Assuming a suitable one is available, would there be any value in switching to a lithium battery? https://www.motorcycle.com/products/lithium-motorcycle-batteries-myths-vs-realities
I think you have to be very careful when putting a lithium ion battery onto an older machine. They are very voltage sensitive and the electrical infrastructure on these older machines may be be found wanting. I would go for a quality AGM battery. The Odyssey AGM I put on my Ducati in 2010 is still giving sterling service. Having read the link kindly provided by Octoberon I would still go the quality AGM route purely because of the bike’s 30 year old electrical infrastructure in respect of not only condition but component capability and design.
I wouldn't argue with that assertion but it would be interesting to know some more clear facts about new battery technology and its use on older machines.
You don't say anything about your care and maintenance routine for the batteries ... anything special?
My Laverda was sat for 7 months last year (12000 triple) no battery tender and it started on the button, I never used a tender on that bike, battery was 2010. The previous Battery to that was 1999. I have a tender for the bonneville but I only use it during freezing weather as the bonneville battery is a smaller unit but I'm confident that I don't really need it it's just to extend the life and prevent oxidation.
Go lithium battery , older Bikes are less sensitive to battery voltage NO Electronics such as ECU ! ECU's have voltage sensing and won't allow starter motor to engage if voltage is below a set parameter !! Wiring harness won't be affected by a high voltage ! It's high amperage that burns wiring harnesses out , so don't hook up anything that draws Too many Amp's ... So make sure new electrical items are same or similar rate to existing components. Battery will only supply available voltage and amperage demand !!
Go lithium battery , older Bikes are less sensitive to battery voltage NO Electronics such as ECU ! ECU's have voltage sensing and won't allow starter motor to engage if voltage is below a set parameter !! Wiring harness won't be affected by a high voltage ! It's high amperage that burns wiring harnesses out , so don't hook up anything that draws Too many Amp's ... So make sure new electrical items are same or similar rate to existing components. Battery will only supply available voltage and amperage demand !!
I put a Motobatt into my Daytona 900 and it started with no issues in mid winter. Admittedly it was stored in an underground parking garage, but not heated. Did the trick for me. Most of my bikes have had these batteries, but I am looking at a lithium battery for the Speed Triple if I ever need to change it. Technology on these has moved on a long way and they are reliable and hold charge well. BUT you need a special charger for them.
Went for this one in the end and it arrived today, went in no probs and she fired up easy as you like! Thanks for the advice chaps!
