I have two LC8 engines that don't always want to start when it's cold out. My Superduke did not want to start last week because it has not been on the charger or riddin' as of late.
My 950 Adventure did the same last week and at a remote camping location this summer on a cool morning at higher elevation.
This got me thinking of how to give the LC8 lump a boost when all thing are not ideal, like having your bike tethered to the charger in a warmer garage.

This is what I am thinking and thought I would post it here to get feed back from around the world on this mighty bike site that I enjoy.

The new lite weight batteries, from what I gather, don't like the cold temperatures. To make them work in the cold, it is found if you turn on the headlight, the battery will warm up and will put out more power.
Well, I am one of those guys who just hate to loose resources and if I am camped out in the bottom of a cold canyon and I have to turn on the headlight to start my bike, I think it would drive me bonkers.
My thought is instead of turning on the head light, why not put the wasted power to use by heating the battery with the type of heating pads used in handle bar grips.
With the new lite weight battery technology, I am not sure that heating the battery will help as it does with the older batteries.

The new lite weight batteries are also smaller, so a person could put the largest one made into the same location to have extra starting insurance.

Well, that is it in a nut shell. Time to get my heated gear on and go for a ride.
Thanks in advance for positive reinforcement with this design in the making.

Hey Doug,
Check out http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=855300
There was a link to a DC battery warmer in there...