Bendy toy
Registered user
My venerable Odyssey has been giving a few slow starts recently in spite of the new starter motor. So decided its time to change.
Ive just fitted this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lithium-I...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
It replaces the Yuasa YTX14H so isn't isn't a direct equivalent to a new Odyssey. However CCA is 240Amps. Odyssey claim CCA of 200Amps. Other measures show the LiFePo can gives 350 amps in burst tests. The Odyssey can give 535A for 5 seconds. But, the starter motor won't be rated above 2KW so more than 200 Amps (2.4 KW) is no real benefit. 535Amps (or even 350) burst is academic.
Some lead-acid battery tests don't apply with LiFePo because they run the battery to 6V which will wreck a LiFePo.
The new battery weighs about 2 pounds (less than 1kg). The Odyessy is 5.2 kg and only just crams into the bike.
On starting, the Odyssey voltage was dropping into the 10s. Straight out of the box, the new one is hardly dropping at all. Time will tell of course but LiFePo is claimed to offer more start cycles and no damage if left unused. At the price I thought well worth a try.
The new one is "only" 4 amp hours but LiFePo can deliver all of its charge at high current. A lead acid will only give 30% at high current. The remains AH has to be taken at low current. No benefit to me I don't need to run a reading light all night.
The one risk is running a LiFePo to dead flat will kill it. Forget to take the ignition key out (lights will be on) and you will come back to a scrap battery. The Lead acid will often be recoverable perhaps with an Optimate. The Lithium is dead & gone.
Also never use an Optimate charger. The "wake up" high voltage boost will wreck a LiFePo.
LiFePo is not as good at low temperatures they have to be "worked" to self heat before they will deliver starting current. But a lead acid will give you one chance in the cold. If it struggles you are stuck. No second chances. My bike is garaged and I don't ride in -10 Centigrade so not too fussed about that issue.
Ive just fitted this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lithium-I...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
It replaces the Yuasa YTX14H so isn't isn't a direct equivalent to a new Odyssey. However CCA is 240Amps. Odyssey claim CCA of 200Amps. Other measures show the LiFePo can gives 350 amps in burst tests. The Odyssey can give 535A for 5 seconds. But, the starter motor won't be rated above 2KW so more than 200 Amps (2.4 KW) is no real benefit. 535Amps (or even 350) burst is academic.
Some lead-acid battery tests don't apply with LiFePo because they run the battery to 6V which will wreck a LiFePo.
The new battery weighs about 2 pounds (less than 1kg). The Odyessy is 5.2 kg and only just crams into the bike.
On starting, the Odyssey voltage was dropping into the 10s. Straight out of the box, the new one is hardly dropping at all. Time will tell of course but LiFePo is claimed to offer more start cycles and no damage if left unused. At the price I thought well worth a try.
The new one is "only" 4 amp hours but LiFePo can deliver all of its charge at high current. A lead acid will only give 30% at high current. The remains AH has to be taken at low current. No benefit to me I don't need to run a reading light all night.
The one risk is running a LiFePo to dead flat will kill it. Forget to take the ignition key out (lights will be on) and you will come back to a scrap battery. The Lead acid will often be recoverable perhaps with an Optimate. The Lithium is dead & gone.
Also never use an Optimate charger. The "wake up" high voltage boost will wreck a LiFePo.
LiFePo is not as good at low temperatures they have to be "worked" to self heat before they will deliver starting current. But a lead acid will give you one chance in the cold. If it struggles you are stuck. No second chances. My bike is garaged and I don't ride in -10 Centigrade so not too fussed about that issue.