Lithium batteries, a primer

gggGary

gggGary

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I um have strayed from the fold a bit; purchased a bike that needs a new lithium battery. While doing near endless "lithium battery" searches to find a very elusive battery; size, power, features combo. I found this thread the definitive thread on Lithium Batteries in the Aprilia forum. If you are considering lithium it's near mandatory reading. Note the time span, this thread has been going for 8 years so far. It covers the early pitfalls and resulting improvements as they occur. My post "if approved" found near the end of the 7 page! thread hints at my latest "insanity" Don't worry it's just an aberration, if survived I have endless XS650 projects awaiting. :confused:
Also my quick and not tested take is that the earthX batteries offer the best combo of features, power, and size if you are interested in a lithium for your custom XS, especially one with electric start. They aren't the cheapest, but cheap can really bite you in lithium tech.
 
The earthx etx12a is a good battery and can easily run the estart when it's over 50*F. Below that the battery needs a little "warm up" of bumping the starter and then sitting for a minute. But from what I've read this is fairly normal behavior for them. If you ride all weather and use estart I would say a good AGM is a better choice, the motobatt brand is great for the price. But if like me you have limited room, go for the 12a sized earthx since you get over and under charge protection.
 
Hmmmmm, another battery to consider for "The Basketcase". I was looking for something small, that could still run the estart, housed in a 'fake' oil tank. Face it, kicking your bike looks cool, but someone once said "...kick it for show, electric start is when you have someplace to go..." And, we ain't gettin' any younger... o_O I mean, I'll kick it twice, and if it doesn't fire, I'll hit the electric start. It's a back-up system... I don't wanna hurt myself...:eek:
 
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TwoManyXS1Bs said:
*whew*, that was a long, but informative thread.
Thanx, gggGary.

BTW, I didn't see your post in there...
Click to expand...
look now, :cool: first time poster I had to be "vetted" :doh:

I am now chewing on the EarthX ETX24C @ 259
Ah: 7.8A
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA): 420A
Cold Crank Amps (CCA): 270A
Weight: 2.6 lb

vs EarthX ETX36C @ $349 same size housing! More cells packed in?
Ah: 12.4A
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA): 680A
Cold Crank Amps (CCA): 320A
Weight: 3.9 lb
 
I have a Shorai LFX14L2-BS12 in my build. Charges great and starts great with e-start! 210cc and very small. I have a li-ion charger but not the Shorai. No issues was even thinking of getting one for my Roadstar.
 
Found one of these on Amazon open box 220 so pulled the trigger also got a
Tecmate Optimate Lithium 4s 0.8A, TM-471, 8-Step 12.8/13.2V 0.8A Battery Saving Charger-Tester-maintainer
will report on what this all looks, works will be adding a voltmeter and a disconnect switch to that bike also, it has an ECU already famous for sucking batteries down in storage.
 
I have this charger and got it on sale at Canadian Tire was a little over $50 and has the lithium battery option. Does the job.
Capture+_2019-01-13-19-01-13.png
 
gggGary said:
Also my quick and not tested take is that the earthX batteries offer the best combo of features, power, and size if you are interested in a lithium for your custom XS, especially one with electric start.
Click to expand...
gggGary said:
I am now chewing on the EarthX ETX24C @ 259
Ah: 7.8A
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA): 420A
Cold Crank Amps (CCA): 270A
Weight: 2.6 lb

vs EarthX ETX36C @ $349 same size housing! More cells packed in?
Ah: 12.4A
Pulse Crank Amps (PCA): 680A
Cold Crank Amps (CCA): 320A
Weight: 3.9 lb
Click to expand...

Hey gggGary, I checked out that Aprilia site, great info. I'm researching for a battery and I was wondering if you ended up getting an Earthx?
I want to get one but unsure as to how big I have to go? I have a '78 with electric start and a HHB CDI, Any advice on which model would be best?

Thanks!

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Screen Shot 2021-02-22 at 12.09.41 PM.png
 
I have a 4 cell anti gravity (kick only, stock 650cc, pamco and hhb pma). It sat for over a year while I was out of state working. Never dropped voltage and I've had it for about 5 years now, the bike barely gets ridden due to work. It's getting the dust cleaned off from winter sitting and a JE 700cc kit installed currently. Needless to say, I have been super impressed with the battery. I have no doubts it will have full voltage when I check before firing it off this spring. Not saying that is good battery practices but moving all around the USA some things get missed.

I would highly recommend a quality lithium battery for anyone wondering!
 
I got that larger 36 earthx but even the high compression 1200 twin spun FAST so no need to be that big sold rhat bike last fall lithium was working great. i have an experimental diy lithium waiting to go back in an xs this spring. Theres a thread lol.
 
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