Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurch II
We have two R1200GS's both with Shorais. Our first set of batteries gave us some cold weather problems (we knew all the tricks to get them warmed up but no go). We worked directly with Shorai and they have changed their formulation on the new batteries and I can attest that they work fine in cold weather. Just out of curiosity I went to our unheated barn where the bikes are stored on a sub-zero day and I was able to get both bikes to start with no problem. The battery got stronger the more I cranked. I tacked the voltage during cranking and the battery voltage actually went up from 13.2 when I started cranking to around 13.6 when the bike finally started - and it took quite a lot of cranking to get it to start. 20-50 oil is like glue at 15 below. I do have the Shorai charger and I like the fact that it tests each cell in the battery when it is hooked up and gives you at least a little information about the health of your battery.
Shorai was first rate to work with - I commend them for great customer service and a real interest in how their product performs for their customers in the real world.
In summary, I would buy the battery again. I am in year 2 with ours and I'll be interested to see how well they hold up over the long haul. So far I am very pleased.
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excellent feedback on starting your R1200 in -15(f or C?) degree weather with Shorai batteries. which model? LFX ?
HUGE advantage having an intelligent charger with balancing features with LiFePO4 batteries. 13.6v resting charge indicates a fully charged condition. LiFePO4 fully charged is 14.4v which quickly will scrub off surface volts to about 13.8v. depending on which charger was used. 14.4v to 13.6v represents about 10% of total capacity. voltage drops rapidly to 13.6 range. then voltage remains very flat until about 10% remains. only about 1/2volt drop for the working 70% of amp hour capacity. don't drop below 80% DOD or 12.86v if you want your battery to have a long life.
note just because a small LiFePO4 battery successfully starts a motorcycle at low temps with a fully charged/balanced battery. doesn't mean that same small LiFePO4 battery is recommended for adventuring. Amp hour is amp hour, there is no substitute. IMHO Shorai overates their batterie's actual amp hour capacity.
go with a larger battery than recommended.
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R90S, R80G/S PD
Last edited by _CY_; 19 Apr 2012 at 02:19.
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