Shorai was generous enough to send me a battery and charger to use in my SV650 and review. Since it’s –20F outside right now and only a few degrees warmer in the garage, I will have to wait to do the install much less actually ride the bike with the battery installed. In the meantime, here are some unboxing photos!
I received the LFX18A1-BS12 which is the Shorai replacement for the stock Yuasa YT12A-BS. I was confused when I first received the package because it was so light. I couldn’t believe there was a battery inside. I think it is amazing what the difference between lithium ion and lead acid is. The numbers:
Stock weight: 7lbs (3.2kg)
Shorai weight: 2.2lbs (0.99kg)
The cold cranking amps (cca) is also much higher on the Shorai at 270 vs 175. This means it is a stronger battery and will start the bike better in the cold. If this one works out well, I may investigate getting one for my main winter motorcycle, the Ural.
The battery is smaller than stock, so it comes with some extra foam with a sticky back to pad the stock battery box. The numbers:
Stock Dimensions: 6" x 3.4" x 4.2" (150mm x 87mm x 105mm)
Shorai Dimensions: 5.8” x 2.6” x 4.1” (148mm x 66mm x 105mm)
At first, I was going to use all the extra foam to get a snug fit in the battery box. I might pack some extra tools in there instead. We’ll have to see how motivated I get.
Shorai also sent their battery tender and cable along with the battery. Since it is a more complicated battery, it requires a smarter charger. The battery came charged, so I don’t need to use it yet. The manual recommends using it when the bike sits idle for more than a couple months similar to other battery tender uses.
Once it gets warmer, I will do the write up for the install. I have quite of bit of winter maintenance to do on the SV650: new battery, new chain & sprockets, new rear brake pads and disc, and new front tire. I’m tempted to move the motorcycle into the dining room; it is 70 degrees warmer in there than the garage. Tempting.
They are impressively light. There has been a lot of discussion on the cold weather performance of the LiFePO4 chemistry batteries. Such as low output initially. I think what I've read is to turn on the headlight for a bit before trying to start. I'm looking forward to hear your evaluation. There are a lot in use with science instruments in Antarctica due to their energy density.
ReplyDeleteso light it is hard to believe it is actually a battery and not a plastic sample box. thanks for the tip about leaving the headlight on. I doubt the SV will see cold enough temps for that to matter, but good to know anyways.
DeleteWhat a difference in weight. I am looking forward to hearing how it does in real world usage.
ReplyDeleteMoving the bike into the living room sounds perfect with your current outdoor temperature.
I am also curious. now that the bike is in the house, I am out of excuses for the install :)
Deletewell on my 2007 Patrol i have a Chinese junk battery,what reports do you have on this new tech battery? i am located in Eastern Quebec where cold is cold and battery are really working hard.thanks Gervais
ReplyDeleteMy battery in my 2007 Patrol is a Black Junk chinese,,how is yours? did you have good performances yet? i am located in Eastern Quebec and often even summer night can be cold,how yours is responding? thanks for your input.
ReplyDeleteGervais
I'm sorry to hear about your bad battery. I will post again once i have the shorai installed and have used it. In my Ural, I use an Odyssey PC680.
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