residualsilver wrote on 09/18/12 at 21:53:29:Im looking for a small one to replace the brick I just bought... what are the real up sides to a smaller battery and will it work in 30 degree weather?
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.