Battery Opinions/Experiences

[Jersey Big Mike]

I've tried the original big dog batteries ten years ago, they were crap in cold weather and wouldn't hold a charge. Went to standard interstate batteries the regular lead ones and AGM, lasted about three and two years respectively. Then I tried a lightning gel battery, 550CCA, worked great for about two years, requires a special charger and can sometimes mess up the electronics if it was placed on a maintainer over the winter.

Now they have created this little guy in Germany and my maintenance place said they were powerful and don't lose the charge. I will say I was hesitant to put a lithium ion battery in there, but so far for this half of the riding season it has been great. Over 500 CCA and turns the bike over even with a cold start. It's a really small battery, I can pull it out even when it's still connected. The pads they come with are awesome with getting the right height and keeping it secure.

Now that I've posted about this, I'm sure the problems will start. I'll have to follow up in the spring and see how it went over the winter rides! I checked it after the second time I rode it in the rain, still doing alright.
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Actually the BSL-10 is 480 CCA -- see https://bs-battery.com/product/bsli-10/
My biggest concern with it would be it is rated for 7.5Ah vs the 18Ah of the normal battery in a BDM
Haven ridden when I lost my stator, I know how much that extra power is going to matter to get me to a destination.

 

[Jersey Big Mike]

Actually the BSL-10 is 480 CCA -- see https://bs-battery.com/product/bsli-10/
My biggest concern with it would be it is rated for 7.5Ah vs the 18Ah of the normal battery in a BDM
Haven ridden when I lost my stator, I know how much that extra power is going to matter to get me to a destination.

And not for me -- amazon seller had it listed at $282 -- no thanks, not given how I've done with Lithiums on the bikes.

 

[airborne2201]

And not for me -- amazon seller had it listed at $282 -- no thanks, not given how I've done with Lithiums on the bikes.

Yup this one was a pretty penny, €280 over here. I hope I get at least three riding seasons out of it for the price!

 

[HMAN]

And not for me -- amazon seller had it listed at $282 -- no thanks, not given how I've done with Lithiums on the bikes.

I said screw it n dropped a $$$ Braille in again. Got 4 yrs out the last one.

 

[Mickmorris]

I said screw it n dropped a $$$ Braille in again. Got 4 yrs out the last one.

Holy fudge! Not a chance in hell of me ever buying one of those!! And I love spending money!

 

[Coolbreezin]

I had my scooter completely rewired so the ehc was removed. Now I have 1 fuse and no issues at all since 2018ish.
As for a battery, I did have a lithium ion for about 18 months. The first one shook itself to death internally and the second one started smoking from the battery power management system. I did my research and found that lithium ion sucks. BUT! lithium phosphate is the bomb. Different material and design. Ive been powered by a NOCO npl20 for about two years now and it has never been on the charger. I recommend lithium phosphate batteries.

 

[HMAN]

Holy fudge! Not a chance in hell of me ever buying one of those!! And I love spending money!

I did the math. Overall I come out ahead after 3.5 yrs. It sucked to click the order button, but I didnt wanna end up @ another gas station having to kick the unliving shit out of it again...

 

[Mr. Wright]

You guys still arguing about batteries? When I bought my 04 chopper back in 2018, I dropped a Deka battery in it. It is still starting fine today. I never keep it on a tender. I just put it on a charger for a little while when I know I'm going for a ride. and in the winter, I'll charge it once a month. That's 5 years on this one. I pulled one out of Brian's chopper after 7 years, and I'm still using it as a test battery on my bench.

 

[Mickmorris]

You guys still arguing about batteries? When I bought my 04 chopper back in 2018, I dropped a Deka battery in it. It is still starting fine today. I never keep it on a tender. I just put it on a charger for a little while when I know I'm going for a ride. and in the winter, I'll charge it once a month. That's 5 years on this one. I pulled one out of Brian's chopper after 7 years, and I'm still using it as a test battery on my bench.

I always have a spare one on hand.. maybe a couple. Would never use a lithium in my motorcycles. EVER.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Oops, I lied. Decided since I mouthed off about how long the battery has been in there, that I might change it before heading to the Gathering. The date on it is 6/ 18. That's 6 years and some change. I went ahead and threw it in the trailer just in case someone needs on down there.

 

[airborne2201]

Pretty neat! I would always remove that when not riding for the winter and store in a warm environment. Lithium ion batteries do not like cold. And they have lit up due to the way they interact with cold temperatures. Having lived in Ulm Germany for 3 years I know it gets cold!

So today was one of the last rides of the season. Garage is all set for the bike and this was the easiest I've pulled out the battery! The great thing I love is that the connections remain tied in and it was just two screws to pop it out. This will make it simple and quick to pop it back in for a warm sunny day in December, January, or February to go for a quick ride. The lithium iron phosphate battery will stay in my basement until I need to pop it back on the bike.

 

[Mickmorris]

So today was one of the last rides of the season. Garage is all set for the bike and this was the easiest I've pulled out the battery! The great thing I love is that the connections remain tied in and it was just two screws to pop it out. This will make it simple and quick to pop it back in for a warm sunny day in December, January, or February to go for a quick ride. The lithium iron phosphate battery will stay in my basement until I need to pop it back on the bike.

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I remember Christmas time in Ulm it was so beautiful there. Loved every minute of my 3 years in Germany. Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!