KLX250 alternator, lithium battery, heated gear
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 434
From: Sandy Eggo
Well the life of the Shorai is what I'm looking to find out.
The charging issues of special chargers MikeW was referring to is "memory" I believe, amoung other topics (proper voltage levels, since the battery can exhibit memory to irregular voltages), and since his hobbyist batteries are most likely Li-Fe, maybe it applies to the shoria... I dont like the idea of a special charger either.
cycles are used because it strongly correlates with lithium battery life, but its a bit different with batteries that remain charged... so I have no idea and will stop pretending I know more than I do. :-)
The charging issues of special chargers MikeW was referring to is "memory" I believe, amoung other topics (proper voltage levels, since the battery can exhibit memory to irregular voltages), and since his hobbyist batteries are most likely Li-Fe, maybe it applies to the shoria... I dont like the idea of a special charger either.
cycles are used because it strongly correlates with lithium battery life, but its a bit different with batteries that remain charged... so I have no idea and will stop pretending I know more than I do. :-)
I dont think there is memory on lithium
that was nicad and nimh
because we used to drain them into a resistor before recharging
my hobby batteries are lipo
not sure what my tool batteries are
Senior Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 434
From: Sandy Eggo
and its super easy to see how many watts your bike is using
now depending on your voltmeter how many amps it can take you could connect it directly to the positive wire from the battery, and to the lead powering the bike
turn on everything (not start) and see how many amps its pulling, turn on brake and signals too
then maybe if your meter can handle the load (if there is much more) start the bike and take a reading
I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS WILL WORK I NEVER TRIED IT
but I have used the amps reader on a cheap voltmeter to see how many watts led bulbs use to see my savings compared to stock
so once you see how many amps your pulling just take 12v times the amps your meter says
this will give you watts
not sure if much more amps will be used with the bike running, compared to off
not accounting for the fan running either as that doesnt get used all the time
now depending on your voltmeter how many amps it can take you could connect it directly to the positive wire from the battery, and to the lead powering the bike
turn on everything (not start) and see how many amps its pulling, turn on brake and signals too
then maybe if your meter can handle the load (if there is much more) start the bike and take a reading
I HAVE NO IDEA IF THIS WILL WORK I NEVER TRIED IT
but I have used the amps reader on a cheap voltmeter to see how many watts led bulbs use to see my savings compared to stock
so once you see how many amps your pulling just take 12v times the amps your meter says
this will give you watts
not sure if much more amps will be used with the bike running, compared to off
not accounting for the fan running either as that doesnt get used all the time
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 333
From: Quebec, Canada
1st Gear Member
I've run a Shorai LiFe all of last summer and I won't return to lead acid. It saves close to 5 pounds and although it's not much help for oomph, the weight saviing is very noticeable in the handling of the bike in nasty trails. The battery is located high at the back, so saving there is readily apparent in the maneuvrability of the bike.
Member
1st Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 31
From: Cumming, GA
Try an AGM battery. Lighter weight than lead, not terribly expensive, holds a charge. I have one in my KLX and another in my XV1100. Very satisfied. Get a charger that recognizes AGM bats. Ride often. Ride safe.
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