Lithium more reliable than Lead?

[bikenav]

mate of mine needs a new battery for his DRZ, he is under the impression that modern conventional batteries even the historically considered quality brands offer poor quality I share that opinion as does a local guy in the trade. He is considering a Lithium replacement anyone with history on this conversion with any thoughts?

[Rallyx]

Fitted a Li-ion to my fe 400 husaberg spins it over strong and fast. OEM on the Africa twin. Best bit you think the box is empty so light.

[Paul_C]

You need to consider that most Lithium batteries don't take favourably to being charged at over 14 volts. Most rectifier/regulators and chargers work at around 14.5v. So you may need a new rec/reg and maybe a charger too.

[bikenav]

Weight saving is not the aim but obviously an advantage He has a number of vehicles and some are little used so cumlative battery replacements are a pain, so little use long term reliability is the main target, buying a new charger would probably be acceptable, YUASA VARTA EXIDE etc dont seem to give the reliability they once did over budget batteries, seems a common theme, a local bike guy in the electric component supply game won't sell batteries anymore as the customer return/satisfaction rate is so bad, he has stated many new ones arrive with him already below optimum ( got a basic knowledge of volts and amps but little more myself) so myself and my mate looking at a different direction. I have read that these batteries have idiosyncrasies and need to be managed a bit, not heard the one about charging voltage though will keep it in mind. Thanks for the info so far anyone run one for a number of years? Recommended Brand's? Charger's?

[Seminole]

The batteries supplied as 12v replacements have built in battery management systems and are safe to use with standard bike reg/rec

[ChrisCole]

I had a Lithium battery on my KTM exc it was less than three years old and failed completely without warning, I have replaced it with a lead acid battery

[dave h]

remember there's a difference between lithium ion and lithium iron,

dave.

[dibbs]

remember there's a difference between lithium ion and lithium iron,

dave.

You cant just leave it there Dave!!!! prey tell us more....

[Richard Simpson Mark II]

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/brand/odyssey/

are very good. Not a direct like-for-like replacement as they are small.

They use thin-plate lead and are very powerful. Last for years.

[Snaf MKII]

I had a Lithium battery on my KTM exc it was less than three years old and failed completely without warning, I have replaced it with a lead acid battery

Nothing to do with sea/river you stopped in then and had to be towed home