To Lithium of Not - is it the 21st Century oil thread...
Some very negative views on here. Quite different to my experience - I posted this to a recent airhead Lithium thread:
I've used Shorai and Shido lithium-ion batteries on various motorbikes for well over a decade and, for me, the benefits far outweigh any potential drawbacks and the high cost.
Just do your research, don't rely on hearsay. Laptops, power tools, starter batteries, electric cars - each uses a different type of Lithium ion battery with different chracteristics. New tech needs new working methods.
eg I've had no cold start issues whatsoever - once I learned that they need to be 'woken up' first if left overnight in a freezing cold garage...(turn the headlight on for 30 seconds before pressing the starter, big whoop).
They also need to avoid overcharging so a suitablly large capacity is essential - although most now incorporate a battery management system to negate this issue. And they also don't like voltage spikes so a modern reg rectifier (eg MOSFET) is a good idea. (As is a dedicated Lithium charger if charging via the mains - although it's not essential).
And I've not caught fire either - Lithium starter batteries are Lithium Iron Phosphate - not the type used in electric cars or airplanes. Used properly they're no more of a fire risk than Ni-Cad batteries - and you don't hear people going on about those any more do you?
BTW a Shido 51913 is a good fit in the battery tray of an r100gs ...it saves nearly 7 kg - a whole stone... Blimey!
For info