With the arrival of high-tech features, the current motorcycles are more dependent on upgraded batteries which are lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are not as complex as a lead-acid battery, which has been the only type of battery used for several decades.
However, after the invention of lithium motorcycle batteries, they developed quickly and took the place of lead-acid batteries.
Numerous accessories like lights, mobile chargers, and horns can exert strain on the battery and the electrical system of your bike. This, in turn, shortens battery life.
Moreover, lead-acid batteries, a highly used battery in previous times, tend to be extremely heavy. Consequently, many enthusiasts replace their batteries with lithium batteries.
Can I Replace My Motorcycle Battery With Lithium? Yes, you can definitely replace your lithium battery for motorcycles. It is waterproof, durable, has higher density, and can be mounted in any position.
Moreover, it is suitable for hyper sport bikes or dirt bikes. Yet, before getting lithium batteries for motorcycles, complete reading the article to learn more about lithium motorcycle batteries.
Does a Lithium Motorcycle Battery Worth it?
All motorcycles are currently powered either by a lithium battery or by a lead-acid battery. Before lithium batteries, lead-acid batteries were used worldwide. However, since lithium motorcycle batteries came to the market, more people and manufacturers are prone to using lithium batteries.
Light-Weighted
The average weight of a lead-acid battery ranges from 2to 4 kilograms. While almost all motorcycles come with this kind of battery, switching to a lighter alternative will certainly make a noticeable difference. A lithium battery weighs significantly lighter than a lead-acid battery. Since the batteries are placed high up on the motorcycle, decreasing the weight improves the bike's handling.
Take Less Space
The space that lithium batteries occupy is far less than lead-acid batteries. This makes them popular among motorcycle manufacturers as they have been trying to conceal the electrical systems as much as possible.
In this way, the motorcycle looks cleaner and achieves a seamless aesthetic. The street bikers can use the empty space to store extra tools and other essentia
Pack Quite a Punch
Apart from being lightweight, these batteries pack quite a punch. They can also retain charge for a longer period than lead-acid batteries. Numerous tests have shown that these batteries discharge at a slower rate than their lead-acid counterparts when they are left standing for a longer period of time. Hence you can leave your bike for a couple of weeks without having to depend on a battery tender in order to keep your battery charged.
It can Be Positioned anywhere.
Lithium batteries can be placed in any position. Regardless of these batteries’ position, they provide the same power. This makes them suitable for enduros and dirt bikes which often crash. A lead-acid battery could be destroyed by crash and tip-over because of liquid electrolytes leaking.
Expensive
Probably the biggest disadvantage of a lithium battery is that it costs more than a lead-acid battery. The average price of a standard lithium motorcycle battery is more than twice the price of a standard lead-acid battery.
Sensitive To Cold Temperature
One of the major drawbacks of lithium motorcycle batteries is that they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Sometimes in cold weather, a wake-up sequence is necessary for starting a motorcycle. To build up sufficient voltage for starting your bike, you should leave the lights of your motorcycle on or thumb the starter several times.
Benefits Of Lithium Motorcycle Battery
- The density of lithium batteries is higher than lead-acid batteries.
- These batteries have a long shelf life even if they are not in use. So you do not have to worry about shortening its shelf life because of leaving your bike unused for a while.
- Lithium batteries have a low internal self-discharge rate. Therefore, you can leave your bike unused for six months without charging its battery.
- These batteries start your motorcycle quickly as they have a low impedance.
- Lithium motorcycle batteries use an energy-efficient technology that converts up to 62% energy into movement.
- It offers a quiet motor and smooth driving experience. It will also provide you with more responsiveness, improved reactions, and better torques. Furthermore, you do not have to spend much time or effort as it does not require high maintenance.
- You can use it for high-speed bikes.
- These batteries are environmentally friendly.
Disadvantage Of Lithium Motorcycle Battery
- A lithium motorcycle battery can handle up to 1000 discharge cycles. Once the battery runs out of its cycles, you need to replace it.
- The average distance you can go with one charge is 200 miles. However, by maintaining optimal conditions, you can travel a maximum of 300 miles.
- The high price of lithium batteries increases the price of the motorcycle.
- During the winter, the lithium motorcycle batteries do not charge at all or do not start.
- Lithium batteries have a risk of getting very hot and catching fire. If you use a motorcycle, even after it gets extremely hot, it can explode.
- A lithium battery can not handle more water than a bottle of water spray.
The Final Analysis
The most common benefit that inspires most riders to get a lithium motorcycle battery is its less weight. However, there is more than this. Just like it has some advantages, it has some drawbacks.
Therefore when it comes to talking about replacing your motorcycle battery with lithium, we say that you can replace it. Still, we recommend going through our article carefully to learn about lithium batteries and then deciding whether a lithium battery would be ideal for you and your bike.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the motorcycling and adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
