Ironhead antigravity battery and cycle Electric generator/alternator

[Roane]

I have an older Shorai lithium battery on my 77 sportster and am using a cycle electric generator/regulator. I was told by a mechanic that he's seen these batteries fail a bunch because of the difference in electric "waves" from the generator (sorry, know that isn't the correct terminology but... )

Mine has been ok for several years. Just wondering if this is a known issue and if there are things people have done to help even out the charge.

[joe s]

the mechanical regulators on old bikes sometimes let the voltage spike high enough to damage Li batteries. that is probably what he's talking about. electronic regulators work though

[Andy56]

As I understand it with the Shorai batteries they do not contain a "complete" battery management system that ensures the cells are all at the same charge rate, balanced.

Shorai have their own balance charger that uses the small connector on the side of the battery.

So long as the regulator outputs a clean DC voltage around 14.6 volts that is all you can do on the bike.

Once a cell goes out of balance in a lithium battery due to effective internal resistance being different from the other cells it usually continues to discharge and charge at a different rate that causes it to fail.

[Roane]

Thanks for all the help guys.

[conv90]

it's the cycle electric a "L" type?

[Roane]

No, the regular one -- Cycle Electric DGV-5000 12V Generator with Standard Regulator.
Mine is not a kick.