Going to a Lithium Battery on my 1997 VFR750

[rektifyre]

Tired of poor lifetimes and painful cranks with lead acid batteries, I'm finally going to make the switch this season to a Lithium Based.

I've read about a lot of modern VFR model owners going with Lithium (read: fuel injection model VFRs), but I haven't read too much about us 4th gen owners going the LiFe route.

Any risks or considerations I should have about going Lithium on our carb bikes? Or the 97 VFR model in particular?

I'm thinking about going with one of the Shorai models, as reviewed here:

http://www.motorcycl...view-91165.html

I'm planning on buying the 18 Amp Hour model from BatteryStuff.com ($181 free shipping)

https://www.batterys...12.html#reviews

[kgsmotorcycles]

Running lithium myself on a 4th gen. no problems.

Altho i do run a tiny race version which suits me best.(i sell them also,http://www.racingbatteries.co.uk for comparison) These suit special applications well, especially when space or weight is a concern.

Looks a fair price for the unit your looking at there - with post included.

Some have suffered previously with Li batteries on VFRD, but your choice looks meaty at 18AHours should not suffer their cranking problems(270cc) as it looks twice the size roughly, so plenty more power on offer.

[Dutchy]

My oem battery lasted some 8-9 years , the next one delivering ooomph 4 years already.......... Ymmv

[YoshiHNS]

What's the beef if Pb batteries. They should be much more robust than a LiFePo battery. Just have to check their voltage every few months they're not in use and top them off if they need it. And I'm not entirely convinced of having a LiFePo battery being continuously charged is healthy for it either.

As to your question. No real problems with a carbed bike having a Li battery. Probably would work a little better than the Fi bikes, as there are much fewer ignition items drawing power. I've used mine to start a few bikes already.

[rektifyre]

Some have suffered previously with Li batteries on VFRD, but your choice looks meaty at 18AHours should not suffer their cranking problems(270cc) as it looks twice the size roughly, so plenty more power on offer.

Hmmm, another forum is questioning if I even need the power of the 18 AH, and that the 14 AH one would suffice instead. It's $40 savings to me and probably a little lighter.

But my concern would be not getting the bike to crank. Not sure if that's even a problem though with Lithium, even at 14 AH (since it would never drain so low during actual usage anyway and technically my bike could sit for weeks untouched no problem)

http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/LFX14A1-BS12.html

[kgsmotorcycles]

Some have suffered previously with Li batteries on VFRD, but your choice looks meaty at 18AHours should not suffer their cranking problems(270cc) as it looks twice the size roughly, so plenty more power on offer.

Hmmm, another forum is questioning if I even need the power of the 18 AH, and that the 14 AH one would suffice instead. It's $40 savings to me and probably a little lighter.

But my concern would be not getting the bike to crank. Not sure if that's even a problem though with Lithium, even at 14 AH (since it would never drain so low during actual usage anyway and technically my bike could sit for weeks untouched no problem)

http://www.batteryst...X14A1-BS12.html

Would agree your first choice is very meaty.

In comparison my Li battery is rated at 500grams, 100cca and about 5Ah(need to check, but its not big) and everything is fine for my use. Cranking can be a problem if cold. Might take 1 or 2 hits of the button to get her turning over. But i use a jump battery on cold starts or the first start of the day and after the first fire there have never been problems.

Your second choice of battery looks good also, again plenty of cca @210. So agreed will do just fine!