bdalameda
PaleoCyclist
I thought I would post a warning regarding the installation of Shorai Lithium batteries. I have several Shorai batteries on several of my bikes and overall I am quite satisfied with these batteries. I recently ran into a problem with the relatively new Shorai battery installed on my KLR650. This problem can occur regardless of motorcycle make or model.
The Shorai batteries are typically smaller than the conventional lead acid batteries they replace. Shorai provides various thickness foam shim pads to place around the battery to take up this extra space and allow the battery to fit nicely in the stock battery holder. These foam shims have an adhesive side to stick directly to the battery case. On the top of the Shorai battery there is an indented portion of the battery where a multi pin charging socket is located for the Shorai battery charger system. If the shims are installed against the side of the battery all the way to the top of the battery this indentation becomes a perfect small pocket that will hold water and can submerge the connector. This can happen when washing the bike or simply riding in the rain if water migrates down into this area. By sticking the shim to the side of the battery at this location the shim makes a dam that will not allow water to drain from this area. I washed my bike after a long ride in the dirt and a few days later I went to start it and the battery was dead. When I attempted to charge the battery the charger faulted and would not charge the battery. After I discovered that water had filled this pocket I cleaned it out, cleaned the connection but the battery still would not charge.
The good news is I called Shorai and explained what happened and they sent me a new battery right away. I believe that the Shorai battery is a great product and this was just a simple problem installation issue that could be easily be repeated elsewhere.
Dan
The Shorai batteries are typically smaller than the conventional lead acid batteries they replace. Shorai provides various thickness foam shim pads to place around the battery to take up this extra space and allow the battery to fit nicely in the stock battery holder. These foam shims have an adhesive side to stick directly to the battery case. On the top of the Shorai battery there is an indented portion of the battery where a multi pin charging socket is located for the Shorai battery charger system. If the shims are installed against the side of the battery all the way to the top of the battery this indentation becomes a perfect small pocket that will hold water and can submerge the connector. This can happen when washing the bike or simply riding in the rain if water migrates down into this area. By sticking the shim to the side of the battery at this location the shim makes a dam that will not allow water to drain from this area. I washed my bike after a long ride in the dirt and a few days later I went to start it and the battery was dead. When I attempted to charge the battery the charger faulted and would not charge the battery. After I discovered that water had filled this pocket I cleaned it out, cleaned the connection but the battery still would not charge.
The good news is I called Shorai and explained what happened and they sent me a new battery right away. I believe that the Shorai battery is a great product and this was just a simple problem installation issue that could be easily be repeated elsewhere.
Dan
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