The Battery Thread

[LondonDutch]

I've been running a couple threads on my experience of changing my OEM battery for a smaller Li Ion unit - as it's not been as straightforward as I'd hoped and expected.

I'm still heaving a few teething problems. After failing to make the bike work with three small units wired in series I upgraded to a single larger unit, but this seems to suffer from the cold and more than a few days being drained by the ECU - so it seems I need quick release connectors so I can take it inside on cold days, and probably an isolator switch so there's no drain at all if I leave it several days.

I'm assuming that lots of people want to do this upgrade, to save weight, and cos clearing the subframe of the OEM battery is just so... well, satisfying.

So, I reckon a battery thread would help everyone out, so they can make comparisons, see the pitfalls, and work out the best option for them.

Here are my previous threads.

Quick release battery connectors?

Battery Saga Update

In summary, I am now running a RB2400 from Racing Batteries. It works very well when both the battery and the bike are warm, but when the battery is warm and the bike is cold (battery kept indoors) I have to twist the throttle to make it turnover, so it coughs into life (albeit very easily) - which I am concerned may not be all that good for the engine?

Here are the pics:








When both the bike and battery are below about 3 degrees celcius the bike will eventually start, but only moments before you give up, (I'm guessing the battery self-warms through failed attempts) and only then with a carefully timed twist of the throttle.

On the plus side, the unit is very small, very well made, and racingbatteries as a company have been brilliant to deal with, offering free replacement upgrades, and always on-hand with help and advice. Nice people too.

Other info: I am using the OEM leads, and the bike runs the race ECU that comes with the official Ducati Termis.

So... The point of this thread.

What batteries are you using, where did they come from, and how do they run when cold, when left idle, etc, etc...?

Thanks

[LondonDutch]

I'm also gonna re-post this reply to cold issues mentioned in my first thread, as it's very useful to a general battery thread:

Originally Posted by Kookz

It's the cold, the cold, and only the cold. I have a quick disconnect on my battery and pull it out if I'm parking the bike outside in the cold. Throw the battery in my helmet or pocket, and I'm all set.

[magus]

I have had my Speedcell in the SC for maybe 9 months now and it's really been great. No issues. The bike is garaged and it doesn't get real cold where I am but even in recent colder weeks (lowest maybe high 30's/low 40's), it has started without complaint.


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[LondonDutch]

Hey Magus, where did you locate your speed cell, and do you have any pics?
....


Also... Here is Hoppy's thread on his LiFePo4 installation. Slipper Clutch & LiFePo4 Battery

[Riderjeff]

After 5 years of use, I decided it was time to replace my original battery; a Yuasa YT12B-BS even though it hadn't ever failed despite some serious neglect. Just thougt it prudent to avoid the unfortunate.

I looked pretty hard at the A123-cell Battery packs, but for me it was a no-brainer when I saw the Shorai products. I picked up an LFX18A1-BS12, rated at 18AH and 270CCA. Better than stock, and much lighter as well. It fits easily inside the stock battery housing, and Shorai provides a truly excellent set of pre-cut shims to make it fit correctly since it's smaller than the stock unit. The reccomended battery is a bit smaller/lighter, the LFX14A1-BS12, rated at 14AH and 210 CCA, but I it's been my hard-earned experience that EFI vehicles like juice and plenty of it so I went with the larger more powerful option. Batteries and Chargers

All that said, it's started right up each time I've asked it to since the new battery installation. Also, my bike lives in a semi-heated garage, typically around 55F in winter, so it doesn't get that cold.

Check the pics for the weight difference vs. stock (!):

[magus]

Replacement Drop-In LiFeP04 Batteries

I thought I had pictures in this thread but maybe not. I know they are around somewhere. I got the SpeedCell directly from them - They are located in Austin, TX

http://www.speedcell.us/

I moved the battery under the seat and the r/r under the tail. I also added the Motolectric heavy gauge wiring at the same time.

I know a number of other brands have become popular since - especially the Shorai's - but I have been very pleased with the SpeedCell.

Originally Posted by LondonDutch

Hey Magus, where did you locate your speed cell, and do you have any pics?
....


Also... Here is Hoppy's thread on his LiFePo4 installation. Slipper Clutch & LiFePo4 Battery

Sent from my Motorcycle iPhone app

[EIGHTfortyEIGHT]

Iv'e had a Speedcell in mine for over 1 year. It started the stock engine with stock battery wires no problem, even in our cold weather, 40 degrees in SoCal mornings. I used the same battery on my new engine with 11.5 compression and i have since switched to 4g pure copper wire. the bikes starts fast and perfect every time. I got the battery from Motowheels and it just fits under my stock seat with the regulator moved. Never have charged it, even after letting it sit for 5 months while I was finishing the motor.