I read somewhere lithium ion batteries need internal circuitry to be truly compatible with the charging system unless it's designed for it. Can someone clarify that point?

 

Check this thread for more info: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...m-battery.html

If I'm not mistaken, these are lithium iron batteries rather than lithium ion.

 

DK, do you recommend the 12 cell or 16 cell for a 1200XL?

 

I purchased an LFX18L1 (smaller than recommended) in order to create a bit of room inside the battery compartment for PCV cable harnesses. It worked extremely well the first 2-3 rides, but failed after and wouldn't take a charge. Shorai technical support was outstanding and swapped my battery for the LFX21L6-BS12 larger model for a small up-charge. Unfortunately, I didn't gain the space I needed...

I haven't tried the new battery as of yet, so can't comment on it.

 

Thats the battery I have. Im jealous of those AG ones DK sells now though.

 

These things are Lithium-ion, any reference to iron is an error! I have a Shorai on my Glide, which I chose as I have a custom application, namely a 107" engine and a confined space. Mine is similar in size to a Sporty battery, but with substantially greater power, of 405CCA. So an alternative reason for getting one is if you have a highly tuned engine, which a stock battery has trouble turning over.

Shorai batteries are wired internally and a dedicated tender is available, which plugs into the battery, not onto the terminals. Obviously it charges fine on the bike!

 

How do you figure? Lithium Iron and Lithium Ion are two different batteries.

Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium...ttery#Vehicles

 

Correct. A battery like referenced earlier in this thread, is clearly labeled Lithium-Iron.

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Lithium batteries do NOT require a tender, they do not have a natural discharge like a lead acid.

You should never need to charge it. However, if you do accidentally drain it, we do offer a specific “smart”Lithium battery charger that is specifically for charging Lifepo4 Lithium batteries. It will charge the battery to it’s intended peak voltage and will shut off when the battery is charged.
You should NOT use a automobile or motorcycle charger that is specific to Lead/Acid batteries! They can cause damage to the batteries because they charge in a different way than a specific Lifepo4 Lithium Charger. They often have a Desulfinate feature or over voltage “Quick Charging” feature… both of which will damage the Battery.

 

This morning I went out to the shop to ride into work (the first clear but non-frozen day in ages) and was greeted by a dead battery. I ordered a new LiFePO4 battery from DK Customs when I got to work (in the stupid car). I should have done this months ago when the existing battery was showing signs of weakness in the warm weather. Oh well. So I sit here staring out at a beautiful day and no bike in the parking lot. Poor me. :-)