EarthX Battery

DezmoDog

A couple weeks ago my 851 blew a fuse and the fuel pump stopped. I think this was due to a dirty filter, so I put new filter in and headed out early this morning with a buddy on an 888 for a shakedown run.

Everything going great. Then the bike cut out for a second, just enough to ger me thinking WTF was that from?

Anywhos, maybe a minute later, the bike dies again. Dag nabbit, it must be the fuel pump on it's way out after all. Pull over, pull the seat. check the fuse huh? It's still good? Check all the other fuses, they're still good. WTF? As I was putting the fuse box cover back on I noticed the problem

http://www.teamyikes.com/851/EarthX.mov

Nice!

griff851

Brexit effect. 😁
No one is safe.

stafford

DezmoDog wrote

Impressive video, OK so what causes this? Duff reg/rec?

DezmoDog

I haven't heard back from them yet (understandable, it happened on a Sunday) but from poking around the 'net it looks like a bad regulator is the likely cause. I naively thought that the BMS (Battery Management System) prevented things like this but it seems that may not be the case.

I want to hear from EarthX, and check the regulator with the original battery, before saying more since it's all speculation at this point.

griff851

A short circuit in the battery is on the table. Better than when they use to explode.
Throw a multi meter on it. Check resistances of alternator. Check for burnt reg and plugs for signs of melting or excessive heat. Slave in a battery, start
and check voltage output at battery. 13.25v- 14.25v, 14.5-15v may be pushing the envelope.
All is good, get it confirmed and fill out warrenty paperwork. That would be my first POA

From my understanding the lithium batteries, after chatting with my battery shop owner mate, initially had issues with excessive voltage causing internal shorting and it went bang. Then once cirtuitry inside the battery was introduced/changed (some have little circuit boards inside), to stableize them, they seemed to be ok.

However, overvoltage on a lead acid battery causes them to explode as well. Ala 175 ducati single at prolonged high rpm during last years giro. Its just the tolerances on lithium batteries are tighter. Letting them go 10v is bad kharma of a different nature.

But it looks like Brexit effect to me. Sue the poms. 😁

DezmoDog

I just spoke with a guy at EarthX. He didn't seem all that concerned if the regulator was good or bad, that's not supposed to happen. Long story short they want the battery back and will send a return label for it. Then they offered either a new battery or my money back so good news there.

I decided to go with another battery. I'll check out the regulator first and install either a volt meter, or a light that triggers when the voltage hits 15v. It'd be cool if that could be put in the dash where the battery idiot light already is.

griff851

I pulled apart a car cigerette lighter socket digital one and made a bracket. Its mounted on the rh side behind the tacho. Only down side is i keep thinking the time is 14:20. :-). I also fitted a marine circuit breaker above the battery. It has a big toggle lever. If you've ever had a regulator catch fire, you'll know why.

griff851

In regards to Lithium batteries and standard charging systems, i have a mate who is onto it. He and an electrical engineering buddy are about to go into testing phase after spending a year in development. Lead acid regulators are not the same as Lithium regulators. His web site is LiteTek, but nothing on the site yet. He only told me after i mentioned my Brexit joke on thursday.

Ps if you need pressed Ti plate parts, contact him. If he gets enough volume, he'll build it. He's an Aussie living in Thailand and you to fix and race Bevel twins.

Mr.R

On the Bevel front I've just fitted a Balistic lithium battery to my old nail, because of the fear of possibly overcharging it with the result that you've just suffered I've fitted a warning LED.
It flashes green, amber or red, if it flashes green/red alternating it's overcharging >14.20 volts and it's time to turn the bike of quickly.
The unit's called a "Tricolour LED Battery Monitor" here's where I got it from the guy's a prof' in Scotland:-

andrew@sparkbright.co.uk

Steve R