Replacement Battery

[B.D.F.]

I agree with you about the prices, and even now the price is not all that awful for the new technology. But the big difference between something like AGM and these Shorai batteries is the even when brand new, AGM was known chemistry (lead- acid) while the Shorai type is new to vehicle starting use as far as I know.

I find it amusing that Shorai lists a far longer battery life as an advantage to their technology and then gives a 2 year warranty, the same as a MotoBatt AGM battery. I would be a lot more impressed if Shorai gave a 5 year or even better, 7 year warranty even if it was pro- rated.

As I said before, I am not opposed to these new batteries, I just want to see them prove their suitability to the task before jumping on the bandwagon.

Brian

<snip>

  BTW, AGM batteries used to be very expensive when they first came on the market -- give the Li-Fe batteries time for the prices to come down before you buy....

[stevewfl]

I'm lost on this battery for our bikes, what purpose do they serve?  On a 200-300 pound track bike a few pounds may be worth a few hundred bux extra, sure.  And thats if the bike was being used on a track or drag strip.

Shaving our bike a few pounds is like taking the spare tire off a dump truck.  Sure its lighter, but would the laws of physics say much has been accomplished?

Obviously its my bad, I'm missing the whole point of this debate

[VirginiaJim]

Don't feel bad...

[Mad River Marc]

I'm lost on this battery for our bikes, what purpose do they serve?  On a 200-300 pound track bike a few pounds may be worth a few hundred bux extra, sure.  And thats if the bike was being used on a track or drag strip.

Shaving our bike a few pounds is like taking the spare tire off a dump truck.  Sure its lighter, but would the laws of physics say much has been accomplished?

Obviously its my bad, I'm missing the whole point of this debate

+1

[Son of Pappy]

Between the 30 I lost this year, the 15+ I saved when I upgraded the exhaust, another 7 would help, wont urt.  When the stocker craps out I will do the upgrade.  I may even opt for some CF levers

[B.D.F.]

Yeah but you have to subtract the weight of the jumber cables you may need from the seven pounds of weight saved.... 

Brian

Between the 30 I lost this year, the 15+ I saved when I upgraded the exhaust, another 7 would help, wont urt.  When the stocker craps out I will do the upgrade.  I may even opt for some CF levers

[Son of Pappy]

Yeah but you have to subtract the weight of the jumber cables you may need from the seven pounds of weight saved.... 

Brian

I trust in KiPASS enough that I wouldnt need em and since she gets ridden at least 6 days out of the week and it rarely gets below 20 in the winter I should be OK.  Lifes a gamble and I live in the grandest casino in our solar system

[lather]

I replaced my batt for about 38 bucks plus shipping, thanks to a post on the crashed forum. As far as I can tell it works exactly like the OEM batt which worked pretty good.

[ZG]

I'm lost on this battery for our bikes, what purpose do they serve?  On a 200-300 pound track bike a few pounds may be worth a few hundred bux extra, sure.  And thats if the bike was being used on a track or drag strip.

Shaving our bike a few pounds is like taking the spare tire off a dump truck.  Sure its lighter, but would the laws of physics say much has been accomplished?

Obviously its my bad, I'm missing the whole point of this debate

+2...

[Conrad]

Between the 30 I lost this year, the 15+ I saved when I upgraded the exhaust, another 7 would help, wont urt.  When the stocker craps out I will do the upgrade.  I may even opt for some CF levers

Nice job on the weight loss Chet! (yours, not the bike)

[Son of Pappy]

Nice job on the weight loss Chet! (yours, not the bike)

Hey!  Thanks much!!!  I am awaiting an appointment with a surgeon for my back, L4/5.  I have 2 herniated discs and degenerative bone loss, it really hinders my mobility and has slowed down my weight loss program.  I really dont like drugs and i only use em when it is beyond my pain tolerance level.  I feel better when I'm on a bike.  As soon as I get my back fixed I plan on about another 30 or so pounds.  I rode the KLR in this morning, and guess what?  The bat was all but dead, had to bump start her, on this bike I will be doing the cheap route, weight just isnt as important.

[mikeboileau]

A Shorai will hold its charge much better than lead acid.  No winter charges, or taking the battery out.

[VirginiaJim]

Well, I've never put mine on a charger, either with the original battery or my current one I got from Murph.  I do ride mine year round and (unfortunately here lately) have let sit over a month without riding....starts up every time no problems.  Course I don't have any vampire farkles soaking up the juice while it sits, either.

[B.D.F.]

Shorai batteries have not been out long enough to have any faith at all in that claim, if it is their claim. Theories aside there is not enough experience with these batteries yet to determine their reliability or robustness under varying circumstances such as cold weather use. The batteries have not been around long enough to have collected that info. yet. And the few reports coming in regarding warming the battery by turning on the headlights and then cranking the engine over are not encouraging.

If these batteries prove to be workable for starting vehicles, all fine and well. I just want to stand on the other side of the fence for a few years and allow them to prove their valve and ruggedness.

Brian

A Shorai will hold its charge much better than lead acid.  No winter charges, or taking the battery out.

[DaveO]

i dont know much about the new light weight lith-ion batteries for bikes.
I do know my lith-ion cordless tools at work ,work very well and dont seem too affecteted by cold . I use them when temps are in the 20s alot.
Back to regular  m/c batteries.
I would put nothing but a Uassa replacement .
Pricey yes ,but I dont mess around when i buy m/c batteries.
The cheap so called replacements will really **** you off when they start giving you trouble in a year or out in the middle of no where on a trip.
Dont pinch pennys on the battery unless you never get far from the house.
Ive learned my lesson.

[mikeboileau]

I replaced mine with a Shorai.  VERY pleased!  Great power and MUCH lighter!

My Shorai has appeared to have failed in less than a year with VERY little usage.  I will update you guys after they contact me about it.

[usttobee50]

<> >< <> Try batterystuff.com <> >< <>

[wally_games]

My Shorai has appeared to have failed in less than a year with VERY little usage.  I will update you guys after they contact me about it.

Wow! From "very pleased" in August to "failed" in January. Not sounding good.

[SimonSaysDie]

So how often do you all replace your batteries?  Do you do it every 3 or 4 years, needed or not, or do you just wait until it leaves you stranded?

[Son of Pappy]

So how often do you all replace your batteries?  Do you do it every 3 or 4 years, needed or not, or do you just wait until it leaves you stranded?

OK, I'll be the resident Smart donkey.  When it doesn't start easily in the AM.  3+ years, 52,000 miles and the battery finally lost it's charge, but it did sit for 3 months after my back surgery.  I did a recondition charge (CTEK 7002, best charger I have ever owned http://smartercharger.com/products/batterychargers/ctek-multi-us-7002/ ) and no issues since.  If I have been riding regularly and it stutters in the morning I know it's time.  From Mikes experience I will not be buying the new tech anytime soon.