South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Parked up and left sat nav on. Think I had parking lights on. Did anyone notice?

Anyway, was so busy yapping that I probably left it like that for half an hour or so before finding it wouldn't start with no lights. Checked the lithium battery and its self test said extremely low charge.

Is that enough to flatten one that's in good order?


Walked over to Halfords and bought a jumpstart kit and it worked first time.

Didn't think I'd catch you guys up so went off to see some friends instead. Bikes stopped and started fine a few times since...

Next time.

Cheers

Quite possible I'd say. Parked my van up for 30 mins while I waited for a collection, not realising the headlights were on - as I hadn't got out there was no buzzer to remind me. Went to start it and flat as a witch's tit - and that was a big capacity van battery

Lithium batteries are often just a fraction of the capacity of the equivalent lead acid for the same quoted CCA, so basically a lithium can be drained very quickly if you leave your lights on (or other things).

Normal battery for an FJ1200 is 10.5 Ahrs, the lithium version could be just 4 Ahrs (depending on which battery you have), add to that bike charging systems don't charge lithium batteries to 100% then you might have even less capacity spare.

Thanks Rich. The CCA is quoted at 290 and 4.8Ah. It's charging voltage is supposed to be 13.1 to 15.2. Most Mcycle charge rates are around 14V? Does that mean it won't fully charge then?


Mmm, 4.8Ah is 1/2 an ordinary 10Ah (duhh) phone charge spare battery.

Never had an issue with it before but then again I take the sat nav unit off normally. The jump starter has 10Ah!

Ming wrote: ↑Aug 18th, '24, 17:44 Quite possible I'd say. Parked my van up for 30 mins while I waited for a collection, not realising the headlights were on - as I hadn't got out there was no buzzer to remind me. Went to start it and flat as a witch's tit - and that was a big capacity van battery

Ah cheers Andy. Makes more more inclined to think the battery doesn't need replacing, it was just operator error.

The more I learn about lithium batteries fitted in place of OE specified lead acid/gel batteries and the issues that seem to result, the more I'm glad I've never been tempted.

Oh there's a big plus with the handling especially on the fjr where the battery is up by the steering head. Also don't need to charge as much as normal batteries. Seems to handle heated kit too.
Just need to remember to turn of the electrics when the engine is off. Apparently.

Robbo87 wrote: ↑Aug 17th, '24, 17:34 Withypool tearoom - yep, Jonesey's cafe -yep but don't forget it close at 14.00 hrs.

Edit/update: Jonesy's Cafe @ Winkleigh: Opening hours - Tuesday to Saturday 09:00 to 15:00 hrs, Sundays 09:00 to 13:00 hrs., Mondays closed.

Just as well Greedy's at Torrington was open or we'd have lost one of our number to starvation - eh Jug? .

Stopped at Greedy's today with some local mates. Seems it's now a Thai restaurant - at least on Friday nights! One step up from a burger van, but not sure Mrs Ming would be too chuffed if I picked that place for a Thai dinner

Kata wrote: ↑Aug 18th, '24, 18:43 Thanks Rich. The CCA is quoted at 290 and 4.8Ah. It's charging voltage is supposed to be 13.1 to 15.2. Most Mcycle charge rates are around 14V? Does that mean it won't fully charge then?

Yes but that isn't a problem for longevity or starting.
It means that the battery will never be 100% charged in everyday use on the bike, but unlike a lead acid battery the lithium doesn't need to be at 100% start your bike, and not being at 100% is actually better for them anyway.

So If the label says 4.8 Ah then assume you've likely got about half that, which is a roundabout way of saying just don't leave anything switched on when the engine isn't running.

Robbo87 wrote: ↑Aug 18th, '24, 19:28 Just as well Greedy's at Torrington was open or we'd have lost one of our number to starvation - eh Jug? .

I did need that burger , I was feeling very cold as I hadn't eaten anything up until that point.

Thanks for joining me chaps