After 2 years the battery in my 2013 ABS is testing weak so I have decided to part company with lead acid batteries and embrace the future,lithium. Having looked at a few I've narrowed it down to 2,Shorai and Shido. Both look very similar but the Shorai has a higher cranking charge. It does however cost 50% more than the Shido,is it really worth it? Also,anyone using a lithium battery,what charger are you using,have looked at the 2 optimate chargers but not sure which one. Cheers Ross
I have the Shido Lipo battery and so far it seems to be spot on I had a Motobatt and standard lead acid battery previous and they didn't last well. The weight difference is amazing...I thought the lithium battery was just an empty plastic box it was that light I got an Optimate lithium charger for it too
As per my other thread I had Haijiu but I think these are AKA Skyrich (The internal docs in the box are all Skyrich) This lasted for about 1 and a half years (I use my Blade every day), I did not maintain it so it could have lasted longer. I have 2 chargers and optimate 4 and a Oximiser 3X, the Optimate 4 can not be used because of the desulphation mode but the Oximiser can be used. The Optimate lithium is similar to the 4 but because it doesnt have the desulphation mode (and other functions) is suitable for Lithium. TBH the Optimate is much better quality, more sturdy and higher quality connections. The reason why I bought the Oximiser 3x is firstly I got it cheap (about 30 squids!!!) and it is also rated for higher Amphour (AH) batteries, charges my big diesel battery no problems therefore it is the only charger I need. It got 3 modes of charging levels it will bulk charge bike batteries at 0.8A (less than 36 AH) and up to 3.6 amps for batteries up to 125AH and will maintain at the appropiate rate. One of the downsides of the Oximiser it that it works on 1 hour cycles, whereas the Optimate 4 (guessing the Optimate Lithium is the same) works on half hour cycles - so essentially the Optimate is faster at giving you the status of the battery condition. As you know I have just bought a Moto batt and already thinking I should have got another LiPo, my Lipo cranked the engine harder, was a better fit and a couple of Kg lighter to boot!
Have got a shorai only put on 2 weeks ago but is tiny, lightweight and has very good cranking amps! Will give more feedback in the next few weeks when used the bike more
Have got a shorai only put on 2 weeks ago but is tiny, lightweight and has very good cranking amps! Will give more feedback in the next few weeks when used the bike more
What would you consider as a 'weak' test, out of interest? And presumably this is something I could measure with a multimeter?
This illustrates the condition for the battery as per Optimate tests. The Optimate will charge the battery to 100% and then leave for 30min, the resting voltage after the 30 mins gives an indication of condition. The voltage drop will be small for a battery in good condition. It also depends on the type of battery. If the battery hits the red zone for that type then the battery is considered weak then a replacement is due.
Wot he said I've always gone with this in the past and sure enough any battery that has tested weak has failed within a few months. Ive got a few weekends away on the bike this year and don't plan on a dead battery ruining them,better to replace now.
Ah righto, so I'd need an optimate to make this sort of assessment I guess. Or, looking again, putting a multimeter on the battery straight after engine shut down (after going for a decent ride) and again 30 mins later - if the voltage drops more than 0.3 volts then it's more or less had it. May give that a go and report back...
I have this Lithium ion Race battery an charger , Works great , very very light . Brought them from M&P .
Is having the charger for the lithium batteries a requirement? Or will they work just fine on the bike if the bike is being used fairly regularly without trickle charging too?
As long as your charging system on bike is working properly a lithium battery should be fine if the bike is being used regularly. Have a look at Shido or Shorai websites,loads of FAQs for info.
yep this, if your bike has a charging system in good nick and no excessive load ie alarm tracker etc, a charger shouldn't be necessary. My Lithium recommended that it should be kept above 12.7V
Im after a new battery, i looked at the shido but they say not to use a trickle charger ? can use most intelligent chargers but once charged must be disconnected, not much cop over winter as i don't keep the bike at home.
But you can use a lithium charger connected all the time,just not a normal charger. Also,a lithium battery will hold it's charge all winter as long as there's no draw on it. I've just ordered the Shido,getting delivered tomorrow. Ordered an Optimate Lithium charger to look after it as have an alarm fitted.
Ah they didn't mention lithium chargers, ill get one of them, don't fancy leaving the bike for any time without charge, thanks
That's what I've got...both of them...if this battery pulls round and charges back up I'll give it the big thumbs up..
Hi guys I know this is a old thread .but am thinking about getting one at bike live at NEC today .as upgrade battery . If anyone has any extra info before I buy
