Letters to the Editor
THANK YOU FOR THE GEAR REVIEW
I just finished reading your review of the Firepower
battery. The technology is constantly changing on
these Lithium batteries. You are right, these are a real
blessing of technological improvement and a good
alternative to OEM batteries. I just wanted to mention
that there are also Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries
out there. (LiFePo4 or EarthX are common brands.)
These are more expensive, but they are a different
technology and, in my opinion, are a much better way
to go. They don't explode. They have on-board circuitry
that monitors cell voltage and keeps it balanced,
plus they will not allow you to totally discharge and
damage the battery.
They also monitor total voltage and have a low limit
cutoff at 10.5 volts. The battery protects itself from
you, in case you leave something on. With a charge it
resets and already has a good amount of residual voltage
so they come up very quickly. I put one in my
wife's Softail 8 years ago. It has been turning over a
140 cubic inch motor for almost a decade and has
never had an issue. Most lithium batteries are not only
80% lighter, they are also slightly smaller than OEM.
On a Softail you gain some much needed room under
the seat.
There is one other thing; you really need a modern
charging system on your motorcycle (something since
the '90's) because Lithiums need a slightly higher voltage.
The same will apply to battery tenders. The better
ones are designed for this (like a modern Optimate).
The gear reviews are a nice addition to the HeartBeat;
keep it up.
Bill Peterson
Colorado Safety Coordinator
ABOVE AND BEYOND
During these strange times we all need a little pick me up don't we? I got one back in May when I was contacted
by Lauretta Beak from South Haven, MN. She had been given a ring during the 2019 Changing of the Colors
Rally from someone who was not CMA. The ring had CMA and Faith Riders engraved on it so when the woman
saw Lauretta's colors she gave it to her thinking she might be able to track down the owner. Lauretta could have
dropped it off at lost and found and been done with it, but she took it home with her and tracked me down and
then proceeded to ship it to me and refused any payment for the shipping. This CMA sister truly went above and
beyond. Thanks Lauretta.
Mark Bandstra
President, Faith Riders #594
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03⎪AUGUST 2020⎪www.cmausa.org