Lithium Ion Battery compatability w/ Old charging systems

Greetings all,

This may belong in the dumbarse question category but: Is my 2008 VFR800F charging system compatible with a current Lithium Ion Battery? Initially I wasn't concerned about it and assumed "Yes" but started to wonder after I looked at the acceptable charging voltage ranges for the battery (14.0 - 14.9V) and the charging voltage ranges I've seen on the forum (13.0-15).

Am I seeing a problem where there isn't one? I'm about to go on a trip and ordered a new battery because the old one started to behave a little iffy. Haven't put the new batt in yet and am wondering,.......

Thanks in advance for any insight you can share......

Cheers,

 

I've asked every vehicle I own and not a one can tell me what is in them.

 

Copy that. Thanks for the reply.

I'll get the volt meter out and see what I can see...... I've never had a problem with the electrical system on the bike so I'm expecting it's all good but I'll soon find out........ (I've had it 10 years and put 25k on it)

 

If you're really concerned about it, Rick's makes a 2nd version of their regulator for the VFR with voltage set for use with Lithium ion batteries.

https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/Hot-Shot-Series-Rectifier-Regulator-Lithium-Compatible-14_126H

 

I wonder why there's a different one.

 

Rick's part #14-126H is a direct replacement for the OEM piece that is made with the correct voltage set point to work with Lithium Ion batteries. **This rec-reg is not for use with standard lead acid batteries. The voltage set point is 14V +/- .2. Please contact the manufacturer of your Lithium Ion Battery to ensure our product has the correct set point for their product.

 

Right. I get the product description, but that says nothing about what is different. I can't believe that the bike and other components care.

 

They're far more sensitive to voltage than lead acid batteries. You can't use older chargers on them (you will need a lithium battery suitable charger) and if your reg/rec puts out too high a voltage it will kill it (and in the worst case overcharge, overheat and with a Li-ion battery potentially catch on fire or explode). LiFePo4 are significantly safer (you'll just end up with an expensive doorstop). All that said a decent BMS should protect you although there are aftermarket boards to protect against overvoltage.

Do *NOT* get one without an onboard BMS.

 

From my charger that will charge anything:

 

The bike doesn't care. But if someone grabbed a crummy lithium ion with no BMS the battery might. No idea why anyone know would do that though.

The voltage setpoint is all that's different. Their normal lead acid rectifiers are set for 14.5V. The lithium one is set for 14V. Just the .5V difference.

 

I put a Shorai lithium in my '07 back in 2013. Went about 6 yrs with that battery, including a 2000+ mile round trip from northern AL to Pikes Peak and back. No issues. Replaced with another Shorai a few years back, voltage monitor displays 14.0-.1 unless blinkers or fans are on, then about 13.8-.9.

I also use lithiums in my Aprilia and my GSXR track bike. I've not had any notable issues to date. Just my experience with them.

ACE