I tried the 4 cell lithum and it cratered within 2 weeks I switched to the AGM type battery and its still going strong much nicer for doing carb tweaks since you don't have to take anything off to get the carb off.

 
I too am following along with interest, as the next battery I get is going into the place my charcoal cannister sits in and I too am losing the battery box and airbox I do believe .....

I may fill up the available space with as large an AGM as will fit into the space though, as I like reserve capacity for cold mornings and such.

verslagen1 wrote on 09/18/12 at 13:22:38:


At least the 8 cell

I must say the Ballistic evo2 8-cell looks really good, but shipping from U.S to Ireland mail+customs duty could be $200 plus, what a pita. So for me a small AGM battery like what Boul’tard did on his bike will do for me. But half the amps of stock item is a bit of a worry.
Cheers, Pat.      

Ive got the Ballistic 8-cell in my bike. It works great. Ive been using it for about 4 months and no problems what so ever so far.

I like it, even at the $140 price tag.  At first I was dead set against it for the price, but I bought it as a last minute type of deal and just ate the cost.  

Im really happy I did buy it. Its about 9 lbs lighter than the original and super tiny.

verslagen1 wrote on 09/18/12 at 18:04:06:


I'd jump for the "big" one, the 4s3p battery. That's the one I bought. He ships DHL Air, I got mine in 4 days. It's small enough to fit inside the exhaust bracket.

residualsilver wrote on 09/18/12 at 21:53:29:


The biggest issues with using a lithium type battery are that the charging system will not correctly and fully charge the battery, and 2 cold weather performance,  once temps reach 32°F or lower the battery's capacity is greatly reduced since the internal resistance of lithium batteries goes up as the temp drops.  If you plan on cold weather riding and using a lithium battery you have 2 options to keep you trouble free.

1.  Make it easily accessible to remove so you can bring it inside with you when parked.

2.  Use the next size up battery from what is suggested from most manufacturers.  In our case I would use a min of a 12cell if you plan on cold weather riding. If it were me and I bought an 8 cell I would follow what I suggested in 1.

As for the real upside to the use of lithium type batteries.  They are much smaller and can be mounted in a hidden place. They weigh much less, even with the price of them it's hard to shed the same amount of weight for the price, and lastly they are a more constant voltage then lead-acid batteries, meaning your starter will actually spin faster with the lithium battery because the voltage drop is very minimal. But when a lithium battery loses charge it drops quickly on the voltage, so if you hit the point that is starts turning slower get that battery on charge or you could lose your investment as lithium batteries don't like being in a discharged state.

R.F.