Thinking about getting one of those LiFeP04 batteries or whatever they're called. (Stopped on way to work yesterday and then bike wouldn't start again. Normally have it on trickle charger regularly but not been on it for a while). Any recommendations? Primarily I want power (8 cell?) and reliability.
I just got this mailshot from Speedycom.co.uk Mota-Lab’s new Superlight Race Battery Packs from Speedycom Performance are a revolution in battery technology. Our Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries offer an average of 80% weight reduction, far greater starting power and a much longer lifespan when compared to the lead-acid batteries they are designed to replace. Following the initial production issues of the first batch these are now tried and tested in our own bikes:- Ducati 999R Aprilia RSVR BMW S1000RR Honda CBR600RR. Features: • Light weight, saves 80% on average over lead-acid batteries. • High cranking power for easy starting. • Over 5 year average lifespan. • Safe, no risk of fire or explosion. • No maintenance required. • Low self-discharge (5% every 6 months). • 2-year warranty. Starting Power: There is simply no comparison between these batteries and lead-acid batteries when it comes to stating your bike, which is what motorcycle batteries are designed for. The packs offer super high cranking power – generally twice the cranking power of the lead-acid batteries they replace! Capacity: The listed capacities are the real nominal capacities under maximum continuous load. Lead-acid battery manufacturers list their capacities under a very minimal load. The capacity of a lead-acid battery decreases as the load increases so under real world circumstances the actual Ah rating of a lead-acid battery is significantly lower. For example, the 4 cell, 2.6Ah battery is designed to replace a 5-7Ah lead-acid battery. A Real Life Example: The Ducati 1098 comes standard with a Yuasa YTX14 battery, which weighs 8.06 lbs (3657.09 g) and produces 200 cold cranking amps (CCA). The 8 cell battery weighs only 1.61 lbs (730 g) and has a 300 amp discharge (similar to CCA). The batteries reduce weight by 6.45 lbs (2925 g) while increasing cranking power by 100 amps! Besides starting the Ducati 1098 easier and dropping a considerable amount of weight the batteries last several times as long as the original battery, require no maintenance (such as trickle charging) and includes a 2-year warranty! Construction Techniques: The battery packs are hand assembled in Los Angeles, California. The manufacturers weld nickel tabs and oxygen free high strand count copper cables using a capacitive discharge (CD) dual pulse welder with pneumatic welding heads. No soldering is used in the construction of the battery packs. Only brand new, grade A, cells sourced directly from the manufacturer in the USA are used. Every aspect of the processes and materials involved in the construction of the batteries has been well thought out, tested and proven. The end result is a battery with superior materials and construction that we can stand behind with a 2-year warranty and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Products We offer three standard Superlight Race battery sizes, but are capable of making battery packs in any configuration and to any specs required with very quick turn around. 4 Cell Superlight Race Battery - £89.99 (RRP) Specifications: Voltage 13.2V Nominal Capacity 2.6Ah Weight 390 g / .86 lbs Dimensions 120mm x 30mm x 57mm Suggested Use 4-Stroke up to 600cc Recommended Operating Conditions: Max Continuous Discharge 50A Pulse Discharge (10 sec) 150A Operating Temperature -4°F to +140°F / -20°C to +60°C Standard Charge 5A to 14.4V Fast Charge 10A to 14.4V Charge and Cutoff Voltage 14.4V to 8V 8 Cell Superlight Race Battery - £162.99 (RRP) Specifications: Voltage 13.2V Nominal Capacity 5.2Ah Weight 730 g / 1.61 lbs Dimensions 120mm x 60mm x 57mm Suggested Use 4-Stroke up to 100cc, 2-Stroke up to 300cc Recommended Operating Conditions: Max Continuous Discharge 100A Pulse Discharge (10 sec) 300A Operating Temperature -4°F to +140°F / -20°C to +60°C Standard Charge 7A to 14.4V Fast Charge 20A to 14.4V Charge and Cutoff Voltage 14.4V to 8V 12 Cell Superlight Race Battery - £244.99 (RRP) Specifications: Voltage 13.2V Nominal Capacity 7.8Ah Weight 1060 g / 2.34 lbs Dimensions 120mm x 90mm x 57mm Suggested Use 4-Stroke up to 1500cc / 2-Stroke up to 500cc Recommended Operating Conditions: Max Continuous Discharge 150A Pulse Discharge (10 sec) 450A Operating Temperature -4°F to +140°F / -20°C to +60°C Standard Charge 10A to 14.4V Fast Charge 30A to 14.4V Charge and Cutoff Voltage 14.4V to 8V FAQ Q. Are your batteries safe? A. The batteries are safer than the OEM lead-acid battery included from the factory on all current motorcycles! They will not catch on fire, explode, spill acid, etc… like lead-acid and Lithium Ion batteries. The cells have no thermal runaway and use no heavy metals so they are not only safe for use, but also safe for the environment. Q. How long will these batteries last? A. These batteries will last several times as long as a lead-acid battery; typically 5 years with proper use and storage. 2000+ charge/discharge cycles is standard. Q. How do I charge these batteries; do I need a trickle charger? A. All batteries are delivered fully charged, ready to install and do not require the use of a trickle charger. In fact, use of a trickle charger such as a Battery Tender/Optimate can damage the battery and will void the warranty. These batteries only lose 5% capacity over a 6-month period of non-use while stored at room temperature and have a 3-year shelf life. If you have a race bike with no charging system or have accidentally discharged the battery you can quickly recharge the battery using an automotive type charger delivering 14.4V at the listed amps in the battery specs section. Q. Will my bike’s charging system properly charge this battery? A. Most modern sport bikes have charging systems that operate at 14.3-14.5V at 5 amps above 2,000 rpm, which is ideal. Between your stock charging system and the batteries low self-discharge your battery will always be ready to start your bike, even after sitting for weeks. Q. Does your battery come with a warranty? A. Yes, we offer a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects. We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Q. How does your battery perform in cold weather? A. The cells are self-heating so cold weather starts are not a problem. While lead acid batteries become weaker with multiple start attempts in the cold our packs become stronger. For further information please contact us direct on 01298 816633 or click on the picture.
Overpriced! (might wait until the tech is not so new, not that it is actually new) 4 Cell (up to 600cc) - £89.99 8 Cell (up to 1000cc) - £162.99 12 Cell (up to 1500cc) - £244.99 Speedycom*Performance*Ltd... I hear a 4 cell will work fine for a 1000, but I would be going for an 8 anyway.
Dam that is expensive ... I was looking into getting a stronger battery but not at that price, Ill stick with stock till the prices come down
How much does the OE battery weigh? I think they're about 4kg aren't they? Looks like you could get away with the 730g or 1060g one. That's a good saving in weight.