Battery question - Size vs. CCA vs. Charging Capability

[broderp]

I searched "battery" and didn't see what I was looking for.  If I missed it please let me know.

I am starting a project that may require me to need more space under the seat.  To that end, I thought there was a type of battery that was considerably smaller than stock and was supposed to be 'better' than the standard battery in some capacity (longevity? Charging rate?)

I see terms such as AGM, GEL, Lithium etc.  I will need to read up on these, but real-world experience is important to me, hence my question.

Anyone have any experience with these alternate battery types and cares to share an opinion?   Pros and cons of the Z900's ability to charge up these batteries and any specific charger requirements for storage? 

Cheers, 

[3alfa3]

AGM (as OEM) is arround 8-9Ah capacity. Lithium are arroud 3-4Ah (can be smaller in dimensions, but can be OEM size). But, Lithium are usually the same or  stronger when starting motorcycle: same or more CCA.
So, if you want weight reduction (biggest benefit), don't have alarm or other devices that draw current when bike is parked (capacity issue for Lithium battery) and don't ride when really cold, lithium is OK (but cost more).

I prefer and use AGM.



btw, AGM and Gel are very simmilar, they are lead based battery like lead acid batteries except they dont leak and can be mounted even horisontal. AGM use electrolyte which is absorbed in "cloth" (AGM = Absorbent Glass Mat). Gel is just another type of electrolyte, but they are both lead batteries just like "old" lead acid batteries we know for more than a 100 Years.

Lithium battery is lifepo4 (lithium iron phosphate) - totaly different chemistry (simmilar to mobile phone battery, but safer - they are NOT lithium ion). Then again, lead acid batteries (AGM, Gel etc)  are safer for automotive use, lifepo4 are picky about max voltage (be sure not to exceed 15V as absolute max at any time from motorcycle charging system) and even though they mostly have protection for that, there was accaison of fire caused by improper charging. For that reason (safety), I prefer AGM which is not sensitive to voltage to that extent and fire hazard is almost impossible.

[broderp]

Good Stuff 3alfa3.  Thanks.

As I get up to speed on batteries and battery technology this is the information I need to know. Practical and helpful.  I'm leaning away from this approach due to the information I found and that you confirmed with your post.

In my case it's not the weight savings I'm after but the space in the battery area is needed for a dash cam installation I am gearing up to do. Not sure the trade off of extra cost and precautions as well as a new charger is worth the expense. 

I may have to fall back on this if I can't find an acceptable location for my installation, but for now I will hold off on pulling the trigger on a new battery.   
 

[3alfa3]

You don't need Charger for lifepo4 battery, except if you drain it.  Winter pause is not concern, it retains charge very well over period of several Months even a Year. But, it should be disconnected from motorcycle in that period to avoid discharging (parasitic Current drain). That drain is "more dangerous" compared to AGM because capacity is 3x lower.

[zed9]

If you need more space, you might try removing that charcoal canister that sits right beneath the back of the tank. It is meant to catch overflow from the tank. You can replace with hoses that end under the bike.
Not all models have them. There is a different battery arrangement for models that didn’t come with them.