Topic: lithium cell battery question

[hellraiserDLX]

Are there any special requirements to run a lithium battery?  I got a brand new four cell for free and it would be cool to use it but I'm not sure if I can just slap it in and go.

[lucky]

Go online to Google and type in Lithium battery care.

I am sure you will find expert information.

[EDU]

Just slap it on! But a 4-cell can only run up to a 550 in road trim I think... for a 650+ I'd use the 8-cell.

[scottly]

Are there any special requirements to run a lithium battery?  I got a brand new four cell for free and it would be cool to use it but I'm not sure if I can just slap it in and go.

I recommend a solid state regulator, but it may not be absolutely necessary. In any case, your charging system has to be working properly, as lithium batteries will not survive deep discharges. If you run it down below 8 volts, it will be damaged, but the damage can be minimized if the battery is recharged immediately. Leave the ignition switch on overnight, and you can probably kiss it goodbye. I've had my 4 cell for over 2 years now, but my bike is kick-start only.   

[hellraiserDLX]

I have a 75 550. I was reading up on it a bit and it sounds like most people replace the regulator/rectifier before using them?

[hellraiserDLX]

Are there any special requirements to run a lithium battery?  I got a brand new four cell for free and it would be cool to use it but I'm not sure if I can just slap it in and go.

I recommend a solid state regulator, but it may not be absolutely necessary. In any case, your charging system has to be working properly, as lithium batteries will not survive deep discharges. If you run it down below 8 volts, it will be damaged, but the damage can be minimized if the battery is recharged immediately. Leave the ignition switch on overnight, and you can probably kiss it goodbye. I've had my 4 cell for over 2 years now, but my bike is kick-start only.   

I think I am too lazy to be kick start only  I might just hold off on it for now because a regular old acid battery will work just fine. Maybe after I replace the whole system and wiring I will through that puppy in there

[scottly]

[
I think I am too lazy to be kick start only  I might just hold off on it for now because a regular old acid battery will work just fine.

Lithium batteries are not for lazy wimps.

[EDU]

Are there any special requirements to run a lithium battery?  I got a brand new four cell for free and it would be cool to use it but I'm not sure if I can just slap it in and go.

I recommend a solid state regulator, but it may not be absolutely necessary. In any case, your charging system has to be working properly, as lithium batteries will not survive deep discharges. If you run it down below 8 volts, it will be damaged, but the damage can be minimized if the battery is recharged immediately. Leave the ignition switch on overnight, and you can probably kiss it goodbye. I've had my 4 cell for over 2 years now, but my bike is kick-start only.   

I have to disagree based only on my experience... no other knowledge. I run battery on my race bike dry (to a point where even the dash won't light up) A LOT! And it's going strong after 2 years. And a lot of the times it happens 'cause I forget to remove it from the bike (immobilizer/etc sucks it dry after a month) and it then isn't charged for a loooooong time. Over 3 months at least once.

Not saying it doesn't damage the battery, just saying that, based on my experience, the battery can take it!

Also, on a 750 I'd run the 8-cell battery! It should have absolutely no problem starting your bike at least 8-10 times consecutively with no recharge. My 4-cell starts my race bike (total loss) at least that many times and that's with a lot of riding in between and fuel injection and etc (but no recharge).

[scottly]

Are there any special requirements to run a lithium battery?  I got a brand new four cell for free and it would be cool to use it but I'm not sure if I can just slap it in and go.

I recommend a solid state regulator, but it may not be absolutely necessary. In any case, your charging system has to be working properly, as lithium batteries will not survive deep discharges. If you run it down below 8 volts, it will be damaged, but the damage can be minimized if the battery is recharged immediately. Leave the ignition switch on overnight, and you can probably kiss it goodbye. I've had my 4 cell for over 2 years now, but my bike is kick-start only.   

I have to disagree based only on my experience... no other knowledge. I run battery on my race bike dry (to a point where even the dash won't light up) A LOT! And it's going strong after 2 years. And a lot of the times it happens 'cause I forget to remove it from the bike (immobilizer/etc sucks it dry after a month) and it then isn't charged for a loooooong time. Over 3 months at least once.

Not saying it doesn't damage the battery, just saying that, based on my experience, the battery can take it!

Also, on a 750 I'd run the 8-cell battery! It should have absolutely no problem starting your bike at least 8-10 times consecutively with no recharge. My 4-cell starts my race bike (total loss) at least that many times and that's with a lot of riding in between and fuel injection and etc (but no recharge).

My comments about deep discharging a lithium battery were based on the information provided by the seller; I chose not to try to prove him wrong, rather than prove him right by destroying the battery.
Your modern race bike most likely has a permanent magnet starter motor, which draws much less current than the starters on the SOHCs. I don't know the average running current draw of your fuel injected bike, or the duration of running time, but I can tell you from my testing that a similar 2.3 amp/hr battery will drop to 8 volts in about 25 minutes with a 4.5 amp load, and 60 minutes with a 2.2 amp load.