Lithium batteries- Pros, cons, experience?

[OldStan]

The battery I got with my early dream was the wrong one and too small. Since I need to replace it and the proper batteries are not that plentiful, I've been looking at alternatives.

I'm considering a Lithium Ferrous battery, a four cell version. The size is plenty small and they seem to have about 135 CCA.

The Shorai battery looks more like a traditional MC battery than the others and runs $100+. THe Ballistics battery is square at slightly less. The Alien Motion battery, also square, is $60- comparable to an AGM battery.

Without damaging the batteries the max charge voltage is 14.4v- what is a 305 capable of? Max charge amperage is 10 Amp, any problem there?

The other possible issue is damage due to draining below 11.2 volts (no load)- noted in a warranty statement. Could that be a problem as I understand it these systems are questionable when run with lights on?

Since the recharge rate is faster than with a lead-acid, could that possibly be a plus and eliminate some of the battery drainage problems?

Less static discharge ( no need for a tender) is another plus.

Anyone with experience with these batteries, good or bad?

[Paul Soha]

Expensive, yes?

[OldStan]

Expensive, yes?

I did think they were comparable to AGM's, but after some searching found an AGM that fit my early Dream for $25.50. It's of Chinese manufacture so I'm not sure about the quality, but for the price I figured I'd take a chance. I decided that the possible downsides of the lithium weren't worth the risk, especially since there were no positive responses to the thread.

I've just started using the AGM, but so far I think it was the right move.

[brewsky]

Expensive, yes?

I did think they were comparable to AGM's, but after some searching found an AGM that fit my early Dream for $25.50. It's of Chinese manufacture so I'm not sure about the quality, but for the price I figured I'd take a chance. I decided that the possible downsides of the lithium weren't worth the risk, especially since there were no positive responses to the thread.

I've just started using the AGM, but so far I think it was the right move.

Careful with the charging rate.........

[OldStan]

Careful with the charging rate

There has to be a story behind this! Hopefully it wasn't the bike that did it.

[rrietman]

the LI batteries are pretty cool, light weight, small,etc. however, they can generate a lot of heat as they operate. sometimes causing fires. they can cause fires. they are prohibited for this reason on most airlines in the cabin. this is also why they are not being used in general aviation (where you would think they would love them).?
Randy

[brewsky]

Careful with the charging rate

There has to be a story behind this! Hopefully it wasn't the bike that it.

From the 750 forum....
The whole story here:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=110710.0