ZX14 and Shorai

[Maddevill]

Hi folks.
I have a 2006 ZX14 with a Shorai battery. And, as you may know, the battery is mounted INSIDE the frame, making getting to it a royal pain. Since I moved, this will be the first winter that ill have to lay the bike up.
Question: I have a battery connection for my electric vest. I understand that the Shorai says to use the special charger ( which I have), but could I use one of the generic LiIon chargers and plug it in through the vest connection ?
It's either that or I go out and start it every few weeks. Right now I'm laid up with an injured knee.

TIA

Mad

 

[kpke]

I have 2 bikes with Ballistic batteries. I believe they are supposed to have "special" chargers also. Most of the rest of the bikes have AGM (cheap) batteries. Every running bike has a charging cable on the battery. I alternate smart chargers on all the bikes to keep the batteries topped off. The ballistic ones I try to make sure to NOT leave the chargers on for extended periods. I take it off as soon as the green light stays solid. Many years with this program and no problems.

I haven't been riding since early August for family medical reasons. I will still start the bikes occasionally just to keep things fresh especially on the carbureted bikes.

I hope you heal up quickly:thumbup

 

[ST Guy]

Running the bike, unless done for a LONG time, will NOT keep the battery charged. It will, however, help keep things lubricated. But it does nothing for charging.

Yes, you can use the existing cable as long as the polarity is correct. And since you have a Shorai charger, use it. Just make sure that whatever adapter you use or make has the correct polarity.

 

[Maddevill]

To use the Shorai charger I'd have to fabricate a pretty complicated adapter. They have a plug like you have on a computer. I think ill try an adapter using a generic Li Ion charger. Ill just keep an eye on it

Mad

 

[puckles]

generic charger is fine. i use an agm charger on all my shorai's without issue

 

[ST Guy]

generic charger is fine. i use an agm charger on all my shorai's without issue

Wrong. A lithium ion battery is much more sensitive to charging parameters. Always use a smart charger designed for use with lithium ion batteries.

 

[Slow Goat]

What ST said.

 

[Maddevill]

Wrong. A lithium ion battery is much more sensitive to charging parameters. Always use a smart charger designed for use with lithium ion batteries.

Ok, if that's true, how come the bikes charging system, which is nothing fancy, keep the battery happy and healthy ?
I've always wondered about that. I understand the Shorai charger does cell balancing, but if you're never putting the battery on the charger and just riding the bike, how come the battery isn't damaged ?

Mad

 

[ST Guy]

Well, there's the rub. Actually, the bikes charging system is not good for a lithium ion battery but people use them all the time.

But if you're going to hook up a charger to it at home, you should nevertheless use the proper charger.

And WHY, after all these years, hasn't anyone come up with a charger for motorcycles that have lithium ion batteries in them? I mean one that works while the bike is out being ridden.

 

[Tom G]

Well, there's the rub. Actually, the bikes charging system is not good for a lithium ion battery but people use them all the time.

But if you're going to hook up a charger to it at home, you should nevertheless use the proper charger.

And WHY, after all these years, hasn't anyone come up with a charger for motorcycles that have lithium ion batteries in them? I mean one that works while the bike is out being ridden.

In Germany we were able to order cars to our spec (Mercedes, BMW). So the saleman will then ask you: for your bike, would you like an alternator/stator for Lithium Ion or AGM batteries?

Not quite sure if this is feasible and cost efficient.

 

[ST Guy]

Very interesting. Could be feasible and cost efficient, depending on how it was all handled.

 

[usedtobefast]

You could just leave the battery as-is for 4-5 months with no worries. No need to charge a Shorai every few weeks.

I believe a "normal" battery 1 month of non use is about equal to 9 months of non use for a Shorai.

If you just gotta charge it , I use one of these https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-G3500-UltraSafe-Battery-Charger/dp/B004LWVEKS

Can do normal car batteries, moto batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.

 

[bobl]

httfriendly-reps://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/blog/lithium-ion-

Ricksmotorsportelectrics makes some r/r suitable for lithium it looks like.