Lithium Ion Battery Issues & Questions
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 2,083
From: Massachusetts
I put a NOCO lithium battery from Amazon in my 91 FLSTC and have been very happy with it. It has way more cranking power than any battery I've ever had, and will start it easily on cold days. I recommend going to the NOCO website to find the right fit for your bike. I also bought the NOCO charger as I did not have one suitable for the lithium platform.
One concern however. The NOCO battery has been in the bike for 2 years, and recently my stator went kaput. I began wondering if there was a connection between the battery and this event, so I've been digging in the forums for related info. There does appear to be a connection. On one forum, bbcboards.net, one contributor, "lpugh" stated the following: It is a big problem for the stator type charging system as they are not designed to operate on AGM, gels or lithium batteries. It all revolves around the basis of in a stator system the only control of charge current is the resistance of the battery. With a low resistance battery such as a lithium current flow will be to high causing damage to the charging system, a stator system has no way to reduce charging current flow because of the permanent magnets. Alternators have variable field strength which the regulator controls thus they control current as well as voltage. Not so with a stator system, voltage only. As expensive as these parts are and some are getting hard to find, I would not be experimenting with other options in any stator system, Run One high quality battery of the proper size and type, always be sure it is fully charged before every trip out and test regularly as a low battery or one that is beginning to fail can also damage the charging system.
One concern however. The NOCO battery has been in the bike for 2 years, and recently my stator went kaput. I began wondering if there was a connection between the battery and this event, so I've been digging in the forums for related info. There does appear to be a connection. On one forum, bbcboards.net, one contributor, "lpugh" stated the following: It is a big problem for the stator type charging system as they are not designed to operate on AGM, gels or lithium batteries. It all revolves around the basis of in a stator system the only control of charge current is the resistance of the battery. With a low resistance battery such as a lithium current flow will be to high causing damage to the charging system, a stator system has no way to reduce charging current flow because of the permanent magnets. Alternators have variable field strength which the regulator controls thus they control current as well as voltage. Not so with a stator system, voltage only. As expensive as these parts are and some are getting hard to find, I would not be experimenting with other options in any stator system, Run One high quality battery of the proper size and type, always be sure it is fully charged before every trip out and test regularly as a low battery or one that is beginning to fail can also damage the charging system.
Interesting, as Harley ships most of their bikes with AGM batteries! They also sell LiFePO4 for most of the bikes, the exception is the 2024 bikes with the large screen. Not because of the charging system, but something to do with the screen technology.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,307
Likes: 9,428
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Ya okay....not for me.
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have several disadvantages, including:
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have several disadvantages, including:
- Low discharge rate
LiFePO4 batteries may not be able to deliver the power needed for some applications, such as electric vehicles, power tools, and emergency backup power.
- Chemical hazards
LiFePO4 batteries can pose a risk of fire, toxic fumes, and chemical burns.
- Lower energy density
LiFePO4 batteries have a lower energy density than other lithium-ion batteries, so they may need to be larger to store the same amount of energy. This can limit their use in applications with size and weight constraints. - Higher cost
LiFePO4 batteries can be more expensive than other lithium-ion batteries upfront. However, their longer lifespan may lower the long-term cost of ownership. - Limited high-temperature performance
LiFePO4 batteries may not perform as well in extreme heat, which can limit their use in some industrial settings.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 2,393
From: Florida
People who know sportsters know the OEM battery is too weak, even the dealer salesmen will tell you that, although they whisper it so the boss won't hear.
I never knew if my sportster would start. There were always long pauses between turning the key and the bike starting. Sometimes it took repeated cranks to start.
The lithium battery I put in starts it first time every time, as well it should because it has twice the cranking power of the OEM. No hesitation at all. Hit the starter and boom.
Like you, I considered the Harley lithium, but the HD sales guy absolutely refused to tell me the CCA. I said the hell with it and got the Antigravity. I'm more than happy I did. I've had it over two years now and no issues. Next, the softail.
Last edited by tmac00333; Oct 22, 2024 at 07:27 AM.
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Absarokee Montana
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