R100/7 - switch from lead to LifePo4

[d1990]

Hi guys

I am switching out the old lead battery with a LifePo4 in my 1978 R100/7

This one: https://www.caferacerwebshop.com/en/jmt ... -accu.html

Knowing that this bike requires a LOT of starting power I have also switched out the old bosch starter for a valeo.

And I have changed the voltage regulator to one that has a constant 14,3v (Seeing as Lifepo4 must be run under 14,6v)

I am keeping the old headlight with bulb (with wiring in bucket) - and I am keeping most of the old harness loom along with the relays - but I am switching out the blinkers and taillight for LED's. I have bought two resistors to put in line with both set of blinkers.

And I am removing the old speedo/rpm counter - and installing a mechanical speedo - I have a resistor for the GEN light.

Major mods I am not doing for the time being: Enduralast/Omega Alternator upgrade & Electronic Ignition.

I am not very electrically inclined - Am I missing anything?

[Rob Frankham]

Read all of the sources on Lithium batteries in systems not designed for them... you may change your mind...

Rob

[gspd]

It doesn't matter which regulator you use, your alternator will not supply a constant 14.3 v under load, especially at low rpm.
Led tail lights and flashers won't hurt, but to significantly reduce power consumption, convert to a LED headlight.
The battery you are getting is listed as 360cca (cold cranking amps)
I use and highly recommend the Yuasa GYZ32HL, 500cca

[Zombie Master]

Not heard good reports wit lithium with airhead charging systems.

Why no LED headlight bulb? Saves a lot of juice 3 times brighter. Plug and play.

[d1990]

Just the bulb or do you mean the entire headlight?

Because right now, there's lots of wires in the bucket, I'd rather not take out of there..

[Zombie Master]

Just the bulb or do you mean the entire headlight?

Because right now, there's lots of wires in the bucket, I'd rather not take out of there..

No you can just change the bulb.

I used one of these:

https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/ ... p_192.html

[Kurt in S.A.]

In the January issue of the BMWMOA Owners news, a member documented LED changes to his /7. He seemed to use the Cyclops product. He wrote that because of all the stuff in the headlight shell, he was not able to get it installed...apparently there was a cooling fan at the back. He abandoned that and instead installed in his /6. The bike had a Windjammer fairing. It's been a while since I had my Windjammer, so I don't remember if it comes with its own headlight or if the bike's headlight is transferred to the fairing.

On the 6, he indicated it looked like the light was better for the rider, it doesn't make use of the glass lens and reflector correctly and thus ends up not having the beam cutoff area into the oncoming lane. If you don't want to blind oncoming drivers, you'll need to point the headlight down and away, which probably cuts out some of the benefit of the LED change.

Kurt in S.A.

[d1990]

Okay thanks.

That mod isn't legal to drive with in my country unfortunately. I guess I will stick to the /7 oem headlight. I must say I like it still, it's just the right kind of oldschool