Lithium Ion Battery

[dmonkey]

This mod is probably best saved for when your OEM battery actually has an issue, but I had a relatively new Lithium Ion battery on hand from a bike I sold, so figured I'd swap it out. If your OEM battery is in like-new condition and you find a buyer for it, you might be able to justify this mod based on that the OEM battery costs more than some of the Lithium Ion options. I usually prefer the somewhat pricier Antigravity brand Lithium Ion batteries because their "Re-Start" built in jump starter feature is useful, but this battery was used in an enduro with a kickstarter, and our trusty Honda Trail also has a kickstarter, so that feature isn't worth it.

OEM battery: Yuasa YTZ5S AGM type ($90 Amazon, $129 RevZilla)
65 CCA
12V 3.5Ah/10HR
1 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 3 lb 8.39 oz

Lithium Ion battery: Fire Power Featherweight Lithium Battery HJTZ5S-FP-IL ($78 shipped on eBay, $88 on RevZilla)
120 CCA
12V/24WH
2 year MFG warranty
Actual weight: 1 lb 0.84 oz

Tools used: 5mm hex-key wrench, Phillips screwdriver, a small poking device to use on the center push trim clip fasteners (I used a 2.5mm hex-key wrench)


From 2021 Trail125A Service Manual


Reference photo of tabs, bolt (top center), and center push trim clip fastener (lower right) locations on panel. Tab shown on lower left needs to be slid out based on its notch.


The black battery cover has two 5mm hex head bolts (upper left, lower right in photo) holding it in place.




Battery comparison. I only weighed them, didn't measure dimensions, but they are pretty much the same size just with some slight shape differences. Same as the Super Cub 125, Honda Grom, and an extensive list of other bikes.

The main benefit here is a small weight savings to be offset by the weight of other mods that add weight, there are some other benefits if you're adding electrical accessories. Other than that I personally prefer Li-Ion batteries in my bikes because from my experience they last longer in an arid climate, through extreme high and low temperatures, and with vibrations from washboard gravel roads.

 

[bryanchurch06]

Thinking of swapping out to a tusk lithium batteries before the trip, are you still running yours? Thanks

 

[dmonkey]

Yep, still running the Fire Power Featherweight without any issues.

 

[ball_socket]

I used the Antigravity ATZ-7. It fits fine but you have to slightly enlarge the OEM ring terminals on the harness as the hardware on the Antigravity is a little larger than the OEM battery.

Any way to shave weight on this bike as it erks me that it weights 60lbs more than my old 90!

 

[AZ7000']

I used the Antigravity ATZ-7. It fits fine but you have to slightly enlarge the OEM ring terminals on the harness as the hardware on the Antigravity is a little larger than the OEM battery.

Any way to shave weight on this bike as it erks me that it weights 60lbs more than my old 90!

I’m getting 70-80 pounds heavier before I bolted 5-10#’s of racks, foot pegs, and sweat on mine…

 

[RegularGuy]

I am in need of a battery. My first stop was Noco. I am a HUGE fan of their chargers. Its probably marketing fluff but they claim there is somekind of "handshake" between their batts and charging? I dunno.. I also realize that like TVs, there are probably only a few makers of ALL the Lithium batts...

Anyhow I am finding it difficult to find a YTZ5S LiPo replacement.. Some of the recommended replacments have a "7". in the part number. Can I assume these are like a Group Number.. Group 5 Vs Group 7? I dont know anything about these small powersport batts, but I do know in the automotive world a different Group number could mean size or only post type. Is that the case here?

Just wondering before I order from Amazon and it doesnt fit.

 

[BergyPatty37]

I used the Antigravity ATZ-7. It fits fine but you have to slightly enlarge the OEM ring terminals on the harness as the hardware on the Antigravity is a little larger than the OEM battery.

Any way to shave weight on this bike as it erks me that it weights 60lbs more than my old 90!

Old thread but depending on if you use the rear rack or not, you could completely remove it, or remove it and get a skeleton rack. That would save some weight. Other than that, you realistically will only be shedding a few pounds here and there with things like the skid plate, center stand, lighter tires, air intake and snorkel, etc. Not really a whole lot you can do.

 

[BergyPatty37]

@RegularGuy Came across this, but have no idea about quality or anything. Never heard of the brand until now:

PowerTex YTZ5S LiFePO4 Lithium Iron Phosphate Motorcycle Battery

Drop-in ready YTZ5S replacement LiFePO4 battery with internal BMS, 5-10 year lifespan, faster charging, lighter weight, low self-discharge rate, no corrosive or harmful heavy metals & more powerful! Perfect LFP Lithium Iron Phosphate battery for Motorcycle, ATVs, Scooters, Jet Ski, Snowmobiles...

powertexbatteries.com

 

[dmonkey]

I am in need of a battery. My first stop was Noco. I am a HUGE fan of their chargers. Its probably marketing fluff but they claim there is somekind of "handshake" between their batts and charging? I dunno.. I also realize that like TVs, there are probably only a few makers of ALL the Lithium batts...

Anyhow I am finding it difficult to find a YTZ5S LiPo replacement.. Some of the recommended replacments have a "7". in the part number. Can I assume these are like a Group Number.. Group 5 Vs Group 7? I dont know anything about these small powersport batts, but I do know in the automotive world a different Group number could mean size or only post type. Is that the case here?

Just wondering before I order from Amazon and it doesnt fit.

If you're going with a NOCO battery the closest replacement might be NLP5, looking at the specs. You could contact their support for a recommendation on that.
The NLP5 lists a higher CCA, but lower capacity (Ah)... so just don't leave any accessories powered while the engine is stopped.
Physical dimensions are very close, they all look to be within 0.1". Worst case you might need to ditch or trim the black plastic cover that sits over the battery for the different style of battery terminals that are on it.

https://www.yuasabatteries.com/battery/ytz5s-bs/

NOCO - 250A Lithium Powersport Battery - NLP5

The NLP5 is a lithium powersport battery that delivers 250-amps of starting power for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, and more.

no.co

In regard to the "handshake," older chargers I've owned required that you manually toggle them to a lithium setting before connecting to a lithium battery. Most modern ones now automatically detect the battery type (if they support it), and switch charging profiles for the chemistry of that battery. That might be the "handshake." You don't want to rely on the BMS to prevent overcharging, so use a charger that supports the type of battery you have to reduce the risk of overcharging it. Lithium batteries have a very low self discharge rate, so also figure that you might not need to use a charger if you don't store the bike unused longterm.

 

[m in sc]

I have a noco in my cb1100. its good, but the 'genius ' charger they make is fantastic, would recommend even if you don't have a lithium ion, but def if you do

 

[RegularGuy]

I ordered a EBL brand LiPo4 batt from our buddies at the big A. Should be here in the morning. $50. We will see i guess..

 

[kevvyd]

Antigravity does now make a "5" sized. No "Re-start" functionality. But IMO thats a good thing. The BMS of the "Re-start" takes up more space so less capacity, or larger case size. Also it is another component that can fail, and that has been an issue in AG battery history. If the BMS fails you are left with a non-working battery.........so adding "re-start" could effectively double your chances of a battery failure.
I'd consider this battery a great choice. I've had great luck with non-restart versions of AG batteries. Wouldn't buy a Re-start version of any.

Best out there in a 5 size:
This EarthX is what I'd buy when the stock Yuasa from my '21 shits off.

Oh, and, my CT has no kicker still.....that is a big influence on my preference toward the EarthX. Aviation grade certified, engineered products. Not just a buy from china and private label it.

Lead batteries suck. The only OK thing about them is (sometimes) affordability--or your bike is so old that the electrics cant support a LI battery.

 

[Second Chance]

With a half dozen vehicles on regular tender rotation and other oddities I am NOCO charger fan. I had a tiny Lithium ion battery from MNNTTBX in my SF Grom. It weighed next to nothing and was so small that there was room for a tire repair kit with plenty of CO2 cartridges (had a fairly complete set of tools stuffed into that little bugger too, sparing tail bag space.) It also had a balanced charging plug like RC batteries, never had to charge it however given the RC plug any sophisticated BMS was probably absent. My 2022 Grom was sold and two days before the buyer was driving 150 miles to pick it up the battery gave up the ghost. We are rural, Amazon is overnight versus making the trek to a dealer and I've had good luck with fill um up Yuasa's from them. Searching for a Yuasa there was a coupon deal on a Bosch lithium ion for $69. Group 5 it fits fine. At 1.1 lbs. it offsets the lightweight SCR rack and the majority of the tools it carries. The Grom buyer got a four month old Yuasa out of the Trail with disclosure instead of a four year old one, happy ending. I have no idea how Boschs quality compares to my high falutin days with Mercedes and BMW in the prior century. Presenting this as it is, a coupon deal which comes up regularly may be an option.

 

[RegularGuy]

Swapped batteries today. Nothing significant to report, was a direct swap... I weighed the new LiPo batt Vs the OEM just for fun. I did notice the LiPo is 2.5Ah 30Wh and the OEM is 3.7Ah 20Wh.. I dont really ever power anything with the bike off so it isnt much of a concern for me, and its probably a wash anyhow unless your maxing out the load.