Motorcycle Batteries

[UrbanRacer]

Hi,
I've been having issues with my bike starting over the past few months and the past few days its been a real pain in the hole, Turns out the battery is on its last legs so I need to replace it.
I was looking it replacing it with same one but then I started looking at others.
Motogel batteries seem to mentioned a lot but there was another type I noticed, Shorai Lithium Ion batteries which are 80% lighter, stronger crank and require less maintenance. the downside is the price coming in at double that of an OEM batt (£170)

Does anyone have any experience with the MotoGel and Shorai lithium batts? Thoughts and Recommendations?

[The Artist]

A well maintained lead acid battery will perform just as well as any other sort. You can get a fancy lithium battery but there is no real need. All bikes and cars are designed to work just fine with standard lead acid batteries.
Just make sure the electrolyte level doesn't drop below the plates and if it isn't being used in the winter, keep it somewhere warm.

[UrbanRacer]

fair point

[G]

If I wanted to save weight, I'd consider looking at slotting a lifepo4 battery straight in.

Haven't looked into it properly - probably want either a BMS or to give it an occasional charge on a hobby charger.

Much cheaper than expensive options you mention.

[Vincent]

I've been going back and looking at the LiPo for ages and I'm still not convinced, maybe when the price comes down a bit.
With my bike being unused one week out of two it didn't suit the MotoBatt battery so I've gone back to lead acid now. I think if the bike gets used daily, and the charging system's ok, most bike batteries will survive at least 5-6 years, a lot 10. I think it's worth sticking with a regsitered supplier, whatever.
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Space Is Deep

[Fizzer Thou]

This site has some good information about which battery is good for what

https://www.tayna.co.uk/Motorcycle-Batteries-C7.html

My R1 battery is a GEL item as it needs to be sealed as it lays down in a tray,whereas the cranking current needs to be higher for my FZR-R so is a lead-acid stand up and breatheable battery.

The trickle chargers look to be different between lithium and lead-acid/gel type as well
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[temeluchus]

I have a lithium battery on the GSXR1100, for no other reason than a love of gadgety things.

I can say is it weighs very little and seems to work just fine. Be aware that the capacities are quite low, something to be aware of if you have masses of heated gear or alarms and whatnot.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[G]

[temeluchus]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111644435540

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111695608313
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[stinkwheel]

I just worry about the consequences of a (relatively common) reg/rec fault leading to overcharging.

Maybe there is a mechanism to avoid this being an issue but last time I looked, LiPo batteries weren't famous for their tolerance of overcharging. You tend to just kill a standard lead-acid and bulge a sealed one. Lithium batteries tend to be a little more "energetic" in their reaction.

I've had two bikes overcharge the battery in my time riding. One bulged a sealed battery to the point it deformed the battery box and had to be cut out then carefully carried to the end of the garden and shot with my airgun.

If they'd been lithium batteries, would I have been shopping for a new bike and a new pair of bollocks?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[G]

Ultracapacitors are another interesting area.
Providing you have 6, you shouldn't need to worry about charging at all - they will work just fine not being 'fully charged'.
They should last a very long time.
They work fine if left uncharged.
They can provide VERY good current for their size, but their energy density is low. So, if you had a problem starting and needed to turn the engine a load, or left the bike with the headlights on but not the engine running, you may find them dead quickly.

[G]

Ultracapacitors are another interesting area.
Providing you have 6, you shouldn't need to worry about charging at all - they will work just fine not being 'fully charged'.
They should last a very long time.
They work fine if left uncharged.
They can provide VERY good current for their size, but their energy density is low. So, if you had a problem starting and needed to turn the engine a load, or left the bike with the headlights on but not the engine running, you may find them dead quickly.

[talkToTheHat]

Lead acid AGM or Gel batteries work well enough in motorcycles to justify the cost over a budget one. You'll pay through the nose for lighter and more compact battery and likely need a new charger and perhaps changes to onboard charging systems. It's not worth the bother on something resembling a daily driver or sunday afternoon toy.

How much difference does it make to jump starts? Do you need to worry about other vehicle's electricals frying an exotic battery? Personally I keep an old car battery as my emergency standby device, however the motobatt has lasted well and I've used my spare battery maybe once.

If you're losing charge after a week, check your wiring and consider an isolator switch?
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Bandit. does. everything.