Dry Cell Battery in a Sportsbike

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by Lazy in AZ, Feb 2, 2013.

  1. Lazy in AZ

    Lazy in AZ New Member

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    Yeah, those were for cars. Finding stuff on charging systems for bikes online is tricky because there are tons of 'know it alls' that post crap and think that they did it right, but much misinformation because they all assume that what works on a car works on a bike. But that's why I was giving the analogy of the luxury sports car and base econo model. Sometimes it's just easier to explain that way.

    Maybe I should dig out my Advanced Electrical binder and scan some sheets at work to post so it explains better to a low output alternator that is more common on these smaller electrical systems.
     
  2. Lazy in AZ

    Lazy in AZ New Member

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    Got the Ballistic EVO2 12 cell battery last week from Logan's in Mesa and it's been sitting on the seat since. I hate how busy I am that I can't even do something as simple as install a battery with the little bit of free time that I do have.

    Anyways, I had to install it this morning because I have to ride down and get a rental truck to do an in-town move. The battery fits perfectly in place without the need of cutting and inserting the foam from the packaging like I've seen a lot of others do. The connection was super easy, and it looks great (I'll post a pic this evening).

    Turned the key and the headlight was as bright as it would be if the bike was running... about double the intensity that the wet battery put out without the system running.

    Hit the start button and the starter turned so fast that the bike was running in just two rotations with a cold engine in 48 degree air. Now THAT'S impressive! For the record, my wet cell would get the engine fired in 4-8 rotations IF it had a good charge. I know that the battery was elderly and didn't have the output that it used to, but the difference was impressive none-the-less.

    I'd like to put the battery directly against a fresh wet cell that has full output compared to the Ballistic, and video the results. But for now, this boy is happy with the investment.
     
  3. Rainbow7

    Rainbow7 New Member

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    You'd most likely find that the Ballistic had better CCA's, and the Ballistic should also last for much longer than a standard wet cell battery.
     
  4. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    So these LiFe batteries are designed to use the same charging systems as regular Lead Acid and AGM batteries? People on the SOHC board have proposed using Lithium Ion batteries to lighten and use smaller sized batteries but it was pointed out they would not work well with the CB alternator/charging system.
     
  5. Mohawk

    Mohawk New Member

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    There are two schools of thought in the world. One is theoretical & the other is empirical evidence based. A simple example is that ice will not melt until all of it reaches 0 degrees C, well that's the theory. The empirical evidence shows us that other factors alter the theory, I.e. thermal currents in air & fluids carry the cold away & melt the surface of ice, thus making the theory useless.

    Don't confuse these batteries. Lion batteries are very charge intolerant & quite volatile at the same time. These are the ones you will have seen in the news setting laptops on fire etc. LiFe is a later generation of Lithium battery technology, it's slightly heavier & very tolerant of charging abuse & VERY difficult to set on fire. These are the batteries used in bikes. They are less than 1/3rd the weight of lead acid batteries & they have a higher specific energy density. They have now been used as replacements for a few years & have proven to be perfect for the job. Yeah if you want them to last to maximum age, you should use balanced chargers etc once in a while.

    The only thing they don't like & neither do lead for thy matter is trickle chargers. Charge them then leave them alone. Do NOT use battery tenders designed for lead acid units on them. Other than that treat them like any other battery. You use this tech in your phone/pc everyday with a 2cent charger, work it out for yourself !!!!!
     
  6. Lazy in AZ

    Lazy in AZ New Member

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    So, today's use was that cold start at 48 degrees followed by a 22 mile ride into Tempe to pickup my rental truck. The bike sat all day in the shade, and I returned to it at 6:45 pm when the temp was a warmer 68 degrees. I don't even think the starter made even one full revolution of the crank when the engine took over. I'm not kidding, it was like she just jumped to attention and said "Oh, you're back. OK... let's go!"It's probably the underlying thought of knowing that the battery is different - kind of like when you put a 'better' spark plug in and expect it to work better so your brain TELLS you that it's true - but the headlight seems brighter at night, and the engine sounds like it's running without as much effort, if you know what I mean.I don't know, I mean I know that a battery isn't going to make all that much difference, but it just seems that way in my head.K, that's all. Just wanted to let you guys know about the quick start when I got back to her.Good night & have a great weekend!!!!
     
  7. Rainbow7

    Rainbow7 New Member

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    IDK about the headlight thing but more Cold Cranking Amps definitely equates to quicker firing at start up.
     
  8. 91talon

    91talon New Member

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    Hey, you promised pictures, you lying SOB... :tongue:

    I only bring it up because I'm probably going to have to replace my battery this year.
     
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