Voltage Regulators and Lithium Batteries
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 156
Likes: 21
From: Adirondacks
Voltage Regulators and Lithium Batteries
I moved the battery under the seat of my 1990 FLHS and purchased an Antigravity battery to get the CCAs I wanted in the space available. A warning on the battery said Do not use in motorcycles earlier than 1990 without upgrading the voltage regulator or a fire my occur. My bike is a 1990 so no problem there, but as I read the J&P catalog some regulators that fit a 1990 Evo also fit earlier bikes including alternator Shovels. I have a Cycle Electric stator and a Twin Power regulator that fits 88 and later Evos. Anyone have an idea what the 1990 upgraded voltage regulator is?
Please no Should have just bought a lead-acid or gel mat battery.
Thanks.
Frank
Please no Should have just bought a lead-acid or gel mat battery.
Thanks.
Frank
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
Likes: 4,943
From: England
The only thing likely to cause a fire in a lithium battery is overcharging or applying a much higher voltage.
I can only guess that early regulators do not give out a smooth constant voltage and rely on the battery to complete the circuit.
Years ago on a bike I had it could be kick started without the battery being connected but the voltage was high enough to blow the neutral bulb.
I can only guess that early regulators do not give out a smooth constant voltage and rely on the battery to complete the circuit.
Years ago on a bike I had it could be kick started without the battery being connected but the voltage was high enough to blow the neutral bulb.
I also put an Antigravity in my FLHTC. Mines also a '90.
Don't recall seeing the warning. I also don't recall there being any great leap forward in charging system or voltage regulator technology in 1990.
Long before I converted the battery, my VR died and was replaced. The volt meter on the dash allowed me to catch it early. When it quit, the meter was fully pegged on the high side.
Any how, I've only run this battery for one season, and so far, so good.
Don't recall seeing the warning. I also don't recall there being any great leap forward in charging system or voltage regulator technology in 1990.
Long before I converted the battery, my VR died and was replaced. The volt meter on the dash allowed me to catch it early. When it quit, the meter was fully pegged on the high side.
Any how, I've only run this battery for one season, and so far, so good.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
Likes: 4,943
From: England
The volt meter on the dash allowed me to catch it early. When it quit, the meter was fully pegged on the high side.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I've seen a twinkie that the regulator failed on the high side.
I'm sorry that I don't know the answer to your original question but the VR being changed to not fail on the high side isn't it.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,402
Likes: 2,605
From: NC USA
The pre 89's were a 22 amp system from the factory - totally different regulator circuits from the post '88, 32 amp systems. And yes, the 22 amp systems can fail in a way to put out excessive voltage.
The 32 amp systems can also be installed in the older models, which many of us have done.
The 32 amp systems can also be installed in the older models, which many of us have done.
Last edited by t150vej; Apr 28, 2020 at 09:44 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
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From: Newcastle, OK
The only thing likely to cause a fire in a lithium battery is overcharging or applying a much higher voltage.
I can only guess that early regulators do not give out a smooth constant voltage and rely on the battery to complete the circuit.
Years ago on a bike I had it could be kick started without the battery being connected but the voltage was high enough to blow the neutral bulb.
I can only guess that early regulators do not give out a smooth constant voltage and rely on the battery to complete the circuit.
Years ago on a bike I had it could be kick started without the battery being connected but the voltage was high enough to blow the neutral bulb.
There are also some lithium motorcycle batteries that do not have built-in safety measures which protect from overcharging and non balanced charging of the individual cells. Those non protected ones are dangerous and put the user/device at extreme risk of fire. Make sure any motorcycle battery you buy these days has these protections. Here is a good article to check out: http://www.fastbikegear.co.nz/index....d=18&chapter=1
Last edited by hvacgaspiping; Apr 28, 2020 at 10:42 AM. Reason: added comment
