Quote:
Originally Posted by alan s4
Question is whether a solar charger is compatible with Lithium?
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I question why you'd need it? I switched to a Shido at the same time as I replaced the (duff) RR because the Yuasa didn't seem to hold a charge anymore (and I'm so tired of lead-acid batteries generally; I've replaced more in the last 10 years than the previous 30). The S4 would sit outside in winter for 4-5 weeks or longer (sometimes with snow on it) between the infrequent dry day rides, and it was fine.
Without a parasitic draw, LiFePo4 voltage drops about 1% a month, even in cold weather, compared to 10+% for lead-acid. Seem to recall the Shido is rated 40% more CCA than the stock battery - so a lot more in reserve.
The only trick is that you have to "wake" them up if they're really cold; draw enough juice to warm them up and get the chemical reaction started. Turn the headlight on for 30 seconds, or kick the fuel pump prime with the key 5-6 times does it for me.
In fact, I haven't charged the Shido since I fitted it, well over a year ago; only thing I've used the tender cable for is checking the voltage without diving under the tank...
It was a bit of a nail-biter in the winter until I learnt to trust it/the manufacturers instructions. Pulling significant current before starting when it'd been sitting for weeks and weeks in freezing conditions seemed really counter-intuitive at first. But it was obviously right, because it wouldn't engage the starter or go over compression if you didn't... In warmer weather, you don't need any of that.