Shoria vs Ballistic batteries

Ballistic vs Shoria 2nd Gen Batteries... any opinions or preferences? After reading a handful of Posts I went to my local Yamaha dealer to buy a Shoria Battery and the parts guy suggested getting a Ballistic Battery. Unfortunately he was out of stock on either brand, but stated the Ballistic Battery has more cranking power, has a 3 year warrantee, and is more efficient in colder temperatures. An on-line Head to Head review of both batteries also commented that the Shoria terminal posts appear flimsy being constructed of sheet metal that would appear capable of snapping off either from stress and vibration or being slightly overtightened. Ballistic appears better constructed but they are brand spanking new, with no apparent track record which I could find on this Forum. Ballistic also does not appear to provide the foam pads (as Shoria does)to fit the smaller dimensioned battery securely. Both batteries retail for $189...ouch but they both claim atleast 200/300% lifespan over OEM. My 2008 stock is due for a replacement. Any one out there with the Ballistic Battery?

I have no dog in this fight, but if I were to go this direction I'd do the Shorai. Mainly for reasons we've posted and read here and on many other forums.

You did read this correct? Shorai battree issues in cold clicky. Many great links throughout.

Check out post #56, on page 3, and all the links to other forums, etc.

Got a Shorai 18 a few months back and so far very happy with it. Have had no issues starting the FJR in temps hitting mid to high 30s F. With the winter getting into full swing will see how it behaves in lower temps...

I guess a "Ballistic Battery" can take a .308 round and keep on ticking? :blink:

If you don't ride below 40F a Shorai is probably OK.

Check this post in the long Shorai thread regarding the flimsy terminals:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=141377&view=findpost&p=905612

after jump starting the bike twice a day for over a month, I got so fed up that I pulled the trigger on the Shorai LFX18A1 (instead of the recommended LFX14A1). Installed it in the ever-darkening parking lot of the shop I bought it from after work last night.

Temps overnight didn't get below 40, it was 43 degrees when I went out this morning. Bike started with no worries. Yesterday at the same time of day it was 36 where temps had gotten down to 34 in places. That would have been a worthy test. It doesn't get much colder than that around here.

I went with the Shorai for a few reasons: first, I'd been following the battery for almost a year, reading pros and cons. Second, it comes in the box with all the foam and stuff needed to keep it from rattling around the battery box-I needed to install the battery and be able to ride home thru rush hour traffic and third-world quality road surfaces without issue. Third, because I hadn't even heard of the Ballistic battery until yesterday, and while looking around for Shorai dealers, another company came up with LiFe type motorcycle batteries-batteries that were identical to the Ballistic ones except for the sticker on the front. When I see identical products coming up under multiple brand names I find myself worrying which one is the knockoff, or why the company that makes them doesn't brand them itself but sells them to other outfits to slap a label on.

I know it'll get back down to the low 30's soon. And once the Christmas and New Years weekends of running all around the Bay for social obligations is over, I'll be able to let it sit for a few days and see how it does after sitting unridden and cold for a weekend.

edit-started fine with a 30 degree temp this morning. if anyones interested I'll continue my observations in the big Shorai cold weather thread