Installing the Earth-X Lithium Battery on a KTM 1290 SAR - Huge Improvement!

[@67daltonknox]

When replacing the battery, remove the ground connections first, then you don't have to worry about shorting the positive bolt.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Thanks, realized that after the fact, but someone else pointed it out as well. Pinning your comment to the top so that it will help others who check this video. 👍

[@KampingKarl]

Could we get a ~1 year update on the battery performance? Is it still working well on the bike? I'm asking as I'm looking to replace mine soon and would like to know how it's worked out so far.

[@viper7077]

Your graphics look great !

[@matthanlon3511]

remove negative leads 1st & install last to avoid positive spark if you touch frame with tools

[@Bacongrease00]

Yuasa is the OEM supplier there supposed to be pretty good but I only got 2 years out of mine. These 1300CC 13:1 compression twins like a healthy battery. Takes a lot to crank them over. I’ll try lithium when my next battery craps out. Saves weight too

[@robsea8088]

I have used the battery for 5.5 year. The Yuasa. I replaced it for the best quality i could find and it works fine but after the 3 year, you will need to use the motorcycle every day to get a good start. Im going to get one of these.

[@Ronin_Moto_KTFU]

Thanks for uploading this.

[@andresjcortez]

Sweet! Going to order. Mine struggles on colder days.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Right on! I’m really pleased with mine so far. 🤙

[@deadmanprodinc]

I rode a new 1190S from 2016 to 2019 (65,000 kms) on the same OEM battery with no issues. I then bought a 2020 1290 SAS in the fall of 2019 and have no starting or charging issues with that OEM battery (31,000 kms). Not sure why riders would spend $369.00 USD for a lithium battery that does the same job. What is it that justifies switching and then paying 2.5 times the price?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Other than the fact that lithium’s perform better in every way, I tax my battery pretty hard by charging all sorts of camera gear, and the lithium supports that much better. It’s also going to last much longer than a lead acid, so replace the stocker twice and you’ve paid for a lithium. Just my opinion.

[@deadmanprodinc]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad There are pro's to Lithium batteries however when it comes to heavy use of accessory items the power to sustain the 12V demand comes from the KTM Stator, Lithium does not change the principle that more power can be used than power produced. A large amp hour acid battery will do the same job for half the Lithium price, it doesn't matter what battery is in the bike if the 12V draw is bigger than the output of the Stator. If a motorcyclist gets stuck in the bush or small town with a Lithium battery problem, a replacement will be non existent. As I said earlier, Lithium can be 50-200% more money and while they can have a longer life, they will require the additional expense of specialized battery charger. I already own a car battery maintainer/charger for my car and that doubles as the maintainer/charger for my bike battery.........there is a lot of new tech out there and some do great things but after considering all of the "expense", some of the tried and true tech can still be the better choice.

[@udp1024]

Two years later, did you have any problems with the LifePO4 battery or the motorcycle alternator?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

No issues at all!

[@conanjohnson5159]

Hey man! It's time to replace the battery in my bike as well. Just curious if you've had any electrical issues since the new battery install such as too much juice

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

No issues at all! Been riding to work every day, fires up faster than ever, runs great, no problems.

[@Bacongrease00]

How’s it working still?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

No issues.

[@harrisjack6263]

I replaced the w-standard lithium battery, which can work longer

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Yep, the lithium should have a much longer lifespan.

[@couz10]

Just did the same on my 2018… They shouldn’t have sold it with such a low CA battery…

[@wheelisforge]

Have you tried bump starting the big girl? Never tried on a big bike like this with so many electronics. Just wondering in case out in the middle of no where. Also, is that the ergo seat? Thinking that will be my next purchase.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I have, either the rear wheel just skids, or it won’t turn over enough to start it. High compression, and big pistons really make it difficult. And yes it is the ergo seat. I really like it! Super comfortable and nice that it lowers you down a bit.

[@pajownik]

Nearly impossible. I managed it once. Other biker pushed me down the hill and got me to anout 20 Mph. I got in 3rd gear and upon releasing the clutch i pushed the start button to give it a boost. Otherwis the whell just skids. So if your battery is completely flat. No chance.

[@AK-fn6hh]

Which rear racks doers your bike have? I love the symmetrical setup

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

They’re made by Hepco and Becker. Fair warning, they sit up a little higher than most racks. Not an issue for me, but some people may like to know that.

[@robclayburn356]

I had the battery die on my 2020 KTM Super Adventure S after a little over a year of ownership. Had to fight with KTM and the Dealer for a warranty replacement. Purchased it myself and then eventually got reimbursed. Seems like KTM should get a more reliable battery vendor. Like the Bike a lot but dealing with KTM not so fun.

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

I’m surprised you got reimbursed, but that’s great! I hear of battery issues all the time on these bikes. So far the lithium has been awesome. Would highly recommend it as a next battery choice for you if you every need one.

[@robclayburn356]

@@EpicAdventuresOffroad I was actually really surprised as well that they approved it. And I was going to go with a better battery when the first died, but the dealer told me that if I had any electric/electronic issues with the bike that were warranty covered that KTM would insist I have a factory approved battery on the bike before they would approve anything. So I just went with the factory battery model and asked the dealer to submit the claim. The parts guy called me and said he couldn't believe they approved it. :) If it ever goes again I'll definitely grab a lithium since the factory warranty will expire this August. Thanks for the content, you are inspiring me to maybe put some 50/50 tires on my "S" and try some light off-roading!

[@thomaskavanagh1209]

This is really important. I have a new 2023 SAS and the bike wouldn't start after sitting only 3 days. The bike had only 260 miles on it. ugh. I was considering getting this lithium battery so I can forget about this issue. I like taking long rides, usually 5-10 days and don't want to worry about it. Guess I need to stick with the OEM Yuasa. IMO, you can't go out on adventures if you don't know if the bike will start. The bike is at the dealership now and I really hope they come up with an acceptable solution to this. Thanks for this post!@@robclayburn356

[@gomesracer]

It’s ok to change to a lithium battery?! Thanks

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Yes sir, this battery is the exact one that works for these big bikes. Starts up much better than it used to.

[@robsea8088]

​@@EpicAdventuresOffroaddo you need a special charger or the motorcycle can charge it normally?

[@EtherealReality]

Great being able to charge your equipment off the bike! Does the bike have any way of tracking the voltage in the battery?

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

It does, there’s a voltage meter on the display. Nice thing about the lithium is the battery will shut it self off if the voltage gets too low so you don’t ruin it. 👍 thanks for watching!

[@salahjaabari8931]

Hi . Is the graphics kit Worth it

[@EpicAdventuresOffroad]

Yes! I love it. Came from upshift online.