Topic: Using a Lithium-Iron Battery - Charging System Changes??

[BRAD CHIEDUCH]

I am considering to use a Shorai LFX battery and have little experience with lithium-ion batteries or what charging system changes are required.  I have heard some guys using an adjustable regulator - again something I have no experience with.  If anyone uses this battery, please enlighten me what changes I need to make to make this work.

[BRAD CHIEDUCH]

They are lithium iron batteries actually.

I admitted not knowing much about these batteries  .  Thanks for the information.

[Don R]

 My parts guy insisted that I needed a special charger for my AGM battery. I asked if I also needed a special alternator. He said that's a good question.  No answer though.

[Medyo Bastos]

You should also choose a charger suitable for the correct type. The Shorai LFX-14A2 is very small, but the A5 drops right in to the stock location.

you saying the fe needs a special charger?

[BRAD CHIEDUCH]

The Shorai LFX-14A2 is very small, but the A5 drops right in to the stock location.

Looking at the battery spec's on Shorai's website, there appears to be no difference between the LFX14A2 and the LFX14A5 other than physical size.  Both are rated at 14 A/hr, 210CCA.  I am trying to squeeze the battery under the rear portion of my seat cowling so it appears the LFX14A2 due to its smaller size is the better choice or am I missing something here?

[gtmdriver]

If you have a modern solid state regulator/rectifier combination fitted you should be OK but I don't think that the original separate rectifier and electro mechanical regulator is sophisticated enough to give the fine control required by the Lithium based batteries.

[scottly]

I am considering to use a Shorai LFX battery and have little experience with lithium-ion batteries or what charging system changes are required.  I have heard some guys using an adjustable regulator - again something I have no experience with.  If anyone uses this battery, please enlighten me what changes I need to make to make this work.

You should install a solid-state style regulator, as the stock mechanical regulator will cause voltage spikes well in excess of 15 volts with an LiFe battery. I've documented this in great detail in the past.

[lrutt]

If you have a modern solid state regulator/rectifier combination fitted you should be OK but I don't think that the original separate rectifier and electro mechanical regulator is sophisticated enough to give the fine control required by the Lithium based batteries.

this has been working fine on my 550. Used a Ricks RR with an A2 Shorai mounted under the swingarm. Honestly, these batteries have an extremely minimal discharge. Can sit for 6 months without a problem so not sure why you are worried about a charger. And from what I understood when I put one on my XR650L Honda, you could use a charger for short term top up but not for long term storage. I've used a Batter Tender overnight for top up when the battery had to sit for a few months.