while i aint gonna argue the suitability of lithium batteries and bike charging systems, this temperature thing, tho i guess the science says different but based on workshop experience, i aint so sure. we haven't used air tools now for easy a decade, all our tools use lithium batteries, worked hard, undoing the equivalent of a rear hub nut several times daily, every day of the year, with about three months of it hovering around the 0 deg mark.(during the day) one of my snapy's is easy 15years old with only one battery change in its life time. three of us, using these tool all day every day and i cant think of a single performance issue with them.
The battery in my 320d has been goving me cause for concern recently, as it seems to be struggling more and more to turn the engine over at a decent rate. I therefore did s bit of research. A new Yuasa is £200.00 and a Halfords one with a trade card is £150.00 but it does have 900 cca! The thing is, if you replace the battery, you are supposed to reprogramme the charging system, as it will have optimised itself for an ageing battery and the resultant high voltage will shorten the life of a fresh, new one. So if the charging system for a BMW car can be programmed according to the battery fitted, why can’t the same be done for Ducati motorcycles?
Shorai points out that their batteries can be mounted on any vehicle as long as the charging voltage is "normal" (13.6-14.4V when running) and should not ever exceed 15.2V. Why would they cap the voltage any lower on bikes that have lithium batteries? 15V means a faulty regulator already.
Good question but are Shorai batteries not more sophisticated than most lithium batteries with extra circuitry to balance the cells and maybe more?
I've seen a Shorai cook a 1098R and a UK manufacturer of Reg Rec's had a picture of a Paul Smart that one cooked too - they even stated not to use Lithium with their products - it's all been posted on here countless times but some like to have a little excitement and risk in their lives - either way it's cool or perhaps not some modern Ducati's are designed for Lithium and if Ducati have a Lithium upgrade available in the catalog you are fine, the worst for firing are 848 / 1098 / 1198 but others are susceptible. For newer bikes ask your dealer if the bike is covered by Ducati if fitting a Lithium - you will probably have to buy from Ducati though. Older bikes out of warranty take the risk or eat less pies - it's a personal choice so no point having silly arguments about 'mines been fine for 50 years on a Lithium battery' every few months on here - pointless....
Or maybe you have seen a 1098R that had a faulty regulator which cooked a Shorai? Or maybe the manufacturer doesn't have a very good regulator if it cooks batteries? Go figure...
Shorai LiFePo does not have a balancing circuitry, it's done with the Shorai charger. I do mine once a year and it takes maybe 30min.
Checked out by a main dealer so nope. I know you love your Shorai The risk is real, ok if you are happy to live with it, as I said - bigger risk on 848/1098 bikes...
I don't. I like it. In cold weather it needs some "warming up" (by keeping the headlights on for a moment) before it can give full starting power and due to my keyless ignition having more current drain than OEM stuff I keep it on a tender all the time. But when it's warm the bike cranks better than with the stock Yuasa and it's 2kg lighter...
Same happened to me coming home via channel tunnel. Parked up on train and accidentally switched ignition to parking light while distracted talking to other riders. Would not start at Folkstone and was forced to waddle along from the back carriage to front (very unflattering). Fortunately I was able to cadge a jump start from the maintenance crew to start the thing. It's easy done!
Like I said of all the thousands I spent the battery was the best upgrade I made, total changed the way I feel about the bike.
I have one factory fitted to my 1199, confused that Bob has thanked you for something Maybe I will get a thanks for Ducati fitting one to my 1199 too
Fitted my Lithium today. Cranks better than the one year old Yuasa. It is 3 kgs lighter, but I cannot feel that when riding.
