Shorai light weight Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries

The real reason why I go to the IMS each year is for the vendors, to see the new products, gadgets, and inventions.

While at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show on 12/18/10, I came across this vendor Shorai Inc., they sell Lithium Iron Phosphate (LIP) batteries for bikes etc. They had at the show their LIP battery and the regular lead acid battery. The LIP felt like it was only the case of the battery, it was so light it was unreal. The FJR battery weighs in at 2.12lbs. per the website. Most of the batteries on the brochure weigh in at just over 1 pound, the FJR version is the heaviest battery they have for bikes. I’m not sure how these batteries are, how long they last, etc., but I thought it was pretty trick, although pricey. The website also said this for you cold climate folks: "We recommend using these batteries in temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius".

I asked for dealers and they sent me to this website, batterystuff.com. I looked up batteries for the FJR they had quite a selection. The specific battery for the FJR is one of their highest priced batteries.

Curious, does anyone have knowledge of these guys or similar batteries for bikes?

**EDIT**

Per the Shorai website they say this about the FJR battery. Priced from $129 to $186. The nominal one is $153. Great reading check it out.

I have no knowledge of these guys but they also caught my eye at the Seattle show.

I have been doing most everything I can to cut weight of Duc. I will be trying these when it's time to change the S4RS battery.

FJRBluesman said:

...The LIP felt like it was only the case of the battery, it was so light it was unreal. The FJR battery weighs in at 2.12lbs. per the website. Curious, does anyone have knowledge of ...similar batteries for bikes?

Click to expand...

How 'bout this:

(Pulse P2 -- 1.6 lbs, 240 cca, $259)

FJRBluesman said:

The real reason why I go to the IMS each year is for the vendors, to see the new products, gadgets, and inventions.

Click to expand...

exactly why I stay away

Turn Tech has been making these batteries for off road use for a few years. Lots of positive comments at the KTMTalk forum.

I figure to replace the lead acid battery in my KTM with one of these when it gives up.

Thought about one for the FJR, being able to shed nearly 10 lbs. mounted as high as it is would probably be a noticeable improvement. Hopefully the price will come down by the time I need to buy.

More:

lithium batteries

360 cca -- $350

Interesting tech notes (@ site), especially charging: trickle/maintenance charge not needed -- in fact "not recommended".

so far, none of the manufacturers of these that I've contacted will tell me what happens after they cold-soak outside to around 30 degrees for a night or two. The stock Feej battery is a crap shoot on Monday mornings if I don't warm it up on Sunday when the temps drop into the mid or low 30's. I have to replace the battery every two years as it is.

the response I get is "buy it and try it and let us know what happens". Can't justify spending over $300 and not being able to get to work on an experiment.

Any of these companies interested in loaning one for trial then I'll be interested. Or until one of you winter guys tries it out and lets me know how much juice is left after the bike sits near freezing for 24 hours or more.

Niehart said:

I have no knowledge of these guys but they also caught my eye at the Seattle show.

I have been doing most everything I can to cut weight of Duc. I will be trying these when it's time to change the S4RS battery.

Click to expand...

Yah wanna know what Mr. Duc sez about, Sir PieHart? :lol: :huh:

Anyone have a gel battery you recommend? I had gel batteries in my BMW's with great success. I kept them on tender and got 6+ years of service.

This is discussed extensively on the www.gl1800riders.com

LiFePO4 is much better than lithium-ion as far as longevity and safety goes, by the way. Lithium-ion is a bit lighter and smaller but is worse in other ways. And the price, while high, seems reasonable, considering just normal lead-acid batteries are like $100+ in that size.

JamesW said:

This is discussed extensively on the www.gl1800riders.com

Click to expand...

Do you have a clicky to the specific post(s)?

art miller said:

Anyone have a gel battery you recommend? I had gel batteries in my BMW's with great success. I kept them on tender and got 6+ years of service.

Click to expand...

Here is what I will be getting come spring and where I will be ordering it from

art miller said:

Anyone have a gel battery you recommend? I had gel batteries in my BMW's with great success. I kept them on tender and got 6+ years of service.

Click to expand...

The battery in your FJR is an Absorbed Glass Matt (gel) battery and is sealed and needs zero maintenance. I just replaced mine and learned a lot about batteries.

So how many years can we normally expect on OEM batteries, if you use a battery tender in off-season?

FiveG said:

So how many years can we normally expect on OEM batteries, if you use a battery tender in off-season?

Click to expand...

From postings from other FJR owners, this would seem to vary quite a bit. I keep my '05 FJR mostly on a battery tender year around. And I live in a mild climate. And it's parked in a heated workshop. I'm still on the original OEM battery.

Can't speak to the worth of Shorei batteries but their add in Motorcyclist was worth looking at [several times].

lnewlf said:

Can't speak to the worth of Shorei batteries but their add in Motorcyclist was worth looking at [several times].

Click to expand...

Absolutely. Must support those advertisers!

Seriously, is that weight reduction something that has a real effect on FJR performance? I'm into performance upgrades this off-season -- putting in a Penske rear, for instance -- so if this is going to be significant, might consider it.

FiveG said:

So how many years can we normally expect on OEM batteries, if you use a battery tender in off-season?

Click to expand...

My 2007 battery is doing fine. I do battery-tend it during the non-riding season here in PA.

Slardy