Lithium Batteries
Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
I've had the Antigravity LiFePO in my Sporty 1200 Custom for over 2 years now. Higher crank and the bike fires right up. No more slight hesitation when cranking, as with the OEM battery. It's smaller and much lighter weight. I used the supplied foam fillers to fill in the space occupied by the OEM battery. Actually, I took the fillers out and made a cubby for my stash.
I've used a LiFePO lithium charger to keep it charged, as my Sporty has an alarm, and the fact that I ride my Deluxe way more. Someone said they can get 3 AGM batteries for the price of 1 Lithium, but the Lithium can last a long time if kept charge and riding will do that, so over the long haul, the $$$ will start to pay off.
Only down side for me is the battery needs to warm up a bit to perform well. Other than that, it's been a great battery. Even cranks right up after 8 idle months without being on the tender.
I've used a LiFePO lithium charger to keep it charged, as my Sporty has an alarm, and the fact that I ride my Deluxe way more. Someone said they can get 3 AGM batteries for the price of 1 Lithium, but the Lithium can last a long time if kept charge and riding will do that, so over the long haul, the $$$ will start to pay off.
Only down side for me is the battery needs to warm up a bit to perform well. Other than that, it's been a great battery. Even cranks right up after 8 idle months without being on the tender.
Last edited by Ex-Leftcoaster; Jul 26, 2019 at 03:33 PM. Reason: add'l
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 127
Likes: 42
From: Hanover, PA
I dont have one on this bike, but had one in my 1125R for 2 years. As stated above, you do need an different charger for it. When ran in my Buell, the battery itself was a lot smaller than the standard but was very light. I do know with my experience, the cold weather drained my battery very quickly as at the time, I didnt have a garage and only had a car port.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 246
From: Columbia SC
Choose which works for you.
A Yuasa 500 cca battery is about 400% more powerful at half the price then HDs lithium.
However if you only care about weight then buy the HD
A Yuasa 500 cca battery is about 400% more powerful at half the price then HDs lithium.
However if you only care about weight then buy the HD
Last edited by alarmdoug; Jul 26, 2019 at 07:10 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 42
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Kentucky
Lithium Battery Charger
I just swapped mine out for one from Battery Tender, found it on amazon last year and pulled it out of another bike to put in my Electra Glide. Its tiny compared to stock. 1/3 size but cranks like a charm.
ALSO, the Battery Tender trickle charger that I had for my other batteries works on their Lithium Battery as well.
ALSO, the Battery Tender trickle charger that I had for my other batteries works on their Lithium Battery as well.
Last edited by JRoD03; Jul 26, 2019 at 07:22 PM. Reason: Forgot something
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
As mentioned, if you want a lithium battery, you want the lithium iron, NOT Lithium ion... The LiFePO4 is more stable and much less likely to have a spontaneous fire.
The BAD:
Lithium batteries cannot tolerate a low state of discharge.... If you let the charge voltage get too low.... the battery is now a worthless brick. A very light worthless brick, but a brick none the less.... Accidentally leave your lights on too long after shutting down the engine, battery is toast. Listen to music from your sound system for too long, battery is toast. Leave it parked, with the parasitic draw from newer bikes, with no battery tender, battery is toast... well, you get the idea.
All my AGM/lead acid batteries let you know when they are getting weak.... a couple slow starts here & there... The lithium will just die.... no warning...
The GOOD:
Extremely light weight
High cranking power.
If you know the shortcomings and take steps to avoid a deep discharge, I'm sure they can last.... I just don't know if the benefits are worth the cost at this point in their development.
I 'm not ready to pay the price, yet...
The BAD:
Lithium batteries cannot tolerate a low state of discharge.... If you let the charge voltage get too low.... the battery is now a worthless brick. A very light worthless brick, but a brick none the less.... Accidentally leave your lights on too long after shutting down the engine, battery is toast. Listen to music from your sound system for too long, battery is toast. Leave it parked, with the parasitic draw from newer bikes, with no battery tender, battery is toast... well, you get the idea.
All my AGM/lead acid batteries let you know when they are getting weak.... a couple slow starts here & there... The lithium will just die.... no warning...
The GOOD:
Extremely light weight
High cranking power.
If you know the shortcomings and take steps to avoid a deep discharge, I'm sure they can last.... I just don't know if the benefits are worth the cost at this point in their development.
I 'm not ready to pay the price, yet...
Last edited by hattitude; Jul 27, 2019 at 09:16 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 92
From: NJ
I really don't see the reason for a Li battery on my bike. I just replaced the OEM from 2014 with a DEKA battery this week. 400 CCA for $112 shipped to my door. I could pretty much buy 4 of these for the price of a Li one.
I keep mine on a tender so I expect to see at least 3 years of good service from this one.
I keep mine on a tender so I expect to see at least 3 years of good service from this one.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 632
From: NorCal Rocklin
Ok people I searched a little bit so sorry if I missed it.
What is the general opinion of the Harley Lithium Battery? Or anyones for that matter.
Its time to get a new battery.
My stock one has lasted 4.5 years on a tender most times
I was just at a local bike night at the dealer and they sure pushed the one Harley has.
So lets hear it. Is it worth the $300 plus TTL they asking for it?
Or just stick with the regular style battery?
Thanks
Drifter
What is the general opinion of the Harley Lithium Battery? Or anyones for that matter.
Its time to get a new battery.
My stock one has lasted 4.5 years on a tender most times
I was just at a local bike night at the dealer and they sure pushed the one Harley has.
So lets hear it. Is it worth the $300 plus TTL they asking for it?
Or just stick with the regular style battery?
Thanks
Drifter
Yes,
You lose 17.6 lbs just by doing a battery swap. Better power to weight ratio. You will definitely feel the weight loss
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
Odyssey batteries are the only agm batteries made with virgin lead,all others use recycled lead,so you already start with a compromised 30 yr old technology. Come into the present and go Lithium. Its only a matter of time when the sjws will have lead batteries banned.