New motorcycles are now coming from the factory with Lithium Iron batteries LiFeP04 technology to be more precise, or you may wish to join the revolution and switch to the much greener option, away from traditional lead acid batteries.

So what are the benefits of Lithium batteries?

• Ultra light - only 1/3rd of the weight of similar lead-acid batteries.
• Excellent cycle life - over 2000 charge cycles possible vs lead-acid with 300 and gel 500 charge cycles.
• Excellent value for money - up to six times longer service life possible.
• Up to 50% more performance.
• Perfect shelf life - store for up to a year without recharging (lead acid need a charge after 6 months).
• Big coverage - 8 types cover all common lead acid variants.
• Easy installation - mount in any position.
• Waterproof.
• Contains no hazardous goods - no acid or heavy metals such as lead cadmium or mercury.

So all this sounds good, but the crucial point to note is that they are very charge sensitive. Working in compartments, cells can be at different states of charge across the battery, this means that care has to be taken in the charging of this battery, both on the bench and when fitted to a motorcycle.

Charging a lithium battery works at a lower voltage than traditional lead-acid, so that if your charging system is a little on the high side, i.e over 14 volts, then the battery can get fried. If this happens then there is a possibility that it will overheat and catch fire. If it does, you will not be able to put it out, even in a bucket of water!

As an application on a new motorcycle, the charging voltage will be regulated to the Lithium charging requirement which is 12.8 - 13.2V. If you replace your lead-acid battery with a new Lithium one and your bike's charging system is putting out 14-14.5 volts, you will fry the battery and perhaps your backside in the process!

If your are retro fitting one of these and are close to My Moto, we have an Optimate analyzer which can test both the cranking power and the alternator output to ensure that your motorcycle is putting the voltage into the battery that it can stand. 12.8 to 13.2 is ideal, over 14V and a Lithium battery will not be suitable for your bike,

Importantly the battery charger and conditioner that you have is vital. Your old one will be no good for Lithium charging applications, do not put it near a Lithium battery!

You will need a specific Lithium charger such as the Optimate 0.8A charger and conditioner which is 100% safe and incorporates a BMS reset to make sure that the cells are managed in their various states of charge. It also does not charge at over 13.2V, which keeps everything safe and regulated.

To see further details on Optimate's specific charger and to buy one from My Moto click here

To see the Optimate TS-120 Battery tester details, plus You Tube link on how it works see here