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Sportster Motorcycle Engine Conversions Advice, questions, and tips for 1200, 1250, 1340, 1450 etc... for Sportster and Buell motorcycle engine conversions

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  #11  
Old 1 Week Ago
Jfart Jfart is offline
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How is there not a smaller, light weight, lithium battery that that kicks ass for these yet. I feel like my IPhone would turn it over better than this Duracell from from batteries plus. This portable jumper is 1/4 the size and kicks ass.
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  #12  
Old 1 Week Ago
IXL2Relax's Avatar
IXL2Relax IXL2Relax is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jfart View Post
Tested it quickly. Meter doesn’t change at all.
<SNIP>
Edit: keep in mind the light and everything light up. When I try to start it, starter clicks but it won’t turn over. I have a portable battery jumper for the car. Hook that up and it starts up instantly. (Those portable battery jumpers have come a long way.)
OK - the test shows NO POWER DRAIN with the Keyswitch OFF - THAT'S GOOD!
Your other all-probes-on-ground test (with key on) shows power was on the battery wire... but there may be a voltage loss due to poor connectivity...

Now here is the Sportsterpedia section on Voltage & Ground testing;
Do the four tests listed and report back with the voltages.

When you're having issues with the electrical system, use this Sportsterpedia section about
checking the battery cables, voltages and grounds - DO THIS AS MAINTENACE, TOO:
http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/t...place_to_start

Do the Ground Testing all over the bike and report back with those results.
There may still be something going on that needs attention.


http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:ref:elec03
Duracell is one of the brand names listed for East Penn Manufacturing, which normally is a good brand. I use that brand in my 1994 model. I ride year round, a couple times a month over the winter, and normally get 4+ years from each batttery (no tender used).


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  #13  
Old 1 Week Ago
John Harper John Harper is offline
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There are plenty of lithium-iron batteries that will work. Just do some research.

I've been using Shorai FePO4 batteries for almost 8 years now. My 1991 conversion to 1250 turns over just fine.

John
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  #14  
Old 1 Week Ago
Jfart Jfart is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IXL2Relax View Post
OK - the test shows NO POWER DRAIN with the Keyswitch OFF - THAT'S GOOD!
Your other all-probes-on-ground test (with key on) shows power was on the battery wire... but there may be a voltage loss due to poor connectivity...

Now here is the Sportsterpedia section on Voltage & Ground testing;
Do the four tests listed and report back with the voltages.

When you're having issues with the electrical system, use this Sportsterpedia section about
checking the battery cables, voltages and grounds - DO THIS AS MAINTENACE, TOO:
http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/t...place_to_start

Do the Ground Testing all over the bike and report back with those results.
There may still be something going on that needs attention.


http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:ref:elec03
Duracell is one of the brand names listed for East Penn Manufacturing, which normally is a good brand. I use that brand in my 1994 model. I ride year round, a couple times a month over the winter, and normally get 4+ years from each batttery (no tender used).


IXL _______ >>>> My Motorcycle Chronicles Are Here <<<<
For Sportster Tech Info:
Ride On The Sportsterpedia - A Toll-Free XLForum Information Highway!

Awesome, Thanks again for all the info and your time. I know you’ve personally helped me out a handful of times in the past few years. That’s not including the endless posts/comments you’ve made to help others that have benefited me.

I’m actually on my way to Indianapolis right now for the indie 500. Finally have a few days off work, so I’ll be able to run some tests early this week when I get home.
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  #15  
Old 1 Week Ago
Jfart Jfart is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Harper View Post
There are plenty of lithium-iron batteries that will work. Just do some research.

I've been using Shorai FePO4 batteries for almost 8 years now. My 1991 conversion to 1250 turns over just fine.

John
I just recently read your post from when you did you 1250 build and your shorai had just died.

I know there’s a special charger for the battery. Other than the charger, did you have to modify your bike or alternator for that battery?

In a perfect world I’d like a battery with higher cold cranking amps. It would also be great if I could cut a little weight and save enough room in the frame to be able to store my glasses or even registration. Depending on the room permitted I could fashion some little storage.
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  #16  
Old 1 Week Ago
John Harper John Harper is offline
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My first Shorai was never used with the Shorai tender/BMS and perhaps that led to it's end. IDK, I have a Shorai tender now, and use it after every ride. Then I disconnect it after it "beeps" and leave it be. My bike has no "key off" power draw.

I really bought the first Shorai just to take 10 pounds off the fragile battery tray/oil tank mount on my bike. I did no alterations to the charging system.

I think my first one lasted a long time, even with no use of the tender. I forget what I posted, 5 years? That beats a lot of heavy AGM batteries. Or the lead/acid wet batteries I used for years, having to remove them frequently for watering. What a PITA that was. I have not touched my new Shorai once since the 1250 build almost 3 years ago.

No issues so far with this new Shorai, and they make many form factors, so just get one with the CCA you need and choose a form for it. Good luck in your quest.

Check out the Shorai website, you can pretty much pick and choose what you want.
https://shoraipower.com/en/

Tomcatt likes Anti Gravity batteries, which have an internal BMS system. Look for his comments, as I could be wrong on the brand, perhaps it's EarthX.


John
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  #17  
Old 1 Week Ago
Tomcatt Tomcatt is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Harper View Post
My first Shorai was never used with the Shorai tender/BMS and perhaps that led to it's end. IDK, I have a Shorai tender now, and use it after every ride. I really bought the first Shorai just to take 10 pounds off the fragile battery tray/oil tank mount on my bike. I did no alterations to the charging system.

I think my first one lasted a long time, even with no use of the tender. I forget what I posted, 5 years? That beats a lot of heavy AGM batteries.

I've had no problem with this new Shorai, and they make many form factors, so just get one with the CCA you need and choose a form for it. Good luck in your quest.

Check out the Shorai website, you can pretty much pick and choose what you want.
https://shoraipower.com/en/

Tomcatt likes Anti Gravity batteries, which have an internal BMS system. Look for his comments, as I could be wrong on the brand, perhaps it's EarthX.


John
EarthX with their internal full time balancing circuitry.
I've had my EarthX ETZ14C just over 2 yrs, bought late April 2021. I use an Optimate LiFePO4 charger regularly.
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  #18  
Old 1 Week Ago
John Harper John Harper is offline
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I found this, looks like the 27AH Shorai on sale. I have the 24Ah one, but prices seem about the same as 3 years ago, even less. That's a surprise. That 27Ah puts out 405 CCA! Very close to a perfect world. Cheaper and more powerful!

https://www.batterystuff.com/batteri...xlh-sportster/

John
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  #19  
Old 1 Week Ago
mac93 mac93 is offline
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Are you using a battery tender/maintainer of a trickle charger?
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  #20  
Old 6 Days Ago
lehel lehel is offline
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I've fitted decompression valves from the big Husquarna/Stihl chainsaws;exactly the same like the ones advertised for HD heads;found them locally.Veeery easy start.Even with half dead battery/or just a push.Useful feature when you are somewhere behind nowhere...
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