Another thing to put on the "Wish List" 
Shorai initial review
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 4
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I have a really crappy habit of killing batteries, I've gone through four in about a year. As we all know with AGM batteries, once it's fully drained it's not likely to be saved. My question, essentially, is this: can I fully drain a lithium battery and re-charge it with that specific charger? Would that do any damage?
The 12 cell works great with all Sportsters, including the 1250. Click HERE for details.
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DKCustomProducts.com
I have a really crappy habit of killing batteries, I've gone through four in about a year. As we all know with AGM batteries, once it's fully drained it's not likely to be saved. My question, essentially, is this: can I fully drain a lithium battery and re-charge it with that specific charger? Would that do any damage?
However, unless you leave the lights on (while it is not running) or have some other drain on the battery (while it is not running) for an extended period, you will not have a problem with this.
Lead acid batteries in rigids and strutted bikes can have a greatly shortened life because of the vibration. Also, heat will negatively affect a lead acid battery (if the battery has been relocated in a custom build very close the engine or exhaust).
The AG batteries are NOT affected by vibration or heat.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
For those interested in Lithium batteries, here's a good (rather long) thread on the subject on Adventure Rider.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 525
Likes: 2
From: San Diego
Cool thread, thanks for posting this.. I have been on the fence to buy one of these for a while now and it looks like it's a go.. First I want one in my FXR mainly for the weight savings as I wouldn't mind losing 8 pounds or so up high on the bike..
I am looking at the Ballistic 16 cell model 500cca for my Softail as the HD AGM battery barely kicks it off at any less than a full charge because it a high compression stroker with no releases..
One thing I will say about the HD AGM battery is that it is 5 years old and still works fine probably because the bike is a daily driver around town here..
Guess it's time to open the wallet, I would like to put them in all 3 bikes..
Aside from the weight savings, I really like the size and could see making an aluminum box to fit in the battery tray to hold the smaller battery tight and create a small storage space for tools, parts, ect..
I am looking at the Ballistic 16 cell model 500cca for my Softail as the HD AGM battery barely kicks it off at any less than a full charge because it a high compression stroker with no releases..
One thing I will say about the HD AGM battery is that it is 5 years old and still works fine probably because the bike is a daily driver around town here..
Guess it's time to open the wallet, I would like to put them in all 3 bikes..
Aside from the weight savings, I really like the size and could see making an aluminum box to fit in the battery tray to hold the smaller battery tight and create a small storage space for tools, parts, ect..
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,589
Likes: 4,019
From: San Diego, CA
Do they make them with stock battery dimensions?
On my 1991, a tiny battery would look pretty goofy inside my exposed battery tray, not to mention trying to figure out how to secure it from the top. The Shorai is made to fit the stock battery tray? It looks like the Shorai listed for my bike weighs 4.68 lbs, my current battery is 13.6, so almost 9 pounds lighter!
John
On my 1991, a tiny battery would look pretty goofy inside my exposed battery tray, not to mention trying to figure out how to secure it from the top. The Shorai is made to fit the stock battery tray? It looks like the Shorai listed for my bike weighs 4.68 lbs, my current battery is 13.6, so almost 9 pounds lighter!
John
Last edited by John Harper; Jan 4, 2013 at 05:28 PM.
Do they make them with stock battery dimensions?
On my 1991, a tiny battery would look pretty goofy inside my exposed battery tray, not to mention trying to figure out how to secure it from the top. The Shorai is made to fit the stock battery tray? It looks like the Shorai listed for my bike weighs 4.68 lbs, my current battery is 13.6, so almost 9 pounds lighter!
John
On my 1991, a tiny battery would look pretty goofy inside my exposed battery tray, not to mention trying to figure out how to secure it from the top. The Shorai is made to fit the stock battery tray? It looks like the Shorai listed for my bike weighs 4.68 lbs, my current battery is 13.6, so almost 9 pounds lighter!
John
Just PM or email us the year & model or the dimensions and CCA you want. Also which side you want the terminals on.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
They're nearly identical to stock sportster battery dimensions if you purchase the recommended model (LFX21L6-BS12). The weight is nearly 10lbs lighter. They also include foam spacers to ensure a snug fit if they're smaller than your battery compartment. If you're willing to accept some risk, you can find a smaller form-factor battery which some folks have had success with on a Sportster. Mine failed rather quickly.
In regards to charging, you can use a standard low amperage trickle charger as long as it does not use a desulfication mode. "Battery Tender" brand are confirmed by the Shorai FAQ to be compatible.
As an update to my personal situation, I just fired the bike up in a 35 degree garage on the new / replacement LFX21L6-BS12. Took a few attempts since it's been idle for roughly a month (had to get some stabilizer in it for the winter), but it had no issues turning the motor.
In regards to charging, you can use a standard low amperage trickle charger as long as it does not use a desulfication mode. "Battery Tender" brand are confirmed by the Shorai FAQ to be compatible.
As an update to my personal situation, I just fired the bike up in a 35 degree garage on the new / replacement LFX21L6-BS12. Took a few attempts since it's been idle for roughly a month (had to get some stabilizer in it for the winter), but it had no issues turning the motor.
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