Ordered A Shorai Lfx18A1-Bs12 Battery For My Beast

I just ordered a Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 battery for my 98 VFR 800.  This is the extended rate (270 CCA/18A/hr) battery.  Amazon has them for $95.

I'll post a review to this thread once it's in the bike~

Are you sure you ordered the LFX18A1-BS12 and not a LFX18A1-BS06?   I see the latter for $92, but not the 12V version.

I've been watching prices on this for the last couple weeks, and I haven't seen the LFX18A1-BS12 anywhere near $95 from any reseller.  

Mind sharing the link you purchased from?  :)

Crap.  Just had this email conversation with THE OUTLET who sold me this battery via amazon.com:

"Order ID 109-1426225-2991444:
1 of Shorai Lithium Battery LFX18A2-BS06 Lightweight Powerful [ASIN: B007B6UNV2]

------------- Begin message -------------

Hello,

The battery is the 6 volt version. Your order has already been processed, we are unable to make any changes to it. If you need to return item for a refund you can submit your return request via Amazon for authorization.

Thank you,

The Outlet

--- Original message ---

Order ID 109-1426225-2991444:
1 of Shorai Lithium Battery LFX18A2-BS06 Lightweight Powerful [ASIN: B007B6UNV2]

------------- Begin message -------------

It came to my attention this may be the 6 volt version of the battery (BS06).  The description clearly stated this was a 12 volt battery.  In researching the model numbers, it appears the 12 volt is BS12 & the 6 volt is BS06.  PLEASE VERYIFY before shipping to me!  I require the 12 volt version.

Thank you,
 

Oops, I thought that price was awfully low. :comp13:

It looks like the LFX18A1-BS12 is like $145...  Still a good price IMO.

It looks like the LFX18A1-BS12 is like $145...  Still a good price IMO.

I checked the dimensions on this; it said it was 8" tall...???

It's pretty small compared to the Lead Acid battery.  It also weighs 2.2 lbs.  I paid about $145 for mine plus shipping.  The lead acid battery is $120.

my point being that the 8" would not fit in the bike

• There's  alot  crap  right  now  on  the  internet .

Crap.  Just had this email conversation with THE OUTLET who sold me this battery via amazon.com:

"Order ID 109-1426225-2991444:
1 of Shorai Lithium Battery LFX18A2-BS06 Lightweight Powerful [ASIN: B007B6UNV2]

------------- Begin message -------------

Hello,

The battery is the 6 volt version. Your order has already been processed, we are unable to make any changes to it. If you need to return item for a refund you can submit your return request via Amazon for authorization.

Thank you,

The Outlet

--- Original message ---

Order ID 109-1426225-2991444:
1 of Shorai Lithium Battery LFX18A2-BS06 Lightweight Powerful [ASIN: B007B6UNV2]

------------- Begin message -------------

It came to my attention this may be the 6 volt version of the battery (BS06).  The description clearly stated this was a 12 volt battery.  In researching the model numbers, it appears the 12 volt is BS12 & the 6 volt is BS06.  PLEASE VERYIFY before shipping to me!  I require the 12 volt version.

Thank you,
 

Buy  two  of  them  and  put  them  in  series !!!

I just picked up a LFX19A4-BS12 for my 6th gen a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't all that much smaller than the OEM, though it was definitely shorter. I needed a couple of the pads that came with it to fit properly.

As for price, the best I found was Revzilla. http://www.revzilla....lithium-battery

 

Crap.  Just had this email conversation with THE OUTLET who sold me this battery via amazon.com:

"Order ID 109-1426225-2991444:
1 of Shorai Lithium Battery LFX18A2-BS06 Lightweight Powerful [ASIN: B007B6UNV2]

Bummer.  Sorry to see I was right.  I was hoping you really had found a smokin deal on the 12V version.  

Yes, make sure it is the LFX19A4-BS12. The previous version was a lower amp hour battery and it wasn't enough for the VFR - mine packed it in. Shorai graciously replaced it free when it did die though - still pretty new technology. A few pieces of foam from their kit and it will fit like a glove and it is incredibly light.

Buy  two  of  them  and  put  them  in  series !!!

That would work, but also make it a $190 battery. :wacko:

I don't get it?

I just put a Yuasa VFR battery in my Ducati 848. It was 60.00. Yes it is bigger than the OEM Ducati battery and it does have more CCA.

Why go to the lithium battery?

There are more complaints than good qualities of the battery.

Cold weather starting is the complaint I hear most followed by the length the battery lasts.

A riding buddy put one in his 1098s. It barely cranked the bike in the summer time, not at all during the winter months.

Then it died last month and it isn't even a year old.

I get easily five years plus out of Yuasa batteries.

If it is weight savings which you are after, stop drinking Coke. You will loose ten pounds immediately.

Besides, you are riding a VFR. Not ever going to be known as a lightweight bike. 

Got a Yuasa Lithium Ion for $99.  Returned the Shorai just now.

^^^ Yuasa Lithium? 

GS Yuasa Lithium Power
GS Yuasa is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers for automotive, telecom, and industrial applications and has produced commercial lead acid batteries for more than one hundred years.  GS Yuasa manufactures a variety of specialty battery technologies including Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Thermal batteries and Silver Zinc.
GS Yuasa Lithium Power, Inc., a United States subsidiary of GS Yuasa, is focused on large format lithium ion battery system support and manufacturing for US customers.  Primary products are lithium-ion battery systems for aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial applications.

[image: AGM_chart.jpg]

GS Yuasa Lithium Power
GS Yuasa is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers for automotive, telecom, and industrial applications and has produced commercial lead acid batteries for more than one hundred years.  GS Yuasa manufactures a variety of specialty battery technologies including Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Thermal batteries and Silver Zinc.
GS Yuasa Lithium Power, Inc., a United States subsidiary of GS Yuasa, is focused on large format lithium ion battery system support and manufacturing for US customers.  Primary products are lithium-ion battery systems for aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial applications.

[image: AGM_chart.jpg]

All three of the batteries pictured and the list are standard acid batteries my friend.

I work for a dealership that sells the Shorai's. We have had lots of problems with them not being able to crank over bikes and fully depleting to the point they are dead.

GS Yuasa makes Li-Io batteries for commercial and military aircraft including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, etc.

Also FYI, the "Lithium" batteries we are seeing for power sports machines including motorcycles, are Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo) batteries,  These are not the same as Lithium Ion batteries like those fitted to the common laptops and Iphones, the Chevy Volt and Tesla Model S.  Li-FePo batteries have about 75% of the energy density of equivalent weight/size Li-Io batteries but they cost less AND they do not produce the kind of heat that Li-Io batteries do.  Nevertheless, Li-FePo batteries are significantly lighter & smaller than AGM batteries.  They also do not discharge as quickly as AGM batteries and will hold a charge much longer.

The cold start issues occur when the Li-FePo batteries are subjected to very cold temps.  Something like below 30 deg F.  It needs to be warmed up.  That includes turning your ignition to on for a minute.  Keep in mind that even AGM batteries also degrade in very cold temps.  Finaly, Li-FePo batteries also need to be trickle charged regularly when left unused and connected to your bike for long periods just like any other battery.

My reason for going with the Li-FePo is that the price of the AGM battery was within $25 of the Li-FePo.  So I figure why not get the benefit of a much lighter, 2.19 lbs. battery?

GS Yuasa Lithium Power
GS Yuasa is one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers for automotive, telecom, and industrial applications and has produced commercial lead acid batteries for more than one hundred years.  GS Yuasa manufactures a variety of specialty battery technologies including Lithium-ion, Nickel-Metal Hydride, Thermal batteries and Silver Zinc.
GS Yuasa Lithium Power, Inc., a United States subsidiary of GS Yuasa, is focused on large format lithium ion battery system support and manufacturing for US customers.  Primary products are lithium-ion battery systems for aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial applications.

[image: AGM_chart.jpg]

Can't find lithium 

Oh  yeah  that's  the  battery Boeing  had  the  fire  on  the  777.  

About them fires.  :wink:

Like the Tesla too.

Li-Io, as you know from cradling your laptop and using your Iphone, they get hot.  They NEED heat management that's for sure.  The Chevy Volt and the Tesla actually use coolant I believe to keep those suckers cool.  BTW, once the Lithium gets hot enough to melt they catch fire and when they catch fire they are very difficult to put out!  They require a type of fire suppressant not normally available except to First Responders.

Thankfully, we don't put those in our little motorcycle.  Can you imagine?  The engine already puts out a lot of heat!

We have had one Shorai fitted to a bike melt itself. Was replaced under warranty. Customer did not know what happened. He was cranking his bike (CRF450) and smelt burning plastic. No fire started, just a very warped battery. Oddly, the Shorai would not start the CRF in cool weather and each successive crank killed it more. An acid one started it right away.

http://www.amazon.co...99421051&sr=8-1

^^^ Yuasa Lithium?

Good to see a big company like Yuasa join the fray. :beer:

http://www.amazon.co...99421051&sr=8-1

 

^^^ Yuasa Lithium?

Sweet  great  price  !!!

Looks  like  MMG  same  battery ..

Actually, it IS the MMG.....not sure how or even if Yuasa was involved in this one. 13.8 volts after charging, 14.28 charging at the battery on startup. After running it up to 5500 RPM, it peaked at 14.48/14.50 & stayed there even after dropping back down to idle. 270 CCA, baby!

Even with handy little plastic spacers that came with the battery I had to put cardboard spacers at the bottom of the battery box so the terminals would bolt up correctly. This battery is a snug fit in the box!

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^^^ Curious as to the makeup of the chemistry of the battery. The note about becoming hot is interesting. - Would it be LiFePo4 or something else?

It says lithium ion. beyond that, I couldn't say.

Just asking for curiousity sake, the Lithium ion are the one's that can catch fire if it gets too hot. Think Boeing, Tesla. - The LiFePo4  battery types are more stable. 

I have been running a Shorai in the K12S for over a year and a half (two winters).  Cold start problem is fixed by turning the ignition to the on position while I put on my helmet and gloves, even at around 30F (have not tested below this).  The bike runs smoother and is notably lighter.  Keeps a charge for at least a month and a half with no discharge problems.  Good warranty.  Only time will tell if it is worth the extra expense.

Good advice on cutting out soda and losing 10 lbs, too, btw.

I've noticed if you just cut out soda, fast food, and crap in general, and size your portions correctly the weight just sheds off.
Being in shape feels better than any food/drink tastes.

Holding a 13.4 volt charge overnight & nary a hiccup from this battery thus far.  HAPPYNESS~

Just a follow up at the 3 month (ish) point.  Supremely happy with this battery.  I'll continue updating this thread.

One year later & this battery has performed like a CHAMP. Love it!

I removed it from the bike for the winter in December 2014 & it has maintained a constant 13.2 volts since then. I'll be dropping it in the bike next week....don't anticipate any issues.

I've had mine for about a year and half and no problems either. Starts first crack every time, even after sitting through the winter (just leave it on a trickle charger).

I've had Shorai LFX batteries in my bikes since 2011.  Absolutely no problems, ever.  Well over 100,000km of riding.  My current bike - the K1300R - starts like a champ even if I leave it for weeks.

My poor brother in law has had a bunch of start failures on his ZX12R.  Failed stator, failed regulator, failed starter motor.  He has a Shorai LFX which has worn the brunt of these problems by getting drained flat a few times and heavily drained by the starter motor when that began to fail.    The battery keeps on ticking though.

In particular, when the charging system totally craps out, the bike runs longer on the Shorai than on lead acid.  This is due to way Lithium batteries hold voltage for longer.  Sure, they eventually drop off a cliff but lead acid tends to drop from 12 volts down to under 9 volts long before the rated capacity is used up.  And at that point your fuel pump and coils stop working.