Basic Maintenance: Lithium Battery

[rdprdp01]

In my long riding career, my battery maintenance has been limited to purchasing very good batteries, keeping them clean, and replacing them before they actually failed. It has worked for me so far, because I have never had a battery issue.

Recently, I replaced the battery in my CB1100 with my first ever motorcycle lithium battery. There seems to be reasonable consensus that lithium is preferred over lead-acid for the following reasons:

Higher energy density: More power with less weight, improving your bike’s overall performance.
Longer lifespan: When properly maintained, a lithium battery can last two to three times longer than a lead-acid motorcycle battery.
Faster charging: Lithium batteries charge much faster, reducing downtime between rides.
Low self-discharge: They retain their charge for longer when not in use, making them great for seasonal riders.

For more details, check out the folllowing link:

https://www.motorcycle.com/products/lith...-realities

So with the upgrade, I also felt the need to up my game on the battery maintenance. To that end, I installed a smart charger to help me realize the benefits listed above. Consensus on smart charges is far less universal, but the most common theme follows:

“Invest in a smart charger equipped with automatic voltage detection capabilities. These chargers can identify the battery’s voltage and adjust the charging parameters accordingly, eliminating the risk of overcharging or undercharging and optimizing charging efficiency.”

See link for more details:

https://www.ufinebattery.com/blog/how-to...e-battery/

I purchased a Duraboost smart charger:

https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/du...d=10298742

The installation of my smart charger was straightforward and took about 15 minutes. Pictures follow.

What I plan to do, subject to the validation of the Forum’s Members, is to plug in the smart charger after every ride while I clean the bike, allowing it to charge for an hour or so. I am not inclined to leave it plugged in unattended.

I welcome your comments and thanks for sharing the insights and experiences. David

[peterbaron]

I never charge my battery during riding season. In winter,  I charge it 2-3 times.
My cars batteries have never been charged.
Alternators take care of charging all the batteries.

[rdprdp01]

I never charge my battery during riding season. In winter,  I charge it 2-3 times.
My cars batteries have never been charged.
Alternators take care of charging all the batteries.

Copy that

[Cormanus]

I have a friend with an electric car. He seldom charges the battery above 85% capacity. I forget exactly why, but it has to do with extending its life.

[rdprdp01]

I have a friend with an electric car. He seldom charges the battery above 85% capacity. I forget exactly why, but it has to do with extending its life.

With lithium batteries, it takes a lot more time to charge to 100% than just 80%. That last 20% is really time consuming.

Going to a 100% also stresses the battery and will lesson its useful life if done frequently.

Many people believe you can offset the loss of 20% by being able to increase the number of charging cycles because the battery last longer.

[Cormanus]

That rings a bell. The smart charger for his car is able to charge it to 85% and then hold it there. He charges it to 100% only if he's taking a long trip.

I remember, on the old forum, member Flynrider was an early adopter of a lithium battery and was very happy. Those posts may well have made it here.

I looked at one last time I bought a battery for the CB1100 and decided the extra cost was too much for any benefit, but I'll be interested to see how you go with it. I suspect peterbaron has a point: you won't need to charge it often as the alternator will do the job well enough and it won't hurt it to lose a bit of charge post ride.

[peterbaron]

Modern cars have a battery sensor that monitors the flow of current through an electrical circuit or a battery.
The "inteligent" alternator charges the battery when needed, but not always, which also improves fuel economy...

[Gone in 60]

My B.I.L.'s new Audi EV will charge to 80% normally, which is supposed to keep the battery in its happy place. I'm still on the $40 Amazon battery I bought a few years ago for my CB1100 when the expensive Yuasa lasted just over two years. Figured it was worth a try to see how long it lasts. It's on a "smart tender" most of the time.