Lithium Motorcycle Batteries: Myths VS Realities

I think it depends on how much you want to spend. The replacement Lithium battery for my ST1100 is over $200US, plus shipping. The last lead/acid battery I replaced on the ST cost me less than $80CDN locally.

Then I would need to buy a new battery tender that is compatible with lithium batteries and probably install some sort of battery management system on the bike as noted in the linked review.

I see no benefit over the lead/acid battery I'm currently using.
 
No battery tender needed in most cases. These hold a charge better, and unless your bike has an abnormal parasitic drain, should start right up in spring.
 
I only see a benefit if you need to shed weight. Lead acid batteries have serves me well. I’m on year 10 in my FJR and still on the Oe Vstrom battery.
 
Only caveat is extremely cold temperatures. All the snow bike guys switch back to lead acid for riding in the cold. I know the article says both Li-ion and lead acid batteries are affected by the cold, but there are too many anecdotal accounts of snow bikers left stranded by their Li-ion batteries. Doesn't help that these bike are all MX bikes with tiny stators and they're running aftermarket heated grips and extra lights + everything else.

A good alternative I've been reading about is Lithium-Iron (Li-Fe) batteries. Newer technology, a bit less energy dense than Li-ion, but it's able to withstand colder temps.
 
Lithium for touring saved my ass many times, wont even consider anything else. If it just has to start, lithium only way to go.

Rectifier/regulator failing on a trip, dash was dying , bike still started and got me home.

Never would have happened on lead acid, not in a million years in my experience.

First foray into Lifo was Shorai ( i bought it used). Now I have Earth X that has over/under protection; Took it from my last bike , I expect at least 8 years of service life from it.

BB
 
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