LiFePO4 baterries in production motorcycles.... respect KTM

[V_King]

although the starting procedure might be of a fun one. especially for the ones who could not rear the f000king owners manual :laugh:

[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]aLS6iut15TA[/video]

[Nigel]

FFS just fit a proper battery :whistle:

[catcitrus]

It sounded like it was cranking quick enough to start with?--I also thought that the starter system on KTMs was a little "delicate"--certainly earlier model yearswhere it was always classed as an "assist" (with kickstart)--and this demonstration is certainly giving it a good workout--by the third long crank I would be worrying about what reserve I had left! Back in 2009 KTM did fit a Li battery as an option--but these were about the same size as standard--and my son's FE390 Berg fires straight up. However, I think these latest batteries are even smaller--only about 4Ah capacity--and we are getting into the realms of special materials when they have to be warm to work--some specialist types (sodium/sulphur) run at 400C--but thats military!

[CRAIGREVO]

They should recommend kick starting from cold. Its the best way to gauge if your valves need shimming. If you're knackered before your ride, then your valves probably need shimming. :laugh:

[V_King]

It sounded like it was cranking quick enough to start with?--I also thought that the starter system on KTMs was a little "delicate"--certainly earlier model yearswhere it was always classed as an "assist" (with kickstart)--and this demonstration is certainly giving it a good workout--by the third long crank I would be worrying about what reserve I had left! Back in 2009 KTM did fit a Li battery as an option--but these were about the same size as standard--and my son's FE390 Berg fires straight up. However, I think these latest batteries are even smaller--only about 4Ah capacity--and we are getting into the realms of special materials when they have to be warm to work--some specialist types (sodium/sulphur) run at 400C--but thats military!

nothing special there, just simple physics. all batteries have internal resistance, and when you draw high currents, you get heat generation as by product, which "heats" the battery. and as with all the batteries, the warmer they are, the better the chemistry works.
the reason lead acid batteries are used is due to their low internal resistance, so the internal heating is not that obvious.

[Andi_Archer]

Alternatly you could rememer to turn the fuel tap on

[catcitrus]

understood---but its a bit disconcerting with a miniscule battery, no kick starter, and being in winter--all to save a small amount of weight. The other problem is that these batteries have a naturally high terminal voltage and not all chargers will cope without automatically going into desulphate mode. You either have to use a very new, sophisticated charger or an old school unregulated charger that stalls out at about 15V

[Sleepy]

Set it on fire..! that'll warm it up.. then go and get a proper battery?.. (thumbs) :laugh:

[minkyhead]

been using one for 14 months nevr had to wait to start the bike .....the initial press can feel weak of even stop cranking feels and sound just like a dead cell battery ..you getused to it

usually the 2nd press if needed it cranks strong under normal use it starts instantly all in all its been very good never let me down

i left the usb plugged in for a week and flattened it ...put it on charge and it was good to go in 20 mins apparantly it reaches 90 percent charge in 15 mins so thats good

it feather light when i picked up the boxed spare i genuinly thought the box was empty :laugh:

i carry a spare battery which is still fully charged now ..its so small and light it really is practical to do this takes up very little space no chance of leaks and it doesnt care which way up it is ...so no need for a mini booster pack and a permanant spare on board should the o/e pack in for any reason

downside you need a lithium charger about 50 quid

if its ant good to anyone the make is syrich and so far its been very good ..