Lithium Iron Batteries

[Builtgypsy]

Seem like great alternatives to lead-acid batteries, weigh a whole lot less, and should last longer. Anyone have one?

Vehicle Replacement Batteries for Motorcycles, ATV, Watercraft, Snowmobile, Utility Vehicle

Shorai Light Weight Lithium Iron Motorcycle Batteries - YouTube

[Alawicious]

Still have the factory original on mine

[PhilB]

They are getting pretty good reviews, both from the pros and from people I know who have switched.

I was talking about them at my local shop, and the tech there said that they provide more cranking power than a normla battery at first, but that they can't keep it up for very long, so they're great for bikes that normally start quickly, but bikes that normally need to crank over a fair bit before actually starting they wouldn't be good for.

PhilB

[Builtgypsy]

Originally Posted by Alawicious

Still have the factory original on mine

I'll replace it with one of these when mine goes dead, or if I get a bug and just want to shave another four or five pounds off the bike.

Originally Posted by PhilB

They are getting pretty good reviews, both from the pros and from people I know who have switched.

I was talking about them at my local shop, and the tech there said that they provide more cranking power than a normla battery at first, but that they can't keep it up for very long, so they're great for bikes that normally start quickly, but bikes that normally need to crank over a fair bit before actually starting they wouldn't be good for.

PhilB

I was scouting around YouTube for reviews, and came across this:

Shorai battery comparison - YouTube
Seems to suggest with the additional energy provided over a regular battery, they'll crank over quicker.

Found this on Shorai's FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions

I hear that lithium crank poorly when it gets cold, is that right?

Lithium do increase in resistance more as temperature drops, compared to lead-acid. However, they also react to cranking under cold conditions in a much better way. Lead-acid will increase resistance on each subsequent cranking attempt, until it won’t turn over. If your LFX fails to start the engine on first crank, that first crank has warmed the battery, and the second attempt will be much stronger, and so on until you get a good start.

Shorai LFX are much better in cold-weather conditions than other-brand lithium starter batteries, due to our eXtreme-rate formulation with low resistance. Down to about 20 degrees fahrenheit (-7C) most users find that they can start normally on first crank. If your headlight comes on at key-ON, it is good for the batteries to flow some current before cranking in cold weather. The suggested headlight-on time before cranking depends on the temperature. If starting at 40f (5C), 30 seconds will help wake the battery and increase cranking performance. If at 0f (-17C), leave the lights on for 4~5 minutes before cranking. The result will be a better first crank, and longer battery life. Any other accessories that can be turned on before cranking can also be used for this purpose, such as heated gear, radio, etc...

[PhilB]

Originally Posted by Builtgypsy

I'll replace it with one of these when mine goes dead, or if I get a bug and just want to shave another four or five pounds off the bike.

I was scouting around YouTube for reviews, and came across this:

Shorai battery comparison - YouTube

Seems to suggest with the additional energy provided over a regular battery, they'll crank over quicker.

Found this on Shorai's FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions

What my guy said was that it did crank over quicker, but not for as long. I can't of course, guarantee this guy is right, but he seems to know his stuff in general.

Also he wasn't talking about the Shorei specifically; I think they carry the Ballistic brand, so it may work a bit differently.

PhilB

[RiverRoadWarrior]

Originally Posted by Builtgypsy

I'll replace it with one of these when mine goes dead, or if I get a bug and just want to shave another four or five pounds off the bike.

Cheaper to shave 5 pounds off your ass.

Cheapest way to make a bike go faster....loose weight....yours, not the bike's. I'm living proof. It was much cheaper for me to loose 40 pounds than to take 40 off my bike, which frankly, I don't think could be done and still have it be functional. lol

[binx_19]

those are some spendy batteries, do the come with reach arounds?

[NeedinJustice]

A regular battery for my bike is already $145...this brand for mine is $153...not much difference.

[RiverRoadWarrior]

Does your regular battery give reach arounds?

[NeedinJustice]

No, it doesn't even give extra vibration under my seat.