Lithium Battery

[jonny1bump]

Have any of you girls and boys used a lithium battery on your gsx.

I've tried search function to no avail it even sent me to one of my own posts, so I sent myself a message to ask the question and I did not know, so that did not work.

The charging system stock but with west coast windings reg that was going use on mini alternator gsxr evo project and there website says you need lithium specific reg?

I'm told the lithium batteries do not accept charge if they are full of juices already and normal regulators cant cope with dumping the excess so the wires overheat. 

Hence da question for experiences

Edited September 12, 2025 by jonny1bump

[Guest]

I looked at fitting one some time ago but on reading all the info and specs decided against it for the reason you give. 

I'm told that the later spec lithium batteries have built in overcharge protection which saves the battery, but the primitive generator and reg/rec can't deal with the output not being taken up. So it moves the problem from the battery to the coil which cooks with low oil level so it's not going to last long with unused current. You could make up a circuit to divert to a heat sink etc but doing that negates the benefits of a lithium battery in the first place.

So my take on them was that it just wasn't worth the hassle and potential problems.

[jonny1bump]

Been running them on both oil burners for years they been awesome and faultless, but obviously this air in the hair stuff quite new to me.

Edited April 6, 2025 by jonny1bump

[Arttu]

I have been using them. There is no reason why they wouldn't work IF the regulator works properly keeping the voltage under 14.8V or so. I think even original regulator should work but for peace of mind I would replace it with something a bit more modern. I have used Shindengen regulators, both shunt and series types, which are used on commonly on modern (>2000) bikes. While some aftermarket regulator manufacturers sell "lithium specific" regulators I don't see any technical reason why you would need them. Suitable charging voltage range is basically the same for both lithium and lead acid batteries.

To be clear I'm talking about LiFePo batteries which are intended for lead acid replacements. LiPo or Li-Ion batteries like used on laptops or RC stuff are different animals and I don't recommend connecting them on bike charging system unless you really know what you are doing.

[Dezza]

12 hours ago, jonny1bump said:

Been running them on both oil burners for years they been awesome and faultless, but obviously this air in the hair stuff quite new to me.

How about fitting a real-time voltmeter? If it spikes then you can switch off and investigate, without having to involve the emergency services. My Daytona clocks have this function. I still have a lead-acid battery in my air-cooled bike though .

[Jonny]

I’m using one on my EFE motor. Had in maybe two years without any issues. The  cranking power is OTT even though I’m running a 1230 kit. I was going to get a MOSFET reg/rec but never got around to it.

[Russ750ET]

I blew a Lithium battery up on my GSX750. Granted the reg/rec was shot (I didnt know). But it caused the battery to buldge until it eventually split and chucked out tons of white smoke. I think I got away quite lucky. A regular battery would have failed far less spectacularly. 

I may be tempted to try again but I'd run one with a voltage meter somewhere visable.

 

[jonny1bump]

Stu made good point the gsx generator can be quite weedy and as running fuel pump full time, cant ever see having over charge problem anyway.

Thanks for comments good thoughts.

[Reinhoud]

On 4/6/2025 at 10:12 PM, jonny1bump said:

Have any of you girls and boys used a lithium battery on your gsx.

I've tried search function to no avail it even sent me to one of my own posts, so I sent myself a message to ask the question and I did not know, so that did not work.

The charging system stock but with west coast windings reg that was going use on mini alternator gsxr evo project and there website says you need lithium specific reg?

I'm told the lithium batteries do not accept charge if they are full of juices already and normal regulators cant cope with dumping the excess so the wires overheat. 

Hence dacquestion for experiences

I had one in my GS, changed it to a gel battery.

 

Lithium is expensive, and it's alright for a while, and all of a sudden they're flat. They do recharge quick.

[Suzukian]

I run a Gel battery also. The voltage isn't the problem,   batteries should be charged a 1.25 amps @ 12 volts.  This info came out a long time ago.  I learned about it when I worked on aircraft.  All my batteries last much longer now charging at 1.25 amps.

[Joseph]

I've had 4 Aircooled bikes which all needed a new stator at some point.

Using a Lithium battery coupled with an electronic reg/rec off Yamahas (Shindengen FH020AA) it was perfect and reliable, providing 14.5 V at any rpm

One of these batteries is 5 or 6 years old and is now on my GSXR.

Edited September 3, 2025 by Joseph

[wraith]

I keep looking a these batteries. Some people say they are great, some like in this thread say they have there problems (like all batteries) 

I just keep coming back to the one main thing, do I want to put a very expensive battery on my pride and joy where you need to keep a close eye on the charging or you end up with a big BBQ ever on the road or in your workshop) garage.

[rodneya]

On 9/3/2025 at 2:48 AM, wraith said:

I keep looking a these batteries. Some people say they are great, some like in this thread say they have there problems (like all batteries) 

I just keep coming back to the one main thing, do I want to put a very expensive battery on my pride and joy where you need to keep a close eye on the charging or you end up with a big BBQ ever on the road or in your workshop) garage.

Especially if that BBQ is right under your crotch

[Suzukian]

I am pretty sure the Yamaha XD1100 Rec/Rectifier I have used for 20 years crapped out today.  Every two miles, the tach would peg, the bike would die.  Wait 5 minutes, the bike would start back up.

 

 

I ordered a new Stator and found a Yamaha Rec/Regulator off of an XJ series Yamaha for $45 bucks on EBAG.  Total cost is under $100 bucks.  I am hoping this is the issue, as my 1983 GS750ES has been running perfectly, and has a new set of Bridgestone Battleaxe matched tires.  The Stator is made by Caltric.  A U.S.A. made product, I wonder how good it is.

 

I have a AGM battery, and it works great.  I keep it inside the house and periodically charge it with my 1.25 amp charger.  It seems to be paying off.  I do the same thing with my ZZR1200 battery, and am having the same positive results. 

 

Every time I post here I feel the need to apologize for what the Orangutan President has done, and is doing.  So, my sincere apologies.

Edited September 6, 2025 by Suzukian

[ZenViking]

My stator is original, and I put in a mosfet Reg/Rec and this Lithium Ion Battery.

Works a treat.

https://revivalcycles.com/products/lifepo4-compatible-mosfet-regulator-rectifier?_pos=4&_sid=cb17d2763&_ss=r