Gobsmacked today!

[Edbear]

I decided to post this here as I wanted as many people to read it as possible and I think the other thread on the Shorai batteries hasn't got the coverage I want on this.

I'll be happy for it to be shifted if necessary, though.

I took a couple of the Shorai batteries to Dave O'Leary at Watercraft World in Penrose this morning as he's a Yamaha dealer and had been keen on getting hold of the batteries for about four months.

If anyone wants a bargain, he's got an FJR 1300 with ABS and an FZ6N Diversion for sale at rock bottom pricing! Contact him on dave@watercraftworld.co.nz !

I took 2 batteries, the LFX14A1-BS12 and a 27A. The 14A1 is for bikes up to 1,000cc.

He load tested the 14A1 and it came up fully charged, so he swapped it into a 1300cc Jetski, three cyl 2-stroke. Right from cold it fired up instantly. He disconnected the plug leads and asked how long it would crank for. I said, "I don't know, no-one's flattened one yet." So he proceeded to crank the engine over for about two minutes, and then reconnected the plug leads. After cranking and spluttering for about 30sec, it fired into life again. He then switched off and restarted again, and again it fired instantly.

So he took it out and re-tested it on the load tester and it was putting out higher than at first. The Volts had increased from 12.5 to 12.9 and under load it had increased from 10.5 to 11...!

So because it was so easy on it he asked if I'd be happy to try it in something gruntier. Of course I would! We went into the showroom and he picked on an 1800cc 4-stroke, race modified and supercharged, 350hp Waverunner... Now the wee 14A1 is not a lot bigger than my I-phone and weighs a whole 700g. After trying to start it with the original battery installed, he remarked the battery was flat and it wouldn't crank over. He removed the battery from the craft and while hooking up the little 14A1 he said, "This hasn't been started for about 6mths..."

Well, that machine kicked into life after barely a couple of turns of the crank!!!! I was gobsmacked as I truly doubted it would turn it over at all! He then proceeded to stop and restart it three more times! At this point, that damn 14A1 was still cranking the engine over at full speed!!!!

So this 350hp, supercharged, race modded, 1812cc four-stroke, not started for 6mths and after starting a 1300cc wetbike four times including 2min dead cranking, fired up on about the third turn of the crank!

Now he's going to try the 27A in his 10lt, 1,000hp racing Corvette... I'll let you know how it goes...

[gijoe1313]

Giggidy, giggidy, giggidy! Sounds like you're cooking with gas! Er ... I meant firing up the barbie ... er ... gosh darn it to heck! So how much for these little passles of goodness?

[Edbear]

For a 250 you'll use a 12A1 at $249.oo with free shipping for KB'rs. Same size and weight as the 14A. Aww... heck, make it $239...:shutup:

[Gremlin]

For a 250 you'll use a 12A1 at $249.oo with free shipping for KB'rs. Same size and weight as the 14A. Aww... heck, make it $239...:shutup:
He may want one for his CB900 and CB1000R as well Ed.

[gijoe1313]

He may want one for his CB900 and CB1000R as well Ed.

And for my RZ250 and RZ350 and A100s ... :innocent: And you be quiet Gremlin, I know you are thinking of having two for the extra gadgets you got! :bleh:

[yod]

got pics of said batteries?

[Ender EnZed]

Sounds like you've got a decent product there. I'd be surprised if the Motobatt I bought recently could manage that, but really I have no idea what it would manage beyond starting my bike every time it's been asked.

What you need is some independent testing against the competition. I'd certainly be interested to see how a Shorai would perform next to a Motobatt and a Yuasa under the same conditions.

[Katman]

Tag: Love you long time.

[Edbear]

got pics of said batteries?

Yup! When I handed the 14A to Dae he asked if it was a real one! He thought they were empty display cases! :blink:


And for my RZ250 and RZ350 and A100s ... :innocent: And you be quiet Gremlin, I know you are thinking of having two for the extra gadgets you got! :bleh:

Hey, I'll do bulk deals... :yes:


Sounds like you've got a decent product there. I'd be surprised if the Motobatt I bought recently could manage that, but really I have no idea what it would manage beyond starting my bike every time it's been asked.

What you need is some independent testing against the competition. I'd certainly be interested to see how a Shorai would perform next to a Motobatt and a Yuasa under the same conditions.

Dave uses Yuasa batteries and was incredulous at the Shorai, he couldn't believe it.


Tag: Love you long time.

I like it! :niceone:

[avgas]

Tag: Love you long time.
Motorboating

[yod]

Motorboating

eeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwww..........

[Katman]

I like it! :niceone:

Hmmm, probably not if you got it.

[Edbear]

Hmmm, probably not if you got it.

Oh, is my innocence showing again..? :facepalm:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Oh, is my innocence showing again..? :facepalm:

It's got nothing to do with sex!

[Edbear]

It's got nothing to do with sex!

Now I'm confused, I looked up the Urban Dictionary...:blink:

[sidecar bob]

What you REALLY need, is a couple of girls on a pink F2 sidecar that are doing the street circiuts this year, with a big sticker for said product down each side & some brochures to give to their adoring fans, which im sure they will do for no more than a couple of new batteries for their sidecar.
Its a win win situation.

[Edbear]

What you REALLY need, is a couple of girls on a pink F2 sidecar that are doing the street circiuts this year, with a big sticker for said product down each side & some brochures to give to their adoring fans, which im sure they will do for no more than a couple of new batteries for their sidecar.
Its a win win situation.

I'm already sponsoring Shaun and one of his riders... oh, I get it... :innocent:

[sidecar bob]

I'm already sponsoring Shaun and one of his riders... oh, I get it... :innocent:
Sidecars have so much more room for proper advertising. Also, I bet nine out of ten men would choose Jo Mickleson over Shaun Harris every time!!

[Edbear]

Sidecars have so much more room for proper advertising. Also, I bet nine out of ten men would choose Jo Mickleson over Shaun Harris every time!!

I haven't seen Shaun in a pink sidecar... :shutup:

And I'm really worried about that tenth man... :blink:

[ducatilover]

Feel free to sponsor me Ed.

[bogan]

Screw the fuelly bits, you could just run directly from the battery. Got about 2 dozen you want to sponsor me ed? :innocent:

[Edbear]

Feel free to sponsor me Ed.


Screw the fuelly bits, you could just run directly from the battery. Got about 2 dozen you want to sponsor me ed? :innocent:

LOL!!! I'm getting swamped with sponsorship deals... :sunny:

Tell you what, for everyone that can get me ten confirmed sales, they'll get a free battery... :yes:

[Edbear]

Oops... :facepalm:

[Teflon]

I've read mixed reviews on these batteries.. from fires to failures within 6 months

http://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/general-discussion-30/r-r-shorai-battery%3D-epic-fail-24934/
(http://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/general-discussion-30/r-r-shorai-battery%3D-epic-fail-24934/)Typical Honda

I'll stick with lead acid batteries for now..

[Gremlin]

I'll stick with lead acid batteries for now..
Company stands by it's product from all appearances though... That in itself means a lot to me.

I'll be trying mine out in October when my bike returns...

[Edbear]

I've read mixed reviews on these batteries.. from fires to failures within 6 months

http://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/general-discussion-30/r-r-shorai-battery%3D-epic-fail-24934/
(http://www.superhawkforum.com/forums/general-discussion-30/r-r-shorai-battery%3D-epic-fail-24934/)Typical Honda

I'll stick with lead acid batteries for now..

Sounds like it wasn't the battery at fault here, but what I did find incredible was Shorai's attitude!

On a lighter note, I was contacted by Shorai today. They want to know how much it will cost for the entire repair of my bike, my labor time included, and are going to reimburse me for that amount. The president of Shorai is supposed to be in contact with me by the end of the week, to help figure what went wrong. Evidently, in the event of a failure, these batteries are supposed to be protected to prevent this sort of thing happening. So if this all happens, I may just be part of the compensated R&D, and may come out the better yet! I am trying to be positive, and so far, my experience with Shorai has been positive. Stay tuned for the outcome!! "

Can't possibly imagine that happening in NZ! I believe in standing by what I sell even at a cost to me, but this is amazing!

[ducatilover]

LOL!!! I'm getting swamped with sponsorship deals... :sunny:

Tell you what, for everyone that can get me ten confirmed sales, they'll get a free battery... :yes:

Cheque's in the mail mate, now stump up that battery.

[Teflon]

Sounds like it wasn't the battery at fault here, but what I did find incredible was Shorai's attitude!

On a lighter note, I was contacted by Shorai today. They want to know how much it will cost for the entire repair of my bike, my labor time included, and are going to reimburse me for that amount. The president of Shorai is supposed to be in contact with me by the end of the week, to help figure what went wrong. Evidently, in the event of a failure, these batteries are supposed to be protected to prevent this sort of thing happening. So if this all happens, I may just be part of the compensated R&D, and may come out the better yet! I am trying to be positive, and so far, my experience with Shorai has been positive. Stay tuned for the outcome!! "

Can't possibly imagine that happening in NZ! I believe in standing by what I sell even at a cost to me, but this is amazing!
It's a Honda thing...

My zx12r is due for a new battery. How much for a Shorai? motobatt was around 100$

Hard to beat yuasa batteries..

[Edbear]

Cheque's in the mail mate, now stump up that battery.

Jes as soon as the cheque clears, matey... :yes:


It's a Honda thing...

My zx12r is due for a new battery. How much for a Shorai? motobatt was around 100$

Hard to beat yuasa batteries..

Your bike is recommended for the 14A1 with the 18A as an option. For the best outcome, I'd probably go for the 18A but after today, I reckon the 14A would do just fine! Can do the 14A for the same price I quoted GiJoe, $239.00 and the 18A for $269.00, normally $279.00.

[Edbear]

PS... when comparing prices, Shorai claim from two to four times the battery life as well.

[onearmedbandit]

Received mine today, just about to go put it in and see how it performs.

[sidecar bob]

Any idea how these batteries cope with long periods of inactivity & what their aprox self discharge rate is? Just thinking about the off season.

[onearmedbandit]

Received mine today, just about to go put it in and see how it performs.

Well that was simple, and successful! Only needed 3 of the foam inserts, one at the bottom and two at the front. Felt strange to leave the ignition on for a couple of minutes before cranking it, but after doing so it turned over a fraction faster than the lead battery, and leapt into life. The SET valve self check passed quicker than normal too, the 9yr old cables posing no problem. Unlike my lead battery, that occasionally failed to do the self-check in time and caused the FI light to flash.

Will see how it all goes over the next few weeks, but so far I'm very impressed. Oh yeah, the weight difference. That's simple maths, obviously 700-900 grams is significantly lighter than 3400-3800 grams. But you really don't truly realise just how much weight you are carrying until you hold one of the Shorai's in your own hands.

[onearmedbandit]

Any idea how these batteries cope with long periods of inactivity & what their aprox self discharge rate is? Just thinking about the off season.

That's another of their strong points. One year is fine without use, they have approx 1/4 the self-discharge rate than Pb batteries.

[bogan]

Will see how it all goes over the next few weeks, but so far I'm very impressed. Oh yeah, the weight difference. That's simple maths, obviously 700-900 grams is significantly lighter than 3400-3800 grams. But you really don't truly realise just how much weight you are carrying until you hold one of the Shorai's in your own hands.

It damn impressive aye, I took mine along to uni and all the guys there were pretty damn astonished. So Ed, if anyone from Massey palmy (or the wider palmy area, cos they know guys too) orders one, chalk that up to another one of my ten :D

[Edbear]

Any idea how these batteries cope with long periods of inactivity & what their aprox self discharge rate is? Just thinking about the off season.

No probs, as they hold their charge for up to a year or more.


Well that was simple, and successful! Only needed 3 of the foam inserts, one at the bottom and two at the front. Felt strange to leave the ignition on for a couple of minutes before cranking it, but after doing so it turned over a fraction faster than the lead battery, and leapt into life. The SET valve self check passed quicker than normal too, the 9yr old cables posing no problem. Unlike my lead battery, that occasionally failed to do the self-check in time and caused the FI light to flash.

Will see how it all goes over the next few weeks, but so far I'm very impressed. Oh yeah, the weight difference. That's simple maths, obviously 700-900 grams is significantly lighter than 3400-3800 grams. But you really don't truly realise just how much weight you are carrying until you hold one of the Shorai's in your own hands.

Thanks for the feedback! They only get better...


That's another of their strong points. One year is fine without use, they have approx 1/4 the self-discharge rate than Pb batteries.

Yup!:yes:


It damn impressive aye, I took mine along to uni and all the guys there were pretty damn astonished. So Ed, if anyone from Massey palmy (or the wider palmy area, cos they know guys too) orders one, chalk that up to another one of my ten :D

Just tell them to tell me you recommended them. :yes:

[Edbear]

I got a call from Dave this evening. He was somewhat bemused. He fitted the 27A to his big block, now remember that's a 10lt, 1,000hp V8 for his race Corvette!

It started the beast! :gob: :blink:

[Edbear]

Pics of the watercraft we tested teh 14A on and the road bikes he has on special at stupid prices along with a nicely done up oldy.

[Edbear]

Here're the others...

[Edbear]

Whoops, sorry for the double up and I'll post the old bike tomorrow..

[Edbear]

Here's the oldy. Guess the model.

[Crasherfromwayback]

here's the oldy. Guess the model.

1978 yz250 or 400e. 250 I think though...

[Shaun]

They are are super cool and great quality Ed, thanks

[Edbear]

They are are super cool and great quality Ed, thanks

Thanks Mate!

Was a pleasure to meet you today and I hope all goes well for tomorrow! :2thumbsup

Cheers,

:rockon:

[Edbear]

1978 yz250 or 400e. 250 I think though...

I was kinda hoping someone would know as I forgot to ask Dave and didn't want to expose my ignorance... :facepalm:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I was kinda hoping someone would know as I forgot to ask Dave and didn't want to expose my ignorance... :facepalm:

Well the 76 'D' had a steel swingarm, and the later 'F' 'FIM' style side number boards.

The cyl finning could be large enough for a 400...hard to say

[Edbear]

Well the 76 'D' had a steel swingarm, and the later 'F' 'FIM' style side number boards.

The cyl finning could be large enough for a 400...hard to say

I am pretty sure it's a 250, the barrel looked too small for a 400. My initial thought was a PE250 but I'm afraid my memory is all shot to pieces due to years of drugs, (prescription of course...).

[Crasherfromwayback]

I am pretty sure it's a 250, the barrel looked too small for a 400. My initial thought was a PE250 but I'm afraid my memory is all shot to pieces due to years of drugs, (prescription of course...).

Nope. A PE 250 is a Suzuki enduro bike with twin shocks.

[Edbear]

Nope. A PE 250 is a Suzuki enduro bike with twin shocks.

Of course it is! Damn, I told you my brain's fried... :bye:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Of course it is! Damn, I told you my brain's fried... :bye:

Hahaha...mine is too don't worry. If it was a Yamaha enduro bike, it'd be blue and be called an 'IT'.

[Kiwi Carguy]

Mines still going strong. He's the pics from the other thread for those that haven't seen them. Good investment and great weight saving if you ask me!

[Edbear]

:yes:
Mines still going strong. He's the pics from the other thread for those that haven't seen them. Good investment and great weight saving if you ask me!

I should hope so! After witnessing the 14A perform, your 18 should last for years!

[pete-blen]

Well the 76 'D' had a steel swingarm, and the later 'F' 'FIM' style side number boards.

The cyl finning could be large enough for a 400...hard to say

1976 = C (Yellow / steel tank "DT shape" , round steel tube arm...
77 = D (yellow / plastic tank , round steel tube arm
78 = E (Yellow / Plastic tank , box tube arm..YZ250E..would be my pick...
79 = F (White)
80 = G (White)
81 = H (White)
82 = J (White / first of the water cooled / up right rear shock system...
letters I & O not used...?
Dam I knew all this once... old age...

[Edbear]

1976 = C
77 = D YZ250D... Yellow/ would be my pick
78 = E (White)
79 = F (White)
80 = G (White)
Dam I knew all this once... old age...

Blenheim is one place I could live! Nice weather, most of the time, and a nice town in a nice convenient part of the country! :sunny:

[Crasherfromwayback]

1976 = C (Yellow / steel tank "DT shape" , round steel tube arm...
77 = D (yellow / plastic tank , round steel tube arm
78 = E (Yellow / Plastic tank , box tube arm..YZ250E..would be my pick...
79 = F (White)
80 = G (White)
81 = H (White)
82 = J (White / first of the water cooled / up right rear shock system...
letters I & O not used...?
Dam I knew all this once... old age...

Think they were all avail in Euro white no? It was only the American market that got them yellow.

[BMWST?]

which one would you recommend for my ol BMWr100GS,its an 1989 model.

[Edbear]

which one would you recommend for my ol BMWr100GS,its an 1989 model.

The 14A1 would be fine, it's the most common battery for most road bikes from 500 -1000cc.

[Edbear]

which one would you recommend for my ol BMWr100GS,its an 1989 model.

Cancel that, I just checked and it's actually the 27L3 recommended for your bike! RRP is $379.95 maybe I can do that for you at $359.00 as long as you don't tell anyone... :shutup:

[BMWST?]

Cancel that, I just checked and it's actually the 27L3 recommended for your bike! RRP is $379.95 maybe I can do that for you at $359.00 as long as you don't tell anyone... :shutup:

what are the dimensions of said battery?

[Edbear]

what are the dimensions of said battery?

166 x 155 x 86mm weight 1.9kg

[Spearfish]

Whats the price of half a battery as in 6v?
I think from memory the one I have its about 110mm x around 110mm ?1?
Its small but I don't have electric start.

[Edbear]

Whats the price of half a battery as in 6v?
I think from memory the one I have its about 110mm x around 110mm ?1?
Its small but I don't have electric start.

Shorai only list one 6V, an 18A2 or L2, (right or left polarity). 113 x 89 x 58mm and weighs 575g. I can do it for $149.00 for you.

[Spearfish]

Shorai only list one 6V, an 18A2 or L2, (right or left polarity). 113 x 89 x 58mm and weighs 575g. I can do it for $149.00 for you.

What are the amp hours for one that size?

[Edbear]

What are the amp hours for one that size?

18 A/h and puts out 270CCA

[Spearfish]

18 A/h and puts out 270CCA

Bloody Nora that's huge!!

I'm struggling with a 4 amp one now and its physically bigger.

Next pay day......

[Edbear]

Bloody Nora that's huge!!

I'm struggling with a 4 amp one now and its physically bigger.

Next pay day......


Goodonyer! No worries!

[Edbear]

Shorai advise they have sent my order this morning! So all going well should see it either Friday or Monday. It's a huge order, taken every cent I've got plus a bit... :shutup: but I've got orders piling up and many pre-sold and paid for!

I've got several dealers in discussions about selling them and they are all very keen! :yes:

Everything is looking up! :sunny: The more I find out about the batteries and the more I sell and get feedback about, the better I feel about the huge commitment and investment I've made. I'm in the process of getting a website built, shorai.co.nz which will be similar to Shorai's US site.

Once I sign a few dealers, I'll back off retailing them, but for KB'rs and existing customers I may be able to retain my own niche market. One of the first questions major dealers ask me is whether I will be retailing as well as wholesaling as they don't want to feel as though they are in competition with the importer, understandably.

I only hope I can get enough money back from sales soon enough to place my next order,as I will very quickly run out of a few models going by the orders. Having to pay in advance, while understndable, is difficult if one doesn't have a money tree in the backyard to pick from... :no:

[Edbear]

FedEx just rang to say the batteries will be delivered Monday morning! So I'll be sending out the paid orders Monday afternoon. If you want a battery, get in quick, as the most comomon models are going fast!

[Edbear]

Check out page 140, my first magazine advertisement. :yes:

[cave weta]

Here's the oldy. Guess the model.

I had a yz125 H and it had a painted steel swing arm just like that but was white with red blocks on the tank. - that one is US model

[Edbear]

I had a yz125 H and it had a painted steel swing arm just like that but was white with red blocks on the tank. - that one is US model

Sometimes I really miss the old days.... :bye:

[Edbear]

I went back to Dave O'Leary today at Watercraft World and set him up as a dealer for the batteries, so if anyone is going through Onehunga, Church Road, pop in and see him and pick up teh batteries and feel the weight and quality of them.

We discussed the performance of them and he said he tried again with the 27A in his Corvette. Now remember this is a 1000hp, 10litre, big block V8! Shorai recommended a 36A for a customer's Harley 1800 big block so the 27A is grossly underrated for a car engine yet it started his Corvete last time.

This time it didn't get it going and was clearly struggling so against all natural instincts and against all normal practice, Dave turned the ignition and lights on for 10min to warm the battery up and guess what? Yup, it fired up that V8!!! :shit:

He's put in an initial order and I expect he will come back with a lot more requests very quickly!

As a PS. he's got this XJ 600 Diversion on sale at $1,000.0 off! Made me cry to look at it and know I can't buy it!!! :brick: :cry: :bye:

[Edbear]

My phone has been ringing hot today!

Word is getting around and it looks like I'm going to have to re-order again after just receiving my last shipment! A well known NZ Superbike rider is using just a 9A in his Gixxer thou and says it fires it up just fine! Weighing only 560g he's quite happy with it.

I've just got off the phone having been rung and invited to Manfeild this weekend. Have to confirm wifey doesn't mind me away two weekends in a row, having attended Hamton Downs last weekend but it does look like a long drive for me on Friday is going to be happening.

The lightness and power of these batteries is becoming legendary in a short time and I'm about to sign a deal that will take this to another level altogether! Clue? How many portable generators and pumps do you think are in NZ..? Yes, many are pull start but this company does the battery start ones and supplies most of the big companies in the country with them.

Anything that requires a battery to start can benefit from a Shorai!

Kinda glad I took these on, really... :innocent:

[caseye]

Whoa, Ho! Go EDbear!, keep at it mate, this is the nicest success story I've had the pleasure of reading for a long time.I'm sure it is supported by a loving wife and plenty of research etc etc, but theres nothing like watching it grow, aye. Keep up the good work. Next one of our three to cough gets one of these babies.That's a promise.

[Headbanger]

Kinda glad I took these on, really... :innocent:

If you need a business partner to share in the spoils and take care of the lower North Island then just let me know.:yes:

[Edbear]

Whoa, Ho! Go EDbear!, keep at it mate, this is the nicest success story I've had the pleasure of reading for a long time.I'm sure it is supported by a loving wife and plenty of research etc etc, but theres nothing like watching it grow, aye. Keep up the good work. Next one of our three to cough gets one of these babies.That's a promise.

Well, far be it from me to wish misfortune upon anyone... :innocent:


If you need a business partner to share in the spoils and take care of the lower North Island then just let me know.:yes:

I'm signing dealers throughout NZ so if you know of a dealer in Masterton who might want to sell them... :yes: My aim is to stop retailing them once I have enough dealers and just be the importer.

[Headbanger]

I'm signing dealers throughout NZ so if you know of a dealer in Masterton who might want to sell them... :yes: My aim is to stop retailing them once I have enough dealers and just be the importer.

Cunning plan, Though I guess I better change my profile, No longer in Masterton.

If you need a traveling rep, then let me know, Lmfao.