New Battery

[Timberwolf]

Ok guys I know there are a ton of topics on Batteries for the FJR but after searching and reading for a hour I saw no info. I saw this batteryhttps://earthxmotorsports.com/products-page/fjr1300-xvs1100-fzs1000/etx18b/ at the IMS in DC last weekend and thinking this would be a excellent replacement for the FJR. Also what has sold me on it is that it has a microprocessor in it and you can use a normal tender to charge it. Just wanted to know if you any of you guys have taken the plunge on this battery? If so what ya think? Or is it looking like I will be the first one to take the plunge.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Geezer]

Never heard of it. Since it is lithium I would expect it to have the same pros and cons as the Shorai, except, as you point out, it doesn't require a special charger.

 

[07FJRSD]

I work for a local John

Deere dealer and just went to a seminar on batteries and this is the next new thing and quite a few autos already have them.

Cost is a big deterrent but they do last according to Deere.

 

[Wlfman]

Yep, good batteries

https://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=651&products_id=3147

 

[Fly Bye]

Any info regarding cold weather starts?

 

[Niehart]

ETX18B = $219 + shipping .. ouch

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

I have the comparo Shorai, and since I did the mod with the wiring harness, it performs admirably.

As I am in DC and get home to ride every couple weeks, never had a problem with it sitting for weeks and just firing right up.

Even with the drop in temps it has fired up on the first try.

 

[garyahouse]

FWIW, I charged my Shorai multiple times using the 2 amp setting on my plain old battery charger, and never had an issue with it. And if I didn't keep leaving my heated grips on last year (duhhh), I wouldn't have required any charger at all.

I assume you've read our longest Shorai thread for comparison sake? You can check my latest postings beginning here: CLICKY

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Chuck35]

I have the comparo Shorai, and since I did the mod with the wiring harness, it performs admirably.

What mod pray tell?

 

[RichDoyle]

I had one of these (the EarthX) in my FJR, but it malfunctioned. A replacement is on the way, and I will report when I get the replacement. The EarthX folks have been responsive.

I had a Shorai in my NT700 and it utterly failed at just over a year old. Never mind the cold-weather problems.

BTW I've found it's useful to have a voltmeter installed in the bike for diagnosing problems. I have a Datel hooked up so I can show accessory voltage or battery voltage fairly easily. There is a difference, if you were not aware.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

ETX18B = $219 + shipping .. ouch

At that price it better last twice as long as a conventional battery or it won't be worth it!

 

[RossKean]

Our batteries are an exceptional value given the fact they can last four times longer than a lead-acid battery, up to 8 years.

Are they saying that the average MC battery only lasts 2 years and theirs lasts "up to 8"? I have 7 years and over 100,000 miles out of my original AGM (so far). When it goes, I am unlikely to replace it with something that costs (more than) twice as much with a lifetime that may be similar - or does it mean that the replacement will last 4x longer? (400,000+ miles and 28+ years)? The only reasons I would consider the (expensive) replacement with a Lithium chemistry battery are the lower weight, smaller size and lower self-discharge rate; and only if the issues with early unexplained death and cold weather performance are addressed. The fact that it has a decent warranty is of little comfort or value when it fails to start on the side of the road in BFE. Can happen with an AGM battery as well but at least a replacement can be had locally in little time and reasonable cost.

Having said all of the above, I am pleased to see that there is some progress on Lithium battery development. As far as I am concerned, its not quite ready for prime time.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

Our batteries are an exceptional value given the fact they can last four times longer than a lead-acid battery, up to 8 years.
Are they saying that the average MC battery only lasts 2 years and theirs lasts "up to 8"? I have 7 years and over 100,000 miles out of my original AGM (so far). When it goes, I am unlikely to replace it with something that costs (more than) twice as much with a lifetime that may be similar - or does it mean that the replacement will last 4x longer? (400,000+ miles and 28+ years)?

I believe they are saying their replacement batteries last longer than any other replacement battery.

 

[HotRodZilla]

No...They're saying their batteries can last up to 8 years, which COULD be 4× as long as a lead acid battery.

Donno which LA batteries they are using, but 2 years is ludicrous.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

No...They're saying their batteries can last up to 8 years, which COULD be 4× as long as a lead acid battery.
Donno which LA batteries they are using, but 2 years is ludicrous.

I think they're full of it...many stock batteries last that long.

 

[HotRodZilla]

No...They're saying their batteries can last up to 8 years, which COULD be 4× as long as a lead acid battery.Donno which LA batteries they are using, but 2 years is ludicrous.

I think they're full of it...many stock batteries last that long.

I think that's exactly what a few of us are saying. For their statement to be true, that battery would have to last 16 years. Of course, I got almost 6 years out of my OEM battery, so 22 years for this thing is more reasonable. Obviously they can't figure for what kind of abuse the battery will see, so maybe the 8 year claim is conservative. I say at 2x the cost, it better last at least 2x as long.

 

[FJRay]

When my dad died in 92 and I got his 48 Ford, I had to put a battery in it to move it. That one finally gave up this winter so I want one of them that lasts four times longer.

In case anybody cares it was from Interstate.

 

[ionbeam]

Our batteries are an exceptional value given the fact they can last four times longer than a lead-acid battery, up to 8 years.
Are they saying that the average MC battery only lasts 2 years and theirs lasts "up to 8"? I have 7 years and over 100,000 miles out of my original AGM (so far). When it goes, I am unlikely to replace it with something that costs (more than) twice as much with a lifetime that may be similar - or does it mean that the replacement will last 4x longer? (400,000+ miles and 28+ years)?

I believe they are saying their replacement batteries last longer than any other replacement battery.

Hyperbole: the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally.

Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect. It is frequently encountered in casual speech. An example of hyperbole is: "The bag weighed a ton." Hyperbole makes the point that the bag was very heavy, though it probably does not weigh a ton.

Note that the way it is stated "...they can last four times longer than a lead-acid battery, up to 8 years." these batteries can last up to 8 years which *might* be 4 times longer than a lead-acid battery. We are being told that these batteries can be expected to be dead in 8 years. Or less. I believe that puts them in the class of ORDINARY.

 

[RichDoyle]

I test so you don't have to. Consider me the Consumer Reports dude

:

I just put one in my '13. No particular need yet, of course, since the OEM battery is plenty new. I'm trying it out: $219, free shipping. As stated above, the first one was defective and was replaced at no charge (including shipping both ways). The main difference between this and the Shorai is that EarthX batteries have internal circuitry to balance the charge among the cells, while the Shorai (and others) do not.

Replacement went in OK. BUT pay attention. Unlike the OEM, it would be easy to install this battery with polarity reversed. That would be bad

As with the Shorai, the thing is silly light - more than 7 pounds lighter than the OEM. So I've cut the bike's overall weight by 1%

(But it is almost all front-wheel weight and somewhat high in the chassis.)

It's also considerably smaller in two of the 3 dimensions. But without significant mods to the cables and battery box, there isn't much space savings, as it basically needs to be installed such that the top of the EarthX is on the same level as the OEM. So any extra room would be underneath the battery. SIDE NOTE: Even with the modified panel over the battery, in the '13 removal/reinstall of the OEM battery requires popping off that front panel. Not so with the EarthX, FWIW.

Cold-weather performance looks great so far, with the bike cranking fine on cold mornings. Subjectively, it seems to crank a bit better than the OEM. BUT it hasn't been that cold, merely high 30's. Nevertheless that would have been cold enough for my original Shorai (2-year old vintage) to have exhibited some weakness.