LI Battery for Old Bikes?

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Tee-Dub, Oct 14, 2021.

  1. Tee-Dub

    Tee-Dub New Member

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    Hey Everyone - is there any reason NOT to use a LI battery in these old bikes?
     
  2. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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    not that i can think of
    I put a Shorai in my 89 hawk. works perfect and with a slight boost in cranking performance
     
  3. Tee-Dub

    Tee-Dub New Member

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    Cool thanks!
     
  4. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Where do you live? If the temps drop below ~40F, they may not crank, and need to be warmed up with a charger or by leaving the headlights on for a few minutes.... as long as you're aware, you can manage that.
     
  5. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Running one in my 98 VFR800, I don't ride when it's cold and for winter I just bring it in the house, set it on my desk....its good to in the spring. No charging needed..
     
  6. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Not only are you getting soft Mello, but you must have one hell of a desk if your VFR800 fits on it for winter...
     
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  7. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Haha!!!
     
  8. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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  9. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    :Bounce:He he :bruce2:
     
  10. schrocketeer

    schrocketeer New Member

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    I'm a month in to having a Shorai Li-ion in my BMW K100RT with no issues. Forum author post said old bikes, not sure if he specifically meant old VFRs, or vintage bikes in general.
    For the BMW, there was a 17 lb weight savings compared to the AGW Lead. The height/width/length was different, so that may effect your installation (two photos comparing old/new).
    A lead acid replacement was $160, Shorai standard power was $220, and Shorai extended power was $280.
    Shorai has a pro-rated (50% after 12 months, for 36 months) warranty. Lead acid had 12 month warranty.

    IMG_20210927_174814636.jpg IMG_20210927_182930733.jpg
     
  11. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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    So worth it. Nice easy mod and you just gained 1.7 hp. :)
     
  12. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Yea, just know that you have to use a Li-ion compatible charger, conventional chargers and tenders will cook a Li-ion battery. Be sure its compatible and has no desuplhation cycle built into the tender.

    Also, no need to permanently leave Li-ion's on a tender either, they have a long shelf life and dont need the recharge as often.
     
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  13. RogueRC24

    RogueRC24 Member

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    +1 to stray cat. If you have multiple bikes running these I recommend just skipping the stress and buy the Shorai charger. Kinda poorly made, but then I don't have to second guess my tender. Once they are fully charged they rarely bleed down like a L/A, unless you have a electrical drain of some kind.
     
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