Lithium-Ion VS. Lead Acid Motorcycle Batteries | Sportbiketrackgear.com

Lithium-Ion VS. Lead Acid Motorcycle Batteries
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We recommend Lead Acid or Gel OEM Style Maintenance Free Batteries for most street riders as well as track riders who are not motivated by the 3-4 lbs of weight loss you can get with a Lithium Battery. One advantage the Lead Acid Battery has over their Lithium competition is they perform well across a wide range of temps (the Lithium Batteries lose a little performance when the temps drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit) which can be an important fact for many street riders.
If you are on a quest to reduce the weight of your motorcycle there is no more cost effective mod than replacing the Lead Acid OEM Battery with a Light Weight Lithium Replacement. While every application is a little different you can expect to shed from 3 - 6 lbs on most sportbikes. Typically you will need to spend well over $1000.00 to get those results. We recommend this upgrade for all track bikes and street riders interested in weight loss that can manage the drop in performance under 40 degrees.
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[@OddBallPerformance]

I run lithium batteries in all three of my bike. One is a battery tender brand in an enduro, the other two are Bikemaster brand. If you get a battery of the same dimensions as the factory AGM or standard, it will have a lot higher cranking amps, which makes up for colder temperature "termpermental" natures. I use my bikes in below freezing temps, parked outside for hours while at work, and not one of them has ever been hard to start. If they are, for whatever reason, just leave the headlight on for 30 seconds to a minute and the battery will warm up internally enough to crank over. Lithium batteries, generally, don't need to sit on a tender unless there is a constant draw on them from a clock or security device that stays active. They have the slowest discharge rate of all battery types. I accidentally left my Goldwing off the tender for 3 months, and when I hooked it up, the charger didn't even turn on - it read a full charge.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Lithium batteries will hold their charge much longer than lead acid will. Bikes that have a real low parasitic draw while resting may not need a maintenance charger (still nice to have IMO) as long as you ride the bike with some regularity. The biggest issues will be found on your more modern bikes with higher level of electronics which typically means a higher parasitic draw. Personally I hate battery related drama and do not like losing any precious riding time to something that is avoidable. I believe you should own some sort of battery charger or maintenance device if you have a bike. Using it correctly will always result in more trouble free riding time. One important point to remember is any new battery you purchase for your bike needs to be fully charged before you install it. Some claim to come fully charged which is true as long as they have not been sitting on the shelf discharging for months (which is very common) so we recommend all new batteries get a full charge before you install them. - Brian Van

[@OddBallPerformance]

Which is why all three of my bikes have their own specific chargers. and their own SAE leads.

[@glockstitch]

I’m very thankful for your time, to comment, and your knowledge. I’m 25 no mechanical background whatsoever, and I’m learning the ins and outs of my 84’ zn700. Been exclusively using yuasa acid battery’s and haven’t had the best or worst experience with them. Can’t wait to try a lithium battery soon 🤙chheers

[@krazed0451]

Wanna know what's fun? My bike won't turn the headlight on until the bike has started xD

[@dougiequick1]

So in other words for maximum weight savings buy a smaller lithium battery with same power as the lead acid? Shim it with foam or something? Maybe can store something extra??

[@cyprezza]

Thank You for your honesty! And bringing up nothern climates 👍

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thanks for watching! The performance drop off under 40 degrees with the lithium can be very important for sure. - Van

[@trevortrevortsr2]

At last, someone who explains the temperature issues with lithium - they will be trashed if you try to charge them below freezing

[@CryianSky]

i got for my self lithoum ion battery for my bike. Dont know if its anything to do with the battery or not ,but i started get problems with my bike soon i changed battery. I have trowed away acid battery, so i can not check if its battery problem. My bike started cut off, does not work as should, low power and etc. Have changed air filter, spark plugs, coils, tuck apart and cleaned carburator, but the problem is still there. When its cold - it works ok, but when its hot, sometimes there is no problems, but suddenly there is lost of power. When drive, you feel like engine starts brake even when you accelerate. On idle sometimes it's no problems, but then again somtimes it won turn on idle, or its even imposible to start the bike.

[@zacharysmith8206]

Thank you for posting this video. It was easy for me to understand. I'm sticking with my conventional battery. 😎

[@sportbiketrackgear]

No worries, thanks for watching! - Van

[@andrescano1122]

Good info. Thank you

[@chrisphilhower6029]

I tried a Lithium in my 2018 Sportster 1200. Worked fine during the summer. Winter, Not so well. Twin Power direct drop in, Failed 3 weeks after purchase. Lithium Requires a Special charger. Which I did before installing.

[@Houleigan]

Thanks! Was looking for advice on atv battery. I use it to plow snow in winter, so conventional battery for me!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are welcome and thanks for watching! - Van

[@hataaurider]

yes it’s different. Heavy and long time to use.Very Very Nice.

[@justaguy4real]

4:10 so when my oem battery went down hard away from home, I went to get a replacement battery at store and put it on bike to get home, I kinda screwed myself??

[@sportbiketrackgear]

This can vary from brand to brand. They are supposed to be fully charged before being used. - Van

[@motto666]

I read that you need to change your charging system if you change to lithium, cannot use back the old rectifier right?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You do not need to make any changes to the charging system on your bike. - Van

[@bccapone837]

Great video , I was wondering if an Yamaha r1 or a mt10 could take the ytz14s instead of the standard ytz10s , I did read that to much power from battery could burn stator out or is that a myth. I just want a battery with a bit more cranking power but don't want to damage bike 👍🏼😎

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Using a larger capacity battery will not have any impact on the stator. - Van

[@bccapone837]

@@sportbiketrackgear thanks very much 👍🏼👌🏼

[@MrHalomaster8]

I have a Yamaha v Star 650 bobber that's right about completed just have to wire the turn signal I'm looking for a very good maintenance free battery I live in Florida which one will be my best option can you help please it's so many different batteries on the market do not know what to choose.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

100% go with a Yuasa. - Van

[@IvanRides]

So if I live in a cold area then it's best to get a lead-acid battery?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

It will be more reliable over the long haul. - Van

[@josephfriedrich9792]

I'm starting to get worried about ion batteries. I took one out to just so happens to service something underneath it, and discovered the shell was warping? Trying to figure out if it is the bikes engine temp or the battery trying to pull a note 9

[@sportbiketrackgear]

What brand is the battery? Also make sure your charging system is working properly. - Van

[@josephfriedrich9792]

@@sportbiketrackgear im not allowed to say, since I was given a replacement. But with the Gravity of things, this might have made me and Anti ions person. I've used them in everything from 60s to 2015 year bike, from imports to domestics. I'm not knocking the batteries nor the company, just cautious now on this bike(buell) and this battery combo. Charging system fine, voltage off, starting, idle and all through out rpm is "normal" from what ive heard from other buell riders. So I'm hoping it was just a dud. And this one stays tru. Addressed the potetal engine heat problem with thermo tech.

[@josephfriedrich9792]

@@sportbiketrackgear also thanks for the reply. Van, you rode with the bell star race Yes? Does it run small? I'm on the cusp of a med/large line. But prefer the tighter fit as the pads wear down.

[@Pyqa]

What need to choose i have yamaha r6 2014. Which one is the best and not too pricey, pls help me. Need ASAP

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Antigravity ATZ10 Yamaha YZF-R6 06-16 Lithium Ion Battery www.sportbiketrackgear.com/antigravity-atz10-yamaha-yzf-r6-06-16-lithium-ion-battery/

[@TofuProductionCinema]

I’ve come accustomed to seeing a new video by STG, I first hit the “thumbs up” button. Then I watch.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks! - Van

[@dougiequick1]

Wonderful thing about most motorcycles? Push and pop the clutch worse comes to worse lol

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Big advantage for sure. - Van

[@SuperSummit123]

What type of battery would you recommend for a Sub-Zero temperature snow bike?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

For sure the Yuasa lead acid battery. These are the most reliable IMO. Same thing I use in my snowmobiles. - Van

[@SuperSummit123]

@@sportbiketrackgear thank you that's what I have always had the best luck with. I bought this new beta it came with a lithium battery and to be honest it's not very reliable. I'm not worried about a couple of pounds I'm worried about reliability in a blizzard and not walking back to the truck..

[@Dainek0]

can you recommend cbr 1000rr 2012 battery please recommend

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Here is a link to the batteries for your bike on our site: www.sportbiketrackgear.com/parts/honda/cbr1000rr/2012?_bc_fsnf=1&Department=Battery We really like the Anti Gravity batteries. - Van

[@p.c.h.6721]

Why should you keep it plugged in all the time? Why can’t I just charge it the morning before I use it?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

This really depends on which battery you have, the bike you ride and how often it gets ridden. If you are on it multiple times each week, no worries you are good to go. If you have a bike with a higher parasitic draw and do not ride as frequently then you would be best served plugging it in. - Van

[@p.c.h.6721]

Sportbike Track Gear Ok, thanks for the advice.

[@BUZZYBUZZIE]

Great review

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thank you for watching! - Van

[@_.Dave._]

1:20 not true, you just need to turn the lights on to cycle the battery. After 30 secs, it'll be warm enough and have full start power. Lead acids don't have good starting power as opposed to the same battery in the a warmer environment.

[@steven-vn9ui]

Most comments are trashing the newer tech. Does no one remember how poor lead acid are at low temps? I have used both, my preference is Lithium which I used year round in the UK. But as ever, each to their own.

[@asmerX100]

give it time...with enough improvement over the years, it will become a standard in any vehicles in the future...people tend to bash new technology because they are not familiar with it

[@JamieS1992]

Yeah I'm gonna stick to Acid

[@LuckyNikitaBoba]

God Damn it! Get those batteries some blankets!

[@DarkHorse08]

1.SpeedCell is a great brand to choose from. They are endorsed by Yamaha. 2.SpeedCell doesn’t recommend leaving their battery on a charger. There’s no maintenance. They only recommend disconnecting it when not in use. 3. Quick disconnects are highly recommend. Just unplug the battery and that’s it. 4. When I was living in a cold climate, all I did was disconnect the battery with the quick disconnects and take the battery in the house. Takes about 2 minutes. 5. Lithium batteries will get stronger in a cold climate if you get the cells moving by turning on the turn signals, headlights, or by barely tapping the starter button( careful not to burn up the starter, don’t hold button for a long time). The battery will get stronger with each push. A lithium battery from SpeedCell does not need to sit on a tender and neither does a battery from Alien motion (their words, not mine). 6. A lithium battery will hold its state of charge for a very very long time if left unplugged 7. I don’t recommend Ballistic batteries.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

1.) Yamaha is paid by Speedcell. It’s called sponsorship. To be fair I have used their stuff in the past and have not seen anything current from them in several years now. Ballistic has sponsorship in our industry as well. 2.) One of the strengths of a lithium battery is how long it can hold a charge when there is zero parasitic draw. As you said beyond needing to charge it before the initial install if you disconnect it after every ride you should not need a charger. Well let me be the first one to say no way in hell I am disconnecting the damn battery after each ride. Many of the current bikes have higher parasitic draw rates that discharge the battery much faster than older models do which means you will be shit out of luck real quick if you don't use a maintenance charger or disconnect. In theory you are correct, that said it is not even close to being as practical as using the maintenance charger and 99% of people won't disconnect shit. 3.) see response #2 4.) If I were street riding in a cold climate and needed to take my battery out of my bike to warm it up before I went for a ride that shit would happen only one time. After the ride I would replace that with a Yuasa lead acid. 5.) Correct. If warmed correctly, a Lithium battery will lower in internal resistance with use and get to the point of being able to adequately start the bike in cold weather. This still means that they have reduced performance in cold weather compared to a lead acid and if you ride in cold weather often you should consider this before purchasing. Ballistic has a great cold weather start video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXPJp4Vneq99eM0 IMO if you will be riding the bike much in temps below 40 degrees you should use a Yuasa lead acid and not a lithium. 6.) You are 100% correct on this point. A lithium battery holds its state of charge for a long time when there is no parasitic draw. Once again disconnecting the battery after each ride is just not practical for most riders. 7.) We will have to agree to disagree on this one man. I use Ballistic myself and recommend them. The products are quality and their service is exceptional.

[@DarkHorse08]

Sportbike Track Gear I, along with many other people I know personally, have been disconnecting the battery with no issues. That’s the purpose of the quick disconnects. You should have included that in your video. Also, unplugging after each ride is not really necessarily. SpeedCell recommendation is to only unplug it if the bike is going to be sitting for 7 consecutive days. I will state that in when I lived in a cold climate when I had to keep my bike outside years ago, a lead acid battery was NO good to me because a cold bike is hard to start. This is where the lithium battery performed well. A lead acid battery will deplete long before a lithium battery while trying to start a cold bike in a cold climate. Ballistic themselves have proven this to be true. They have a video displaying this. I would also end up push starting my bike when it was lead acid. Once I installed lithium, I never had to do this again. Push starting a cold bike in a cold climate is a hell of a lot harder than removing the battery and taking it in the house. But hey...we do live in a microwave world nowadays. As an Electronics Engineer, I will state again that the best maintenance for a battery is to unplug it while not in use rather than keeping it on a charger every time you park the bike.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

You are in the .001% motorcycle battery group man. This series is aimed at the other 99+% of riders out there and intended to serve as a simple guide for battery maintenance and to help them choose the right replacement when it's time. The bottom line is for nearly every rider disconnecting the battery is not practical. I will add that with a lead acid battery the discharge rate is higher and they do much better when they are on a tender. As an electrical engineer you know better than I do that a lead acid battery performs best when it stays active. Keep lead acid battery active when the temps drop and cold starts are a non issue. All of my sleds have a Yuasa battery in them and have been ridden in temps down to -25 F air temp. With the Ballistic maintenance charger there is no output to the battery when the battery reaches 100% state of charge. This differs from a lead acid style trickle charger designed to always keep the battery active.

[@DarkHorse08]

Sportbike Track Gear Gotcha.

[@kbwaldron]

Worth pointing out these are not lithium ion batteries, which will burn, but rather LiFePo4 which will not burn.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for pointing that out, I was not aware this was the case with this battery. - Van

[@cessnatpa]

FYI gas weights 6 pounds a gallon. For 99% of riders it's a waste of money to spend more than double to save 4 pounds. I get it if you race and milliseconds could mean the difference in a win.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

There are a ton of riders on the street that like to reduce the weight of their bike when they are making mods to it. I have seen some beautiful bikes on the street. - Van

[@millmoto6756]

can you jumpstart a lithium ion battery?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

If you have to you can. Just like a lead acid battery best practice is to fully charge the battery before using it. In either case you could shorten the life of the battery with a jump and go. - Van

[@santosjerez1586]

jump start it direct to the trash bin

[@jamiemui5186]

@@sportbiketrackgear If you need to jump start a lithium. As long as it did not go into deep discharge, it will work. If it did it did go deep discharge, it will never jump. Battery is trash then.

[@BMWHP2]

my LFP battery works better under cold conditions than any Lead Acid battery i ever had. Cold effects Lead batteries way more than LFP batteries, the drainage is much higher in Lead batteries under cold conditions. With a LifePo4 battery, just switch on the lights for a few seconds and "wake-up" the battery. It will start your bike much better than any antique Lead junk. And yes, in our country it freezes every winter.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Thanks for the feedback but I have personally experienced the poor performance from a couple lightweight lithium batteries in the cold. - Van

[@BMWHP2]

@@sportbiketrackgear Could be, but many others like me have great experience with LFP batteries.Much better than Lead Acid. Did yours have BMS on board, and did you let them "wake-up" for a minute or so in the cold, by turning on the lights?

[@Norway68]

Lithium battery in Norway is totally useless...

[@santosjerez1586]

Lithium Battery anywhere is useless, 100% Guaranteed to not start light weight overpriced garbage .

[@IBANEZfil]

Just run your headlights for a minute and it will start.

[@Norway68]

Doge di Amalfi What you Don’t understand is lithium battery is useless in a Country where it is Cold at Spring and Fall..

[@EverythingHenry]

I noticed after the first bikemaster lithium ion battery I bought that I charged. performed way better than the second that I didn't charge first, the first one would stay charged in colder temps for longer

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Once we have this project 100% completed all the battery listings on our site will be updated. Charging the battery before you use it is key if you want it to last. Motorcycles really suck at charging a battery that is not fully charged. Thanks for sharing your experience with the BikeMaster Lithium battery. - Van

[@justaguy4real]

1:45 4lbs loss is huge??? So the fact that I workout with the intent on adding muscle mass is really gonna suck for me..???

[@sportbiketrackgear]

End of the day the weight loss is only really significant if you are racing to be fair. This is also important to some street riders. - Van

[@samiam5697]

Mr. Van, I fly R/C airplanes and use LiPo batteries, LiFe and Li-Ion packs. Each of these takes a charge differently i.e. a different type of charge for lithium vs lead-acid/Ni-Cd batteries. I think this is proven also in the fact that you can't just hook up any old Battery Tender to these as it has to be labeled as such. IF this is true, how is the bike recharging the Li batteries since it's designed for the Pb batteries? Also, Li batteries do not have a memory like Pb/Ni-Cd batteries do. That was one of the many cool things about these packs. Obviously, your stator will have to work harder if you don't start out with a full charge but they do not have a memory. I'm not being a critique to you, sir. Just some questions and important information.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

For the lithium batteries we recommend using the Ballistic (Tecmate) lithium specific chargers. They have a tender harness with an integrated LED indicating state of charge and a maintenance charger they offer as a kit we really like. With any motorcycle battery it is important you bring it up to 100% using the right charger for the battery before you use it. If you want it to last and perform you need to treat it right from jump street. - Van

[@the1spyderryder]

it's best. Suggest you become technologically savvy about battery technology before you start. I like your video, but I cought several things in it that are inaccurate, for example, whatvyou say about "if you throw either of the batteries into your bike with out fully charging them..... your mag will fully charge the lead/acid battery if you ride long enough, but if your system puts out 13.8 volts it will never fully charge a 14.8 volt Lithium ion battery

[@Tiralful]

Is picking the right battery like picking a shirt size that fits you?

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Shirt fits perfect. So I put on a little weight over the years...

[@MajorArchitect-0]

just saying... if it's below 40F outside, I'm definitely not riding anyway.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

We have been using Antigravity Batteries the last several seasons and have not found any issue with performance in cooler temperatures. - Van

[@gerrymcerlean8432]

You really don't know what you're talking about. LiFePO4 batteries actually perform better than lead-acid incold conditions. You may need to warm the lithium battery up (by switching on the lights for a few seconds) and then the LiPO will perform as normal.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Here is a fucking idea Bill Nye the science guy: make your own battery video and piss off. - Van

[@jd5417]

🤣🤣🤣

[@flamintasty]

@@sportbiketrackgear😂

[@andredompaul]

Lithium performs better in the cold what are you on about ..

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Lithium batteries lose some performance and capacity in the cold. - Van

[@michalk.3609]

2Kg loss weight is ok in small classes like 300 but in 600/1000 even on race track is not important .

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Everyone sees that differently. My goal is to make sure our riders have enough information to choose the right battery for their application and understand what it takes to make it last as long as possible. - Van

[@gerrymcerlean8432]

You really don't know what you're talking about (2). A battery tender is NOT needed for a LiFePO4 battery. Lithium batteries, unlike lead-acid, have a very low self discharge rate. In other words they don't drop in voltage so could easily sit for 6 months without losing the ability to start your bike. Also, it is not good to keep a lithium battery in a state of full charge. This will shorten their life. Much better to keep them at around 80%. Don't buy a battery tender.

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I got all the info from a lithium battery manufacturer. If you don't like or agree with the video make your own Mr Wizard. - Van

[@vincentparker5373]

thank you, You did not say NEED SPECIAL LITHIUM BATTERY CHARGER, TO EVERYONE IN KZbin LAND I'm an electronic engineer If I need a special lithium battery charger to charge a lithium motorcycle battery THEN WHY AM I NOT CHANGING THE ALTERNATOR AND VOLTAGE REGULATOR ON MY BIKE (THAY ARE FOR LED ACID ) the BMS ( Battery Management System ) in the lithium battery dose this for us !!! please do not give out False info . the battery is made at the factory as a direct replacement (hens the name "motorcycle" battery) for a led acid battery AND "DOSE NOT REQURE A special CHARGER" !!

[@sportbiketrackgear]

Stop with the all caps bro. - Van

[@johnpots4181]

Bro this is your shirt talking. I don't fit you. Your choking me to death

[@sportbiketrackgear]

I love my shirt and it loves me right back!

[@michaelalemansr.8565]

Lol damn do not disagree with this wannabe know it all the only real major drawback from a lithium ion battery is really the cannot drop below 11 volts or the battery could be trashed aspect otherwise they come fully charged and ready to plug and play. Cold weather really is not a concern either as you can just bump your starter a few times and good to go! Stop trying to push your products and opinions there is no need to go on a rant either because nobody cares 😂

[@sportbiketrackgear]

13 years in business and 33,000,000 KZbin views my man...

[@CryianSky]

i got for my self lithoum ion battery for my bike. Dont know if its anything to do with the battery or not ,but i started get problems with my bike soon i changed battery. I have trowed away acid battery, so i can not check if its battery problem. My bike started cut off, does not work as should, low power and etc. Have changed air filter, spark plugs, coils, tuck apart and cleaned carburator, but the problem is still there. When its cold - it works ok, but when its hot, sometimes there is no problems, but suddenly there is lost of power. When drive, you feel like engine starts brake even when you accelerate. On idle sometimes it's no problems, but then again somtimes it won turn on idle, or its even imposible to start the bike.