Which Battery for HyperStrada?

Hyp Noob · Apr 20, 2017

I'm thinking about the Shorai Lithium-Iron battery (or similar competing brand of Lith-iron battery) Which one in this class has the best rep so far?

My bike was bought used, it starts OK but I sense the batt is probably original from 2013. It cranks but IMO, a bit slowly. When on my Battery Tender it takes a while for red light to go green. (20 minutes) This, in my experience, may indicate battery is weak, probably coming to end of it's life. Opinions on this?

It load tests OK so I think all cells are still OK, perhaps just a bit weak?

So ... like many riders, I'm attracted to the lighter weight Lithium-Iron batteries out there. I've read about several problems they can present, was wondering what history anyone has using Lithium-Iron batts like the Shorai or similar Li-Iron batts?

Two buddies have them, so far (about a year) no problems. This type of batt likes to "warm up".

yes, seems counter-intuitive but it's science and it works.

For conventional lead-acid sealed battery I prefer Deka. Good quality, long lasting. But I think I'm going Lith-Iron next.

Experiences anyone?
Thanks!
Patrick

N4teTheGreat · Apr 20, 2017

Starter on these bikes kinda sucks, so it may not be the battery. Kuksul has a thread on replacing the starter if you are so inclined. When the battery on my 2015 goes I will get an LION battery just for the weight and space savings.

-- Nathan

kuksul08 · Apr 20, 2017

See if you have a Taigene motor, that could be the problem.

As for batteries, Lithium tech is pretty great now. But I've never had a problem with the regular old lead-acid batteries and they last upwards of 10 years when maintained, so I stick with that. I think the biggest benefit of a lithium battery in the hyper is it will give you some extra storage space under the seat, because there is basically none in stock form.

dragoontwo · Apr 20, 2017

I have only had the Shorai. It works great, and I've never put it on a charger since 2011. It does need to warm up in colder weather, but it still starts good.

RSL · Apr 20, 2017

So many make the mistake of purchasing a lithium battery sized based on the silly claims of the manufacturers. A lithium battery thread on AdvRider shows that a properly sized lithium battery is an excellent choice as a replacement battery.

I have the Antigravity 16 cell battery with the case size matching the Ducati space. Works like a charm pushing out the amps that are necessary, spinning the starter with enthusiasm.

Choose wisely with lithium and you will be happy. Choose too small and you will write angry reviews about battery failure.

http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...el-wet-lithium-iron-phosphate-lifepo4.757934/

N4teTheGreat · Apr 20, 2017

Good to know. Saving weight would be nice, but the main interest I have in one is better performance and longer life when used without a tender (no real option given my SF parking situation).

-- Nathan

zibbit u2 · Apr 20, 2017

I put a Shorai into mine, so far it's been excellent. I also had my starter recently replaced, and now it starts VERY strong.

Here's a thread I created which shows the install.

Shorai battery & Alarm install

Hyp Noob · Apr 21, 2017

Thanks to everyone for all the great replies. I'd heard of Anti-Gravity, never used one. I will ask dealer about my starter. It cranks fine ... perhaps just a tad slow.

Will look into all of it, thanks again!

jerdog53 · Apr 22, 2017

Its my understanding that the lithium batteries do not like the cold not that those posting in this thread living in the southern part of the country have much issue with that. My buddy rides a KTM 990 ADV that had a lithium battery in it when he purchased it and was very problematic when it was below 50 and has since been replaced.

appliance821 · Apr 22, 2017

Heard the same about lithium. Got an AGM that turned out to be the same as stock. I'd have to run through 3 of them to equal the price of a good Lithium.

In case of trouble I carry a Lithium booster on long trips. Size of 2 packs of smokes and can start a truck if need be.

Oh - and I always start in neutral now, to avoid too much load.

RSL · Apr 22, 2017

Like I said above, get the right size lithium battery and you will be happy for years.

Get one too small and your reviews will be bad.

Pretty much the point of the years long lithium battery thread on AdvRider.com.

BTW: Manufacturers point to lithium batteries too small for less than perfect conditions.

RSL · Apr 22, 2017

Lithium batteries sized right from a reputable company are much more expensive than a lead battery. What you get in exchange is longer charge holding, more amperage to starter, lighter weight and longer life.

RSL · Apr 22, 2017

When my starter turned to crap, but before the dealer could get a Denso starter, I had a week long ride. The 16 cell Antigravity lithium battery had the balls to turn over the crap starter when the engine was hot. Probably wire melting amp draw. No lead battery could do that.

Lithium batteries will deliver this kind of performance until they are dead. Not the gradual decline in amperage lead batteries have.

Below freezing temperatures? Merely turn on the key and let the draw on the battery warm it for a minute. Warmed you will get the performance you are accustomed to.

Properly sized though, below freezing temperatures have been no issue at all for me. Mind you those temperatures were at Lake Tahoe and mid 20s. Not the arctic.

mentalist · Apr 23, 2017

Think I'm lucky, bike is almost four years old, 16000miles and never been on a charger.
I work offshore, the 1st two years it was left untendered for four weeks every four weeks and started fine.
Now for the last two years its left every three weeks untended for three weeks.
Run a garmin sat nav, heated oxford vest and phone charger.
If I'm going away for a week on a trip, I carry a lithium jumper battery pack just in case.
Probably jinxed myself now and the bike will be flat when I get home ;-)
Probably get home now

Which Battery for HyperStrada?

Similar threads