t71ford
Over 1,000 Posts
Today was finally warm and dry enough to try for the maiden run of Project Kool-Aid, the Honda VTR. I was stoked, having worked on the bike most of the winter, so I checked and rechecked everything. Took it for a short run to my work, made few adjustments, and reveled in how light and perfectly everything was operating. Truly revolutionary changes from the previous season--light, fast, better running. Plus it looks "kool" now, too! So I decide to make a longer shakedown run, as the weather is just right, and I am really feeling it. About 4 miles out of town, at a modes 85 mph, the bike just cuts out and dies! I am really confused, since all had really been in order, and I coast to a church parking lot and stop by the building to see what is going on. At this point, there is no more electrical function at all. Smelling something, I get off to see this:
That's right, my new $140 super duper Shorai battery is on burning, spewing fire and smoke at an alarming rate. Given the dual hilarity and alarming seriousness of the situation, I am now conflicted whether to let the damn thing burn, or stop it before the fire hits the gas tank, and burns down the church, too! I managed to get the negative cable off the battery.
Still no idea what happened. Amazingly all systems are normal with a lead battery in it, although the charging system is no longer among us. I suspect the charging system full fielded, and overcharged the battery, as the two incandescent headlight bulbs showed some damage as well. Fortunately, since it is a lithium battery, there was no acid spillage, and the fire was contained by my undertail design so there is only minor wiring damage. So I guess all is well. But, I will be only going back with a lead acid battery, and will not be installing another Shorai. I am not sure if it was a battery failure, or an incompatibility in application, but I know the lead acid battery never let me down! Vive another 8 lbs!
On a more positive note, member Ringo and I still managed a pretty sweet afternoon ride, he on the "Green Bastard", and me on the XS1100. Got some pretty good publicity on Bozeman Main Street, as well as crazy eyes from the Bozeman PD. Another bonus, I got to ride the Bastard, and learned of its truly sweet cornering abilities! Maybe Ringo won't be selling it after all... ;D
That's right, my new $140 super duper Shorai battery is on burning, spewing fire and smoke at an alarming rate. Given the dual hilarity and alarming seriousness of the situation, I am now conflicted whether to let the damn thing burn, or stop it before the fire hits the gas tank, and burns down the church, too! I managed to get the negative cable off the battery.
Still no idea what happened. Amazingly all systems are normal with a lead battery in it, although the charging system is no longer among us. I suspect the charging system full fielded, and overcharged the battery, as the two incandescent headlight bulbs showed some damage as well. Fortunately, since it is a lithium battery, there was no acid spillage, and the fire was contained by my undertail design so there is only minor wiring damage. So I guess all is well. But, I will be only going back with a lead acid battery, and will not be installing another Shorai. I am not sure if it was a battery failure, or an incompatibility in application, but I know the lead acid battery never let me down! Vive another 8 lbs!
On a more positive note, member Ringo and I still managed a pretty sweet afternoon ride, he on the "Green Bastard", and me on the XS1100. Got some pretty good publicity on Bozeman Main Street, as well as crazy eyes from the Bozeman PD. Another bonus, I got to ride the Bastard, and learned of its truly sweet cornering abilities! Maybe Ringo won't be selling it after all... ;D