lithium battery?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,430
Likes: 3,713
From: backwoods
Some say they love them. Some claims big engines start better. My opinion, is at the moment they are not worth the extra cost. I get 7+ years out of harley battery, so I don't see point for me. Maybe people with big engines or high compression it helps, something worth reading up on if you have one,
Then there is the discussion does cold effect them or not. Some say I don't care I don' ride when cold, some say I have started when cold just fine.
Also some discussion on them going to sleep if they get low, if you leave your lights on for few minutes it will wake up I have heard.
Some say they like they are so light. For me on a touring bike, I just don't think that matters.
I got a 7 year old battery I should replace, trying to decide if I want to make it through this summer. I am just going to the dealer and getting another one
If I lived in a hot climate, I would research how they do. Regular batteries don't like heat, at don't last as long. I am not sure if lithium is better.
Then there is the discussion does cold effect them or not. Some say I don't care I don' ride when cold, some say I have started when cold just fine.
Also some discussion on them going to sleep if they get low, if you leave your lights on for few minutes it will wake up I have heard.
Some say they like they are so light. For me on a touring bike, I just don't think that matters.
I got a 7 year old battery I should replace, trying to decide if I want to make it through this summer. I am just going to the dealer and getting another one
If I lived in a hot climate, I would research how they do. Regular batteries don't like heat, at don't last as long. I am not sure if lithium is better.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 934
Likes: 677
From: Ohio
I have one from Twin Power its on 4 years now still seems strong.
I did get a lithium specific charger but have never heard of needing a diff. regulator.
I do know the last time I had to pick up my touring bike I was glad it was in there.
I did get a lithium specific charger but have never heard of needing a diff. regulator.
I do know the last time I had to pick up my touring bike I was glad it was in there.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,576
Likes: 8,405
From: Inland NW
I have not experienced any of the myths so succinctly pointed out here in your thread.
So far, so good!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 843
Still turns over my s&s 124 like the spark plugs are out.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 37
Likes: 38
From: Lafayette, LA
Ken
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
Different battery tender, but does not require a different regulator.
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Supporter
Joined: Mar 2022
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From: Bothell, WA
I have done it in my off road motorcycles, I have not done it on the HD yet.. as I need to research it. This isn't a simple 1 for 1 swap.
Cons of Li Ion
- if you turn the motorcycle off and on frequently, it may not be a good option. The discharge and recovery of Li Ion is very different than Lead Acid or AGM.
- if you need to start in cold weather, this may be a problem. cold affects these batteries to the point that you might not have enough energy to start.
- need a different charger.
Pros
- weight. Similar power to a lead acid or AGM, a Li Ion is lighter weight. Probably not a concern with a HD.
- power - you can get more power out of a Li Ion in the same physical size as a Lead Acid or AGM.
- discharge - at acceptable temperature levels, Li Ion tends to discharge slower... so, your machine can sit longer and still start. (just don't start it a bunch of times in a short time window!)
If you size the battery correctly, it can be a great option.
Cons of Li Ion
- if you turn the motorcycle off and on frequently, it may not be a good option. The discharge and recovery of Li Ion is very different than Lead Acid or AGM.
- if you need to start in cold weather, this may be a problem. cold affects these batteries to the point that you might not have enough energy to start.
- need a different charger.
Pros
- weight. Similar power to a lead acid or AGM, a Li Ion is lighter weight. Probably not a concern with a HD.
- power - you can get more power out of a Li Ion in the same physical size as a Lead Acid or AGM.
- discharge - at acceptable temperature levels, Li Ion tends to discharge slower... so, your machine can sit longer and still start. (just don't start it a bunch of times in a short time window!)
If you size the battery correctly, it can be a great option.
