 Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
Before departing on my current business trip, the Wife and I were going to go for a ride and have dinner. I had the America on the charger for about 2 hours. Went to fire her up and within 3 seconds all I got was a loud clicking sound. Gave up and we instead took the Tiger. I knew the battery was on its last leg, but today I looked it up and the Yuasa Battery in the America was installed August of 2009. Five years I cannot complain, but I will never get another lead acid battery again. I plan on ordering a EarthX Lithium battery. It costs more, but has 35% more power and is designed to last twice as long as a lead acid battery. Plus they are designed and built in the USA.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Like you said, after five years, one surely cannot complain! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I've got the lithium battery and love it.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I have had a Shorai Lithium Iron battery in the Tiger since 9/2013, with zero issues and haven't put a charger on it yet. For the Tiger it is very important you have a good strong battery, or damage to the engine could result. When I start the Tiger you think the engine is going to jump out of the bike, compared to the way the OEM battery worked.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
A lot of otherwise good batteries end up getting serially replaced simply because of bad charging systems.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
A lot of otherwise good batteries end up getting serially replaced simply because of bad charging systems.
I couldn't agree more, I'm one of the ones that learned this the hard way.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Quote:
A lot of otherwise good batteries end up getting serially replaced simply because of bad charging systems.
I couldn't agree more, I'm one of the ones that learned this the hard way.
Agreed, and the America/Speedmaster have their share of charging issues related to poor wiring and regulators
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
At this point I consider a Mossfet R/R uprade to be mandatory, especially if you have already had to replace your CDI.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,251 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
At this point I consider a Mossfet R/R uprade to be mandatory, especially if you have already had to replace your CDI.
Yep, been there, done that. Maybe the best mod I've done on the America, and there have been plenty.
For years I had charging, starting issues. Several batteries, starter replacement, ignition switch, stator,RR wiring mods, etc.
Installed the Mosfet, problem solved. 
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 83
Member
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Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 83 |
I m pretty sure my 14 America is having charging system issues, already killed 1 battry. Have it back at the dealer being that it is under warntee. What does the R/R actually do?
14 America LT 19" EMGO Turnouts AI removed
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 33
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 33 |
I bought Speedmaster 2011 used a year ago with apparently a new battery. For a year it started every time, then last week it wouldn't start.
I had never had it on a charger and the mechanic at the dealership said they should always be left on a trickle charger when not in use. I generally ride once or twice a week.
Does this sound normal or should the battery probably be replaced?
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Give it a thorough charge and if it holds at 12.9 volts, you will probably get some more service from it, but you need to look at charging output at idle and various RPMs too. You're experiencing the symptoms, now ascertain the disease.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
Quote:
I m pretty sure my 14 America is having charging system issues, already killed 1 battry. Have it back at the dealer being that it is under warntee. What does the R/R actually do?
The mosfet R/R is an upgraded regulator that keeps your battery charged and allows you to run other electrical demands...here is the link to the original post
http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-triple-f...or-upgrade.html
Kits are sold now:
http://www.roadstercycle.com/
I did mine a long time ago
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
Rick's Motorsports also sells a plug and play version of the Mosfett R/R. This is the one that I got, http://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/part/10-004H/MDNUcmlBbWVyaWNhODAw
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
Another Battery that I am looking at is the Anti-Gravity Lithium. This one has a 360cca rating... http://antigravitybatteries.com/ytx12-12/
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 45
Greenhorn
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Greenhorn
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 45 |
Hey Everyone -
Just getting into the market myself for a new battery on my 07 Bonnie, and in reading this thread, what seems to be the overall consensus for those that stick with replacing it with the stock battery Vs one of these aftermarket dry/lithium batteries (or any other type for that matter)? Seems like its worth the money, but just want to get an opinion before shelling out the cash. That most recent link for that Antigravity seems pretty bad ass coming in at 3 lbs and 360cca, but its pricey.
Thanks,
Jason
- 2007 Bonneville (Standard) -
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I think the lithium option is worth it... zero maintenance, tons of cranking power, super longevity, deep discharge tolerant. I have one and won't go back to lead.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Quote:
Another Battery that I am looking at is the Anti-Gravity Lithium. This one has a 360cca rating...
http://antigravitybatteries.com/ytx12-12/
I have one of these in my bike and its great BUT its a bit pricier than say a Shorai BUT its an American based business vs sending all your money overseas.
FWIW... the Shorai in Karens bike is still strong after 2-3 years now and it has had no time on a tender.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 853 |
The lithium batteries take some time to "warm up" if you are in a cold climate...They are great batteries but take a little long to start colder temperatures https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBfvR1EJJBk
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
The lithium batteries take some time to "warm up" if you are in a cold climate...They are great batteries but take a little long to start colder temperatures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBfvR1EJJBk
Huh, I didn't know that. Pretty cool!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 459 Likes: 1 |
One thing that is often over looked with the stock Yuasa and other lead acid batteries is setting them up correctly. If you just dump the electrolyte solution in , seal the battery, throw it in your bike and go you are not going to get the maximum life expectancy out of it. This is something else that I learned the hard way, read the instructons with the Yuasa. After pouring in the electrolyte solution the battery needs to soak for about an hour without sealing it to let the gases escape. They also recommend placing the caps on without sealing and then doing an initial charge then sealing the battery. I am of the belief that the techs at most dealerships do not do this and that is why the stock battery sometimes does not last very long.
Last edited by JD13; 12/13/2014 1:14 PM.
2006 865 Neon Blue/Jet Black Speedmaster,790cams, TTP Stage 2 Firestarter, Epco Exhaust with 10.25" Samson Vrod baffles, UNI pods with 40 pilots, 150 mains,Thruxton needles, 3 turns out.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 407 Likes: 2
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 407 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
The lithium batteries take some time to "warm up" if you are in a cold climate...They are great batteries but take a little long to start colder temperatures
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBfvR1EJJBk
Huh, I didn't know that. Pretty cool!
The video was very interesting. Still wonder about the LiFePO cold weather characteristic for the EFI models. As my(our?) ECU will not engage the starter if the battery level reads below something like 12.6VDC.
Now I do live in north Florida, but it does get cold enough to make things difficult to start on occasion and many of you are much farther north(or south). But I have had my issues with a battery that I think is strong enough to power the electrics (fuel pump, lights & such) and starter but the ECU will not engage the starter. Detected voltage falls below the predetermined "threshold". Would you just need to turn the key on and let the headlamp run for a while to get things started? HaHa, or the get the voltage high enough to get the stater to engage? Am I over thinking it?
09 America, some modifications
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I would think just turning the key and the lights burning would heat the battery enough to get you started and on your way.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Anyone here with a Li battery that has been in service 7+ years?
Bueller...
Bueller...
Bueller...
Anyone...
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 544
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 544 |
im having pretty ****** luck with the ballistics. mine was great until this week end. 2 years and mine cracked. might have been my fault. they don't take any abuse from the charging system, 15+ volts for any real amount of time fries them. my friend had gone through 3 of them this year.
mine didn't seam even know if it was -20 or 120 degrees out side. it was great up until it quit
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Quote:
Anyone here with a Li battery that has been in service 7+ years?
Bueller...
Bueller...
Bueller...
Anyone...
3 1/2 years on my Shorai LiFePo and still going strong with demanding use. Two or three starts per day and only 20 minutes running/charging time per day. Never need to put it on the charger either.
Didn't know they were available 7 years ago.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 385
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 385 |
I been lucky. And curious about a new battery. Bought my bike with 900 miles and i'm pretty sure it was a stock battery. I still have that stock battery. Kept it inside and charged for the first few years; left it in since. In the cold. We're looking at 9 yrs this year. May have to stay lead with an r/r upgrade. Have to check out that pap Ricks is offering.
06 in Mulberry. AI, Dunstalls, Nology coils, TTP
Keep your faith in God, but keep your powder dry.
-Oliver Cromwell
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
...3 1/2 years on my Shorai LiFePo...Didn't know they were available 7 years ago.
Kinda my point, Richard 
When they routinely make it past that milestone then I'll be interested, too.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335 |
I have the Shoria in my Tiger, and I just installed a EarthX Lithium in the America. The first I even heard about lithium motorcycle batteries was a couple of years ago.
The EarthX made a huge improvement in starting the bike. In the almost 12 years that I have had the bike it has never started so fast. The EarthX battery has center terminals (instead of at the corners), which makes connecting and installing much easier. Also the terminal bolts have about 4 to 6 more threads than any motorcycle battery I have ever had for any bike in the past. The only CON I can think of is the price, but then you pay for what you get most times.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
...The only CON I can think of is the price, but then you pay for what you get most times.
No worries in the southland, however up north cold temps will seriously diminish Li effective capacity.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1 |
Any legitimate discount retailers for EarthX batteries?
Looks like I'm going to need two.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,335
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
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Posts: 1,335 |
I have read about cold weather starting with Lithium batteries. Everything I have read says to just turn the ignition on (so the lights and such are on), wait about 1 or 2 minutes and start the bike. Running the lights warms the battery up.
Lead Acid batteries have their own issues when starting in cold weather. Usually I found I had one or two tries at getting the bike started in very cold weather and then the lead acid battery was done. I found this out on the Tiger about 19 months after I got the bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway in later October 2009.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin, US author, diplomat, inventor, physicist, politician, & printer (1706 - 1790)
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11 |
I had a starting issue one below freezing morning when trying to leave my camp site at the Swanson Reservoir in Nebraska. Real slow turn over and almost...almost...almost...BAMN it started! Wholly crap. One lucky camper that morning. Got her idling and pulled her up on the concrete slab while I dropped the kids off in the pool. Cinnamon Girl just over 4 years ago 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,445 Likes: 1 |
For those of you using the LiFePo4 batteries, what Ah did you go with? From my reading, it appears that Ah ratings on these aren't measured the same as with conventional flooded or AGM. That pushes the EarthX or AntiGravity from $219 for a 12Ah to well over $300.
I'm probably overthinking this purchase, but there are no Lithium retailers near me. Locals are pushing the old flooded style, maybe for the repeat business, but I usually get 4-5 years out of the Lead/Acids (though that seems to be dropping). I'm also considering just going with a mild upgrade like an AGM that I can find locally - Duracell or the old standby Sears DieHard for less than $100.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,668 Likes: 14 |
Quote:
...LiFePo4 batteries, what Ah did you go with? From my reading, it appears that Ah ratings on these aren't measured the same as with conventional flooded or AGM. ... I'm also considering just going with a mild upgrade like an AGM ...
You are correct, LiFePo battery & AGM/Flooded Pb AH ratings differ.
AGM is also Pb...IMO, as a general rule, inexpensive AGM is arguably the best economic value at this time.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Viddy on Lithium batteries. web page
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,122 Likes: 11 |
9 months ago tcv wrote, Quote:
I have the Shoria in my Tiger, and I just installed a EarthX Lithium in the America. The first I even heard about lithium motorcycle batteries was a couple of years ago.
The EarthX made a huge improvement in starting the bike. In the almost 12 years that I have had the bike it has never started so fast. The EarthX battery has center terminals (instead of at the corners), which makes connecting and installing much easier. Also the terminal bolts have about 4 to 6 more threads than any motorcycle battery I have ever had for any bike in the past. The only CON I can think of is the price, but then you pay for what you get most times.
Just jumped into the High $$$ tech world. The seller for me was one, Tom's purchase, and second, EarthX BMS. http://earthxmotorsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/New-BMS-Press-Release4-1024x710.jpg
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'll be able to use my Yuasa 6/12-Volt 1.5 Amp 5-Stage Motorcycle Battery Charger on this EarthX battery, even though my charger provides up to 16 volts to enable recovery of sulfated batteries. No Special Charger? Indeed...Yeah, I will email EarthX to CMA in writing.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I went with the 'Battery Tender' brand because it comes with a terminal on all 4 corners which worked out with the upside down battery bracket I fabbed up. 13.3-4 volts at rest even after a couple of weeks of just sitting. Good enough for me.
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,877 |
Quote:
Quote:
At this point I consider a Mossfet R/R uprade to be mandatory, especially if you have already had to replace your CDI.
Yep, been there, done that. Maybe the best mod I've done on the America, and there have been plenty.
For years I had charging, starting issues. Several batteries, starter replacement, ignition switch, stator,RR wiring mods, etc.
Installed the Mosfet, problem solved.
Anyone have a link to a thread on this mod? Thanks!
Benny
Black & Silver '02
Too many mods to list
Not enough miles ridden
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Re: Need a new Battery...
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466 Likes: 4
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,466 Likes: 4 |
'04' Black America
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