |
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Well it's not constant, you have to get just the right angles of the sun to cap to shield to eyes. One of my bikes came with a nice tank bib and pouch, and I'm not crazy about those, but it stays on there (and I use the pouch).  |
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GWS
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« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2022, 03:40:01 PM » |
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I'm from central NY. What's this "sun" thing you're talking about? Sounds annoying.
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f-Stop
Member
Posts: 1810
'98 Standard named Hildr
Driftwood, Texas
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« Reply #13 on: July 18, 2022, 04:11:37 PM » |
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I bit the bullet and installed a lithium battery ten days ago...  From Batteries Plus, this battery replaced the 6.5 year old Duracell AGM. Was gonna use the same battery, but this lithium was only $10 more than the AGM. 36 Month full replacement warranty and no core charge. (Brought the old battery in anyway for proper disposal.) So far, so good. The Valk seemed to fire before I pushed the start button. Time will tell on it's longevity. The Lithium weighs less than a quarter of the old AGM. Almost feels like an empty plastic box when you pick it up!  |
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  Had my blinker on across three states! |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2022, 05:03:32 PM » |
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Are any of you guys worried about lithium ion battery fires?
And have attached garages or keep them in the house?
Is it only cars burning up?
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Serk
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« Reply #15 on: July 18, 2022, 05:11:13 PM » |
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Are any of you guys worried about lithium ion battery fires?
And have attached garages or keep them in the house?
Is it only cars burning up?
The risk of fire from a lithium battery is way overblown..... Odds of a Lithium Battery catching on fire: ~1 in 10,000,000 Odds of being struck by lightning in your lifetime: ~1 in 15,300 Source for battery fire odds: https://www.erieinsurance.com/blog/lithium-battery-firesSource for lightning strike odds: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-odds |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #16 on: July 18, 2022, 06:26:29 PM » |
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For the bike battery, do you have to buy special chargers, or will my Battery Tender Junior work?
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #17 on: July 18, 2022, 06:37:58 PM » |
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For the bike battery, do you have to buy special chargers, or will my Battery Tender Junior work?
The specs called for a charger that’s compatible with AGM or GEL. A battery tender is not that. You need a real charger. Mine came fully charged though so it didn’t need anything. Yet. |
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msb
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« Reply #18 on: July 18, 2022, 07:59:34 PM » |
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It does cost more than a normal battery but it’s supposed to last a lot longer and if it helps the alternator last longer it's well worth it in my book.
I've heard good things about them, and I'm sure they are just that, but then I've HAD good experiences with my Yuasa batteries. Only on my 4th one in 21 years running my Interstate even through the Winter months some years here in BC (I'm assuming the original batteries were Yuasas...can't remember that far back...lol) My 3rd one was still starting the bike fine and holding a charge, but I changed it out for my ride to Billings last month just because I had a new one sitting around that I'd gotten a great deal on. Still the original alternator as well going strong, after removing it about 5 - 6 years ago to inspect, clean and put new brushes in it as a preventative maintenance measure. Be good to see down the road how long these newer Lithium batteries last compared to the Yuasa batteries in our bikes. |
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Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16775
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2022, 04:36:07 AM » |
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Be good to see down the road how long these newer Lithium batteries last compared to the Yuasa batteries in our bikes.I'm pretty sure it was 2014 when I put this one in my 1500, still going strong...  I put this one in my 1800 before we left for Billings...  -Mike
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msb
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« Reply #20 on: July 19, 2022, 02:22:19 PM » |
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Be good to see down the road how long these newer Lithium batteries last compared to the Yuasa batteries in our bikes.I'm pretty sure it was 2014 when I put this one in my 1500, still going strong... I put this one in my 1800 before we left for Billings... -Mike I would think (well, at least I would hope...never know these days) that a 2022 Lithium battery for our bikes would be even better than a 2014 version. |
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Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
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