Battery?

[Ray]

Dave I had probably 4 or five Shorai batteries on different bikes from a R1200RT to a S1000RR. They are great batteries but have one quirk.

When it is cold out, like in Gunnison, (less than 50 degrees) turn the ignition on and and wait 30 seconds before you try to start the bike. This gives the battery time to "warm up". The bike should start normally after the battery is warm.

When it is warm out the Shorais operate normally.

I recall this recommendation for lithium iron batteries in general. I'm not riding, so I pulled the manual:

COLD WEATHER STARTING: Down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7C) most users find that they can start normally on first crank. If your headlight comes on at key-ON, it is good for the batteries to flow some current before cranking in cold weather. The suggested headlight-on time before cranking depends on the temperature. If starting at 40F/5C, 30 seconds will help wake the battery and increase cranking performance. If at 0F/-17C, leave the lights on for 4~5 minutes before cranking. The result will be a better first crank, and longer battery life. If the engine fails to start on first crank, that first crank has warmed the battery, and the second attempt will be much stronger. Other accessories that can be turned on before cranking can also be used for this purpose, such as heated gear, radio, etc... Insuring that the battery is fully charged after storage also improves first-start performance in cold weather.