Here is a very complete conversation on the shorai battery, and a video of the guy hard testing it. I just bought a new battery from batteries + but im going with a shorai.

http://www.triumphrat.net/speed-triple-forum/161257-shorai-life-battery-review.html

Impressive!!

I received my Shorai battery and charger on Tuesday. After work, I put the battery on the charger. I did not have to but I wanted to test the charger.

I did not have anytime to install the battery till this morning, I took a day off for a Patriot Guard mission. The Shorai battery case is a little smaller than the original OEM battery, so I added added a thick foam underneath (laying down) and a thin foam on the bottom of the battery. I think the foam reduced some vibration since the majority is covered with foam.

The original OEM battery held a nut securely in place to easily screw on the wires. The Shorai battery has a nut attached to a very squishy foam to fill the space. I had a problem installing the positive screw, I could not thread the screw because of the foam flexing too easily. I inserted a plastic ziptie head behind the foam and cut off the ziptie. I was then able to thread the screw the first time. I dd not have any problem on the negative screw.

The Silverwing started immediately ... it seemed even faster starting than the OEM battery. Subjectively it sounded a little better would be hard to prove ... I would be curious if anyone else notices the same. I also noticed that startup idle RPMs looked to about 100-200 RPMs higher.

I was following another PGR member that was driving 77-80 MPH actual by GPS to meet the group enroute. The RPMs seemed to be a little lower than normal even with my old belt ... I would be curious if anyone else notices the same.

Bill,

Better starting with a better battery i do believe.
Because the ignition is more powerfull if the Voltage not is dropping by high load of startmotor.

But once the engine is running, the alternator/regulator takes it all over from the battery.

From then , the battery does nothing but demanding a little current.

So it's hard to believe , the scooter runs better or the rpm's are lower etc..

Eddy

Good report, Bill.
I concur with eddy that a battery will only affect the cranking rpm, not the running rpm.

Maybe that silicone spray you added to the sliders leaked onto the variator and belt, reducing rolling friction?
Just kidding.

I'm awaiting my 18 amp-hour Shorai. We have a postal strike in Canada right now and nothing is coming through from the US. When I get my battery I'll post my observations as well. Who knows, maybe you're on to something and eddy and I will have to eat crow.

The 14AH Shorai weighs 1.8 lbs. The stock 12 AH battery weighs 8 lbs.

Try this:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=shorai+LFX18A1-BS12&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Well, no matter what, it looks like we're looking at about $170 cheapest price no matter what, unless that discount through ADVrider still applies.

I ordered the Shorai LFX18A1-BS12 this morning at 9:30 then a half hour later I decided to order the charger too. From mishacycles.com

I found them on the Shorai site under dealers. I noticed the phone number was located in the Chicago suburbs. I called him last night. Alex is the owner. He answered my questions. The price was $169.95. The charger was $74.95.

He was at my door this evening at 7:15 with products in hand. How's that for service. No complaints here.

Bob and I were at the motorcycle show a couple of weeks ago and Shorai was there. Then I looked up on our Forum here and read more about this battery. So I decided to go with the Shorai. Unbelievable how light this battery is and size. Have yet to put it on.

Cathy,

I was surprised to find out how much batteries cost and then find out they are so small. I think I paid $150 and just had the shop install it at the same time they changed out my anti freeze. Did yours die on you? Mine lasted about 4 years but I never put it on a charger or battery tender.

Flipping heck fellas!, i just looked at the info about this battery. I also looked at the price. $189. For a battery!! . I could buy the standard Yuasa battery for £35. That means i could buy about 5-6 batterys for the same price. As my 07 Swing still has the original battery and is performing as it should after 5years i'll stick it I just thought i should add i rarely go more than three days without riding, so i have never charged,or needed to charge, my battery.

Yikes! That is one pricey battery! The weight saving are significant, but will it last that much longer than the original I still have in 09?

My take----since the bike has no kick start or push start capability---I would go with exact OEM replacement----they work fine. If I keep machine long time, at end of three year time I replace, need it or not. Walking sucks. Battery on my Concours (spare bike) did last 5 years(56,000 miles), at that time I replaced as I knew problems could be coming---it used cheap wet battery from Batteries Plus.

Even in extreme cold my various Hondas have always started and I have used them down to zero F------My Suzuki GS500E was no go in extreme cold-----just take battery out, warm in hot water for half hour or more and you get bike running for the day. Now my new BMW R60/6 ('76) only would go in cold by big downhill.

Fuel Injection has voltage requirements to work----so having decent battery power/condition is important.

I do not use trickle chargers, but daily use of bike keeps battery up.

The Shorai battery suggested for the Swing here :

http://www.shoraipower.com/s-234986-FSC600-SilverWing.aspx

is an amp monster. It spins the starter motor and engine over much faster than the stock Yuasa. I think it's definitely worth the money.

Jeff,

I have the original battery. When I started it up after a month it seemed to hesitate a bit. Bob got it started. It didn't take long but made me think maybe I should replace it. I don't want to get stranded. I don't know how it was stored the first 1 1/2 years. He had a carport. And put 3700 miles on it in that time. I have had it 1 1/2 years and put 16,600 miles on it. My first winter I didn't ride for 4 months. This year I rode once the day after Christmas (my birthday) in the last three months. We have had a mild winter. But in the morning it is cold and ther is black ice on the streets. By the time I get home from work it is cooling off and dark.

I can't wait to get back on it.

Cathy

http://www.powerstarsla.com/PM912L41.html

I haven't used this battery, but apparently it's been discussed on one or more of the Burgman forums. Two year warranty and a pretty attractive price too. I'm thinking I'm gonna try it when I need a replacement.