Ballistics 8 cell or 4 cell for 76 XS750

[manas]

Like the title says, can't figure out which one I should get for an XS750. Does anyone have any experience with these things? The price difference is quite steep between the two as well, and I've got a tight budget right now.

Having said that if the 8 cell is what's recommended then I'll go ahead and spend it if that's what gets the job done.

 

[manas]

4 cell :

Weight: 444 grams (.979 lbs.)
Voltage (Charged): 13.6V
Amperage: 2.3 Amp/Hour
Lead Acid Equivalent Amperage: 8 Pb-eq/Ah
Burst Cranking Amps: 135amps

8 cell :

Weight: 768 grams (1.7 lbs.)
Voltage (Charged): 13.6V
Amperage: 4.6 Amps/Hour
Lead Acid Equivalent Amperage: 15 Pb-eq/Ah
Burst Cranking Amps: 275amps


http://mecamoto.ca/en/battery/508-ballistic-battery.html

 

[Rich Ard]

If you're going kick-only, I'd say the smaller battery will do it; if you want the starter, go for the 8-cell. My $.02.

 

[manas]

I'm a 160lb guy, so I think I'll go for the electric start option haha. I could kick start my 125cc and 250cc bikes, bit I'm not sure how long my legs would last trying to get a 750 to start day in and day out.

 

[Rich Ard]

I think they're pretty easy to turn over - but that's why god invented the electric start, so no shame using it.

 

[MotoMadness]

8 Cell. 4 Cell is really only good for up to like 350cc or if you are kick start only. The 4 cell will have a tough time with the cold starts. 8 cell will crank it over all day long. I would recommend also getting the anitgravity charger for peace of mind.

 

[Rich Ard]

I would recommend also getting the anitgravity charger for peace of mind.

If you already have a "Battery Tender" brand charger it will work with the LiFe batteries no problem, just so you know.

I like the batteries here: motydesign.com. They're all the same A123 Lithium Iron cells, but I really like his form factor and the price and service are fantastic.

 

[Kamn]

Also, go to Ballistics website and watch the video in regards to cold start procedure.....it is not the same as a lead acid battery, it gets stronger with more cranking

 

[manas]

Re: Re: Ballistics 8 cell or 4 cell for 76 XS750

Also, go to Ballistics website and watch the video in regards to cold start procedure.....it is not the same as a lead acid battery, it gets stronger with more cranking

If you already have a "Battery Tender" brand charger it will work with the LiFe batteries no problem, just so you know.

I like the batteries here: motydesign.com. They're all the same A123 Lithium Iron cells, but I really like his form factor and the price and service are fantastic.

8 Cell. 4 Cell is really only good for up to like 350cc or if you are kick start only. The 4 cell will have a tough time with the cold starts. 8 cell will crank it over all day long. I would recommend also getting the anitgravity charger for peace of mind.

Thanks for all the info you guys. I have a Motomaster car battery charger that's 12V but has an option to charge at 2A or at 20A. Is selecting the 2A as good as using a battery tender type charger or would you say that I need to dish out another $50 to $100 for a special charger?

Also, I've heard some bad things about Lithium batteries not liking the fluctuating voltage on these old bikes. Am I making the wrong decision with going Lithium?

And Rich Ard I might just be forced to go with Ballistics because they're the only brand that I can get to ship from inside Canada. I really don't want to pay the customs fee :-/

 

[Rich Ard]

You need to read up on why they don't like 'standard' battery chargers - and your voltage regulator needs to be in tip top shape or replaced.

Sucks about the duty fees

 

[manas]

Re: Re: Ballistics 8 cell or 4 cell for 76 XS750

You need to read up on why they don't like 'standard' battery chargers - and your voltage regulator needs to be in tip top shape or replaced.

Sucks about the duty fees

Will do. I'll sit down and Google it up. Eventually I'd like to rewire everything on the bike so maybe I'll start with this. Begin by hooking up new wiring for the battery with new/better voltage regulator.

Looks like I might just wait for a Lithium battery since with a new charger it'll end up costing me close to $300.
:-\

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[manas]

Re: Re: Ballistics 8 cell or 4 cell for 76 XS750

If you already have a "Battery Tender" brand charger it will work with the LiFe batteries no problem, just so you know.

I like the batteries here: motydesign.com. They're all the same A123 Lithium Iron cells, but I really like his form factor and the price and service are fantastic.

I was reading up on this like you suggested and it appears as though Battery Tender type chargers should not be used :

The question we get asked most often is, “Can I use a Battery Tender® on my lightweight battery?”

Tricky question- Well, yes you can… but no, you should not- at least if you want the battery to survive. The follow-up question is always, “Why not?”.

(Note- we are talking about Battery Tender® brand chargers here, as this is by far the most popular charger in use in the US market.)

Why you should not use a Battery Tender® on a lithium battery

Here is the simple answer: A Battery Tender® can not measure State of Charge (SoC) of a lithium battery. It simply does not have this capability. While they work great on lead acid batteries, they are not able to accurately “read” lithium batteries. So, they will never properly charge a lightweight lithium battery.

Beyond SoC, the Battery Tender® is looking for a 6 cell battery, with each cell having roughly 2 volts. All lithium lightweight batteries are based on 4 cell packs, with each cell having roughly 3.3 volts. This sends the Battery Tender® a reading that is outside of the safe charging window, and contributes to the incompatibility.

So, how will this damage a lithium battery?

The answer depends on a number of factors which are too numerous to go into here. The fact is that it wont work properly, it can damage a lightweight lithium battery, and will void your warranty…so dont do it.
A final note- when you see battery companies advertising “no battery tender required” or “works with battery tender”, they are either lying to you, or dont know any better. Neither of those options is good when working with a battery company and should raise a big red flag about their understanding of the products they are selling.

Source : http://www.fullspectrumpower.com/battery-tender-for-a-lithium-battery/

 

[Rich Ard]

The big concern is with the desulfate mode on the charger - they shouldn't be used for maintenance, certainly, but one of the benefits of the A123 cells is that you don't need to. Winter maintenance on the battery on my CB was taking the battery out of the bike and putting it in a drawer.

Shorai and the like sell a balancing charger, which you are welcome to purchase; but I haven't found that the purported benefit in battery life using a 'balancing charger' offsets the cost of the charger.

 

[Tim]

If you want Shorai google Flying Squirrel Motorcycle and talk to Glen. He's in Toronto and carries them.

 

[Tim]

And you shouldn't need a charger. They hold a charge for over a year without maintenance.

 

[manas]

I think I get what you're saying Rich Ard.

The only part I'm worried about is running out of juice while I'm still trying to get the motorcycle started for the first time. I'll probably need a charger if I end up not being able to get it going on the first few tries.

And Tim, thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately it looks like Flying Squirrel charges an extra $16 for shipping while Mecamoto.ca ships for free on anything above $120.

I don't think there's enough of a difference between the two for me to pay the extra $16 for the Shorai.

 

[Rich Ard]

I have a 'regular' battery I use for testing - the LiFe batteries do not care to be discharged and are no good for getting a start on a basket-case bike. I use a 'regular' battery until it's idling well and I can confirm that the charging system is in good shape and then switch over to the tiny batt.

 

[manas]

Re: Re: Ballistics 8 cell or 4 cell for 76 XS750

I have a 'regular' battery I use for testing - the LiFe batteries do not care to be discharged and are no good for getting a start on a basket-case bike. I use a 'regular' battery until it's idling well and I can confirm that the charging system is in good shape and then switch over to the tiny batt.

That idea did occur to me and I think I'll go with that. When I can confirm everything is running smooth with the electrical system I'll make the leap to lithium and revisit this thread.

Thanks for the info and advice everyone. Kind of funny how at the end of three pages I just decided to go with a standard battery!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[manas]

Sorry. One more quick question : most car batteries produce about 12.6 Volts...could I use a car battery to start the motorcycle if I needed to?

I have a feeling that either this is an obvious yes, or that I'm being a complete idiot in some way.

 

[Rich Ard]

You bet.