Voltage Regulator

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

09TE450
My battery is going out- and I tested the running voltage- seemingly high but its "close" and almost normal but not close enough for me to be confident.

I tested my voltage across my battery terminals and had 14.83-14.9 volts at idle.
I had 14.5-14.7 volts at about 1/4 throttle.
Seems a tad high to me?

Book says it should be 12.5-14.5 at 3000 rpms on page M12.

Just looking for confirmation/ 2nd opinion...

Time for a new regulator??????? (8000B0563 $68)

 

[McKay]

looks fine to me, stock batteries are pretty cheap if thats what you still have. Get a good one.

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

Thanks- I just got a Shorai lifpo4 battery yesterday and feel I can't use it or am scared to....

The Shorai says it will be damaged by- >14.8 volts (in their discussion of Desulfication mode/chargers). So I am left with a scenario of will my charging system kill it (idling voltage is 14.8-14.9).

I have a club ride on sunday- I can't get a regulator by then anyway, so I am thinking of putting the old battery back in just to ride, (doesn't turn starter but pump works)... frustrating head scratcher... I'd like to just leave the Shorai in. (maybe I have enough information to stupify myself/ just don't want to kill that new shorai)

 

[McKay]

Id suggest you put the new battery in and test it, if your new battery shows the same as the old, turn on all your lights and electrics you can and retest, then turn off everything you can and test again. there should be a difference but it should stay within a volt or two.

Unless your using a calibrated precision multimeter your varience is really minor and could be in the meter itself. I would say if you hit 15VDC get another meter and check again, if its still high, your on track to have a closer look at your charging system.

BTW they are talking about a charger which really is different than a voltage reg on a running bike, a charger is going to be hammering it constantly, your bike will be loading and unloading all the time.

I really think your OK.

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

Thanks MCkay-

I was prepared to contact: BRP (for info), Shorai (for info), and my dealer (to order a regulator) today. (I obsess until I know... probably am diagnosable but it only happens if the subject is Jeep or Motorcycle related)

I filled out a "email request" to Shorai explaining (when I get that email response I'll post it). I was going to call them (888)477-4848 but don't feel I need to now.

But I called BRP,whom I purchased my Shorai, Matt said, that the 14.8 warning from Shorai is only in reference to chargers- regarding desulfication mode- as we have discussed. He said that the 14.8 voltage warning does not apply to the bikes charging system (stator and regulator). I told him my numbers (14.8-14.9 at idle, and 14.5-14.7 at 1/4throttle) and he said that's fine. He said "actually that's a really good charging system". Thanks BRP, and Thanks MATT!

So at this point I am confident to use the Shorai/with my bike. The new battery tech in the Shorai kinda scared me- totally new to me. So when they list a limits and such I took it seriously (although mistakenly).

FWIW: (could be misguided info) I also read (forums) that some charging systems on bikes do not charge high enough (never hit 14 volts) and Lifpo4 batteries do not become "balanced" and don't live as long. Therefore, if that were the case, you'd "need" a charger that that hits 14.4 to "rebalance" these batteries. This is not usually the case however, but its interesting info... All this makes me think the Lifepo4 batteries have pretty specific needs compared to traditional batteries and most likely- some of the failures may be from our own assumptions and using traditional methods with new technologies.

In my case, information impeded my progress, or suspended my confidence (another case of enough info to be dangerous).... but that has been now overcome.
"I RIDE SUNDAY****************************************"

 

[McKay]

Have fun!

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

Put on about 60 miles of single track this weekend-liking the weight loss of the Shorai.
as promised:
Info from Shorai- same day responses:
<<<<

Hello Brad,​

​

I’ve forwarded your request to our technical director to respond to your request soon. I’ve been told by our company president that this voltage range is relatively normal. The limit ceiling is actually 15.2 volts. A number of Kawasaki’s will charge the batteries to 15 volts for instance.​

​

Sincerely,​

​

Aaron Jackson-Wilde​

Shorai Inc.​

>>>>>

HI Brad,​

​

Yes it will be okay to use the Shorai battery with your bikes charging system output at 14.9V. The battery has a balance circuit which will bleed of voltage if an individual cell exceeds 3.7V (14.8V pak). The recommended maximum of 14.8V is conservative and the critical voltage is about 15.2 -15.3V. If the battery is subjected to voltage over 15.2V for extended periods of time it could cause the cells to expand and bulge the battery case and/or will overwork the balance circuit.​

​

Thanks,​

​

Shawn Higbee​

Technical Director​

Shorai Inc.​

845 Stewart Dr. Suite D​

Sunnyvale, CA 94085
>>>

​

​

link to instal and ride report opinions

 

[Coffee]

Seems you got your answer.

My 2 cents: it will be fine, and yes I have a background in such matters.

 

[JasonfromMN]

Always good to be thorough. Can wait to move to the Shorai when I need new ones.

 

[craneguy]

So we can or can't use these battries on the TE 610???

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

So we can or can't use these battries on the TE 610???

definitely can. I was being cautious and checking. I had been testing my voltages and saw the notes and wanted to ensure my system was correct and the included warnings from the manufacturer were somewhat concerning based on the info provided. I have been running the battery since my original post. I have never charged the shorai with any charger- I just took it out of the bike over the winter.

 

[craneguy]

Exellent...battery model numbers???

 

[HUSKYnXJnWI]

I have the LFX14L2-BS12.
The 610 calls for a LFX21A6-BS12 based on the Shorai product recommendation- http://shoraipower.com/products

 

[craneguy]

Thanks brother...