Before installing your new Shorai battery it is important to fully charge the battery. As delivered the battery is capacity is low due to shipping regulations. Properly charging the battery before use will condition and break in the cells in a controlled manner to maximize performance and extend the batteries lifespan. See the charge time reference sheet for estimates on the charging times. Most Shorai battery models will fully charge in several hours from 30% SOC when using a typical charger. For larger batteries like the 36 series and using a low output trickle charger may require 12 hours or more to fully charge.
Shorai Batteries have included a BMS protection circuit since mid 2022. If battery voltage falls too low, the main terminals are disconnected to prevent a damaging "too deep" discharge. In this case charging with a "smart" battery charger may not work, as the charger will see zero volts and refuse to start. The BMS can be unlocked several ways:
1) Use the Shorai BMS01 Charger in CHARGE MODE (not store mode)
2) Attach any 12V~15V DC Power Supply to main terminals for just 3 seconds
3) "Jump" from one 12V battery to the Shorai battery for just 3 seconds (best to use another motorcycle battery rather than car)
4) Use an old "dumb" charger. If charger output is more than 2A only use it to unlock the BMS, then shift to an appropriate charger for LiFe Lithium
If you ride once a month or more, there is no need to ever charge for almost all motorcycles.
If you are not riding, charge the battery once a month, then disconnect. For Shorai BMS01 chargers use only CHARGE MODE for this. If after sitting a month the vehicle refuses to crank well enough, then consider a maintainance charge every two weeks.
Do not use Shorai BMS01 Charger STORE MODE for these new Shorai batteries with internal BMS. The battery fully protects against overdischarge itself, and the Shorai internal system may conflict with the charger STORE MODE. After pressing the CHARGE MODE button, you should initially see the Yellow and Green LEDs alternate back and forth. This indicates the charger is charging at a reduced rate to re-condition the battery. After an hour or two, the Geen LED only will be blinking, indicating a normal 2A charge rate. Disconnect the charger after the Green LED is on constantly, without blinking.
If using a lead acid style charger, DO NOT use if it has an automatic "desulfation mode", "repair", "recondition", or "recovery" mode, which cannot be turned off. Lead acid charger/tenders can be used for regular maintenance charging and then be disconnected after the battery is fully charged. DO NOT leave the lead acid charger connected to store the battery, because most will NOT maintain the proper voltage for lithium batteries.
If your Shorai battery is unable to start your vehicle DO NOT use a jump to start the vehicle. Please only use an approved charger to completely charge the battery. Using a jump box or similar may void your warranty and can be dangerous.
Battery Charge Times:
| Charger Current Rate (Amps) | |||||
| 0.75 | 2 | 4 | 6 | ||
| Starting State of Charge | Starting State of Charge | Starting State of Charge | Starting State of Charge | ||
| 30% SOC | 30% SOC | 30% SOC | 30% SOC | ||
| Battery Model | Capacity (Ah) | Charge time (hours) | Charge time (hours) | Charge time (hours) | Charge time (hours) |
| 07L2-BS12 | 2 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 |
| 09A2-BS12 | 3 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| 09L2-BS12 | 3 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
| 12A1-BS12 | 3.5 | 3.3 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| 14A1-BS12 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| 14A2-BS12 | 4 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| 14A4-BS12 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| 14A5-BS12 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| 14L2-BS12 | 4 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
| 14L5-BS12 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.5 |
| 18A1-BS12 | 6 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 18A2-BS06 | 6 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 18L1-BS12 | 6 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 18L2-BS06 | 6 | 5.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 19A4-BS12 | 6.4 | 6.0 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 21A6-BS12 | 7 | 6.5 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| 21L6-BS12 | 7 | 6.5 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| 24A3-BS12 | 8 | 7.5 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| 24L3-BS12 | 8 | 7.5 | 2.8 | 1.4 | 0.9 |
| 27A3-BS12 | 9 | 8.4 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.1 |
| 27L3-BS12 | 9 | 8.4 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 1.1 |
| 36A3-BS12 | 12 | 11.2 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 36L3-BS12 | 12 | 11.2 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
Note- the actual charge times will vary depending on the chargers duty cycle, and will be longer if the RMS current is less than the calculated value.