Junk lead/acid battery is crappin out in my 14 after only a year and a half. I'm going to go with a Shorai. Which one did you guys get and who's got the deals? Last I heard they were all sold out.

$139 here

http://www.superbikesupply.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?

I think I'm going to go with the larger case 18 amp-hour version, LFX18A1-BS12 from MotoMummy at $164. It's only a couple ounces heavier but a big difference in cold cranking amps over the 14 amp-hour version, 270 vs 210. Also, I'm thinking the large case version might be easier to fit into the battery box. I've heard the 14 AH job tries to fall through the cracks so to speak. Anybody try the 18 amp-hour version yet? I know Rook and Romans went with the 14 AH, Dogo I think tried an 18 AH.

I just checked with Shorai USA, they are completely sold out of about 2/3 of their battery line. Hope I can find one, I'd sure hate to go back to lead acid.

I'll do this during my winter mod session. 'Course, if I'm in Huntsville AL come then, which is a possibility, I'll be able to work during the winter because its not as cold as western Maryland in the winter.

I could use the space to stuff some more gadgets in.

I think I'm going to go with the larger case 18 amp-hour version, LFX18A1-BS12 from MotoMummy at $164.

It's only a couple ounces heavier but a big difference in cold cranking amps over the 14 amp-hour version, 270 vs 210.

Also, I'm thinking the large case version might be easier to fit into the battery box. I've heard the 14 AH job tries to fall through the cracks so to speak

All that is changed is that the + cable needs to be bent to reach a couple " lower. I put mine in so that + is to the the back so that the cable did not need to be bent as severely. Just looked in the bat box yesterday. No problems with anything.

Performance is about the same as the stock battery which I always found to be quit adequate for my needs.

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/22/2011 @ 8:23 AM *

Off Shorai website:

LFX14A2-BS12....... 1.61 lbs

LFX18A1-BS12....... 2.12 lbs

Difference is .51 lbs or just over 8 ounces, insignificant compared to the extra 60 amp-hours of cold cranking you get with the larger battery.

Also part of the weight difference can be made up by not needing the plywood tray etc.

Just a thought

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/22/2011 @ 11:07 AM *

insignificant compared to the extra 60 amp-hours of cold cranking you get with the larger battery.

yeah ..i'll keep my big battery too..

Right on there 1Bad, the lightest bike in the world is not much use to me if it won't crank...LOL!

Yeah, my 18ah Shorai is performing flawlessly, Kruz... Cranks the big motor over fast.

I'm trying to order one right now Dogo but I just moved, so the billing and shipping addresses are going to be different. Isn't that going to screw things up with my credit card company?

I'm going 18 amp-hour on the 14, I love the way my CBR cranks super fast with the larger size battery. I notice that a lot more than a couple ounces of weight.

BTW, did the larger battery fit the existing tray better or did you have to go with the plywood tray trick?

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/22/2011 @ 12:20 PM *

billing and shipping addresses are going to be different. Isn't that going to screw things up with my credit card company?

Depends on the policy of the company you purchase from. My billing and shipping adresses are different. The "good" companies just call me to confirm the details of the order.

BTW, did the larger battery fit the existing tray better or did you have to go with the plywood tray trick?

Stock battery tray and cap... I just used the included foam to add size to the Shoria until I was happy with the fit. Checked on it after my 2500 mile trip... It had not moved even 1 mm.

Just ordered my size 18A from MotoMummy. Did not know they carry them. Good guys. I bought from them my Akra systems for ZX-14 and ZX-6R. Thanks for the info Kruz.

* Last updated by: Steven14 on 6/22/2011 @ 12:33 PM *

Just ordered my size 18A

You'll never buy a lead acid for another bike again.

Ditto, 6 months on my Shorai in the CBR and it's a honey, won't go back to lead acid. Thanks for that input Dogo, sounds like a 20 minute install just like on the CBR.

I'm trying to get ahold of MotoMummy to check availability but they seem to have only one phone line and it's always busy. Steven, when did you order yours?

Well, just today. My OEM battery is still OK, however, it's more than 4 years old and can go out any time. I would be OK with wait if on back-order, however, I just received Fed-Ex tracking number. Means the battery was in stock.

Right on there 1Bad, the lightest bike in the world is not much use to me if it won't crank...LOL!

the 1 time that battery won't start my bike while i'm in a staging lane and have to give a race is all its gonna take..

i'll stick to gel battery with 200 cca and a long reserve .. making 8 second passes and 2 minute returns in 100 degree heat isn't enough charge time .. it takes 15 minutes of engine run time to recharge for every start-up ..

Difference is .51 lbs or just over 8 ounces, insignificant compared to the extra 60 amp-hours of cold cranking you get with the larger battery.

Also part of the weight difference can be made up by not needing the plywood tray etc.

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/22/2011 @ 2:43 PM *

Well, just today. My OEM battery is still OK, however, it's more than 4 years old and can go out any time. I would be OK with wait if on back-order, however, I just received Fed-Ex tracking number. Means the battery was in stock.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sure hope you didn't get the last one..lol. I'll give e'm another call this morning.

I got the 18 last month and so far im very happy with it. It sounds a tad bit faster than the old yuasa when its turning the big girl over.

* Last updated by: motorpycho on 6/23/2011 @ 7:51 PM *

I sure hope you didn't get the last one..lol. I'll give e'm another call this morning.

Hope they had more. Did you order one?

just got my 18a today ordered from superbikesupply.com ordered it online wed night 10pm and had it in my possession today (fri) super impressed with them, just need cooler weather to get it installed now lol

fyi a while back when you entered ur bike info for the 14 it came up with the 14a and the 18a now they only recomend the 18a for the 14

You guys crack me up, we all have a really cool bike; the ZX14, and, I think we all know this is a big machine -- heavy etc. But, trying to save a few meager pounds in a freaking battery, jeesh, I don't see any reason for this, it will still be a heavy bike! If you want a lighter bike, get a Ducati Supersport 800, that's a light weight machine, or, get an old Honda 954, they both come in under 400 lbs!

for me its not about trying to make the bike skinny lol my battery died and i have my led computer inside the batt compartment and from the right side my remote will not work so im thinking the lead battery is shielding it, and i like the possible 10 yr life span from this batt