Lightweight Lithium batteries - Ducati.ms

Revelstoker · Feb 1st, 2011, 12:40 pm

Anyone have any knowledge on these batteries?

Dependability, reliabity, logevity? Anything to worry about (heat) that needs to be done to maintain these? Jumping is ok?

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

**Chuckracer** · Feb 1st, 2011, 1:21 pm

anyone tried a shorai battery yet?

Shorai Lithium Battery ??

lightweight battery?

That should get you started.

moto · Feb 1st, 2011, 1:29 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revelstoker

Anyone have any knowledge on these batteries?

Dependability, reliabity, logevity? Anything to worry about (heat) that needs to be done to maintain these? Jumping is ok?

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

We've been using the Shorai Lithium Iron LiFePO4 Battery LFX18L1-BS12 for the last few months on our project bikes- so far so good.

We've always used light batteries in our project bikes. The A123 based Speedcell batteries were used on most our earlier project bikes. The Speedcell was much stronger and more reliable than the YTZ7 or Odyssey 310 that we used before on our bikes.

The prismatic Lithium Ferrous Shorai seem to work a little better than the cylindrical A123 batteries in cold weather. They have a durable case, are slightly lighter and are less expensive than the A123 based Speedcell.

The Shorai seems to address some of the weaknesses of the earlier A123 batteries which used to vent if overcharged or over stressed. It has a fused link that will break and sacrifice the battery if overcharged or over stressed rather than vent hot internals all over your bike.

I think the Shorai is the best lightweight battery out there so far.

-M

Revelstoker · Feb 2nd, 2011, 8:37 am

Thanks for the info and links.

I wonder when these batteries will be OEM?

wcorey · Feb 2nd, 2011, 11:28 am

Porsche uses some type of very pricey lithium unit, talked to someone who sold a used one (from a wreck) on ebay for $2300.
I doubt they'll come on oem stuff until the technology is a bit more stable. It's still too susceptible to overcharging/undercharging and I don't think oem's want to be warranty replacing these because someone left they're lights on and/or put in on the wrong charger .
The Shorai's seem like a big step in the right direction though...

Bill

moto · Feb 4th, 2011, 1:10 pm

Picture of the Shorai Lithium Iron LiFePO4 Battery LFX18A1-BS12 installed on our 999R project:

The Shorai is smaller than the OEM battery. It comes with foam to take up the space. It is an easy install-- but make sure the hot lead is not touching the battery box. The 999/749 battery box has a high carbon content. It will run down the battery if the leads are touching.

-M

amp · Feb 12th, 2011, 5:50 pm

moto.. picked up the shorai 14A1 for my 998..
i noticed you run the 18.. is the 14 undersize for my need..
no additional accessories on the bike.. stock..

moto · Feb 12th, 2011, 6:42 pm

Which bike are you using the 14 for?

We used the 18 on our 999R because it has more reserve (amp hours). The 999R does not get ridden that much and it a had a small draw from something that caused the OEM batteries to run down if it sat too long. We insulated the connectors better - so far so good. The larger battery also gives us some flexibilty to swap it with the other project bikes when needed.

The 14A2 and 14A1 are listed on the Shorai chart as alternate options for the 749-999 series.

Here is the Shorai application chart:
http://motowheels.com/downloads/shorai_2010.pdf

If you have difficulty starting your bike with the 14, let us know, we can arrange a swap.

-M

Fletch9871 · Feb 13th, 2011, 2:29 pm

I purchased a Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 about a week ago. I'll be installing it next weekend and will post updates as I get some miles/age on it. I'll be installing some 4 awg starter, ground & battery wires at the same time. I'll be sure to try the new battery with the stock wiring to see how it compares with the stock battery. I'll then run some tests with the upgraded wiring. The wire I'm using is USCG rated marine wire that can be found for ~$2.00/ft. The terminals are ~$2.00-4.00 each and the crimping tool can be rented/borrowed from home stores for ~$5.00/day. That's a lot cheaper than the $75.00-100.00 kits out there...Chris

amp · Feb 14th, 2011, 4:50 pm

appreciate the heads up moto.. swapped the 14 for the 18..
local reseller recommended the 14 is the reason for the purchase initially..