Free Economy ShippingProduct Specifications for Shorai LFM36L3-BS12 Lithium-Iron Powersport Battery with BMS
| BM Part #: | LFM36L3-BS12 |
|---|---|
| Battery Polarity: |
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| Voltage: | 13.2 Volt |
| Cold Cranking Amps: | 540 CCA |
| Capacity: | 12 Ah (36 Ah Equivalent) |
| Energy Capacity: | 158.4 Wh |
| Type: | Lithium Iron |
| Length: | 6.55" |
| Width: | 3.39" |
| Height: | 6.10" |
| Shipping Weight: | 4.96Lbs |
| Warranty: | 1 Year Free | 5 Year Prorated Factory Direct |
- 540 Cold Cranking Amps: Delivers reliable starting power for high-compression and big-bore motors without hesitation.
- 4.6-Pound Lightweight Build: Sheds significant weight over lead-acid alternatives while maintaining full starting performance.
- Built-In Sentry BMS: Automatically disconnects to prevent over-discharge damage, protecting your battery during storage.
- LiFePO4 Chemistry: Contains no lead or acid and produces no explosive gases, making it safer to charge.
- Ultra-Low Self-Discharge Rate: Holds a charge longer between rides so the battery is ready when you are.
- Military-Grade Carbon Fiber Composite Case: Built to withstand vibration, impacts, and the demands of powersport use.
Product Description
Built for Riders Who Demand More from Every Start
Tired of replacing your powersport battery every couple of seasons? Lead-acid batteries sulfate, lose cranking power, and leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. The Shorai LFM36L3-BS12 is the upgrade you've been waiting for.
At just 4.6 pounds and 540 cold cranking amps, this LiFePO4 lithium iron battery gives you serious starting power without the weight penalty. That's the same CCA rating as many factory batteries in a significantly lighter package. Riders running high-compression motors and big-bore builds especially appreciate that extra cranking confidence on every start.
Protected by the Shorai Sentry BMS
What sets the LFM series apart from older Shorai batteries is the built-in Sentry Battery Management System. If the battery's resting voltage drops too low, the BMS automatically disconnects the terminals before permanent damage can occur. That means you don't have to stress about parasitic drain slowly killing your investment while the bike sits in the garage.
The LFM36L3-BS12 uses Shorai's proprietary eXtreme-Rate prismatic cells: no lead, no acid, and no explosive gases during charging. It's a cleaner, safer chemistry that also recharges faster and holds a charge far longer between rides than traditional lead-acid batteries ever could.
A Drop-In Fit with One Setup Note
The L3 case drops directly into most applications that use a BS12-group battery. Foam spacers are included to fill any extra space in your battery tray, and the right-positive terminal layout keeps your factory cables where they belong.
- Compatible with motorcycles, ATVs, and other 12-volt powersport applications
- Includes foam shims for a secure fit in oversized battery compartments
- Charge to full before first use — batteries ship at approximately 30% capacity per shipping regulations
Cold-Weather Starting Tips
On chilly days, turn on your headlights or accessories for 30 seconds to a few minutes before cranking. This gives the battery a brief warm-up and results in a stronger first start. In near-freezing conditions, 4 to 5 minutes of accessory-on time makes a real difference.
Customers with hard-starting high-compression motors consistently report that Shorai's lithium iron batteries outlast multiple lead-acid replacements while delivering stronger, more consistent cranks year after year. When you're ready to stop replacing batteries and start riding, order the Shorai LFM36L3-BS12 today.
Tech Tip:
Remember to Install the Split Bar!
To meet shipping regulations, this Shorai battery is disconnected and inactive to allow it to be legally shipped via ground and air services. Thankfully, the procedure to 'activate' the battery is extremely simple, but can be easy to overlook.
The hardware you'll need is included in your box: A "series" bar about 1 7/16" in length, two M6 bolts and washers, four screws and a plastic cover. These pieces are bagged together in your box. The bar needs to be installed as shown to the left and torque the bolts to 75kg/cm (7.3nm, 68 inch/lb) before your battery can be used.
What's the difference between the "equivalent" and "Actual" amp hour capacity?
The manufacturer includes the "equivalent" (PbEq, "lead equivalent") rating to show a more apples-to-apples comparison between the lithium chemistry and the lead-acid battery that you're likely replacing.
The lead-acid capacity rating itself is based on a complete discharge at a low discharge rate. Under actual cranking conditions they will deliver considerably less than spec capacity. And because lead-acid batteries begin sulfating when only a small percentage of the capacity has been used, and their internal resistance rises as they are discharged, the actual capacity which can be used may be as little as 20% of the mfg. rating. Discharge in excess will not only damage the lead-acid battery, it may not allow proper starting as voltage sags.
For example, the Shorai LFM18 12V series have 6Ah cells internally. But, the cells are capable of 80% discharge without damage while still retaining more cranking power. As such, the usable capacity (or "reserve capacity") of an LFM18 12V battery is very close to 18Ah-rated lead acid batteries, while also providing superior cranking and huge weight reductions.
Cold Weather Performance Expectations
Down to about 20° Fahrenheit (-7°C) 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 40°F/5°C, 30 seconds will help wake the battery and increase cranking performance. If at 0°F/-17°C, 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.
Warranty Terms
Shorai offers a Limited, Pro-Rated Five-Year Warranty for Shorai batteries, for defects in material and/or workmanship, pertaining to sales originating and delivered within the United States.
The warranty is divided into three periods from date of purchase within the USA, as follows:
All warranty claims for products purchased and delivered within the United States are handled directly by Shorai Service LLC. only. Battery Mart can only provide information for getting in contact with Shorai for warranty claims. See the Warranty Form for online submission of warranty claims, and to get your Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA#) assignment. Replacement batteries are to be issued by Shorai and sent directly to the customer. No dealership is authorized to issue a replacement battery without prior written authorization from Shorai.
Please do NOT return any product to Shorai without an RMA# or before Shorai has contacted you. In many cases issues can be solved prior to return.
Conditions which will void warranty
- Opening the battery case will void the warranty.
- Applications Not listed on the Shorai website product finder such as: Aircraft, Automotive, Go Karts, Motive power (Shorai as main power source, not engine starter).
- Over-voltage charging, or other error by charger or user setting of charger.
- Use in excess of cranking (CCA) specifications (incorrect use in custom vehicle, etc).
- Short circuit of main terminals or BMS port.
- Short circuit caused by improper installation.
- Improper connections to the 5-pin BMS port.
- Over-discharge (i.e. resting voltage allowed to fall below 12.8V/6.4V for Lfx 12V/6V types).
- Physical Damage to the battery occurring after purchase (impact, etc).
For custom vehicles if you have a stock motor pulled from another vehicle, then you can use our battery finder to select the battery that the motor came from as long as the starter gearing is the same. If you have any other questions, please give us a call and we will assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LFM36L3-BS12 compatible with my motorcycle or ATV?
A: The LFM36L3-BS12 is designed to replace BS12-group lead-acid batteries in 12-volt powersport applications, including motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft. Use our battery finder or compatibility chart to confirm fitment for your specific year, make, and model. Foam shims are included to help fill any extra space if your battery compartment runs slightly large.
Does this battery need to be charged before the first use?
A: Yes. To comply with shipping regulations, lithium batteries are shipped at approximately 30% charge. Fully charge your LFM36L3-BS12 with a lithium-compatible charger before your first ride for the best performance and long-term battery health.
Can I use my existing lead-acid charger or battery tender?
A: Most standard chargers will work, with one important exception: do not use any charger with an automatic desulfation mode that cannot be turned off. Desulfation pulses can damage lithium iron cells. Deltran Battery Tender products are confirmed compatible since they do not include a desulfation mode. When in doubt, a dedicated LiFePO4 charger is the safest option.
What is the Sentry BMS, and how does the LFM differ from the older LFX?
A: The Sentry BMS is a built-in circuit that monitors battery voltage and automatically disconnects the terminals if charge drops to a level that could cause permanent cell damage. The older LFX series did not include this protection. The LFM upgrade is especially valuable during long storage periods or any time accessories create a slow parasitic drain on the battery.
How do I get the best performance in cold weather?
A: Before cranking in temperatures below 40°F, turn on your headlights or other accessories for at least 30 seconds to warm the battery up. In very cold conditions near 0°F, 4 to 5 minutes of accessory-on time is recommended. If the engine doesn't start on the first crank, that attempt warms the battery further, and the second crank will be noticeably stronger.
Cross Reference & Compatibility
Customer Reviews
I bought this battery in 2012 when I was putting an Ultima 127 inch stroker in my bike. The motor has 10 to 1 compression so I figured I needed a bunch of battery to turn the thing. I was right, however this battery has been doing that for the last eight years and is still (2021) doin just fine. The bike is riden almost daily (weather permitting) so the battery has spent little to no time on a charger. I have never had a motorcycle battery last anywhere near this long especially considering how hard it has to work on every start.
I received the battery the day after I ordered it. It is much lighter than my previous battery but seems to have a great deal of cranking power. It has started my bike without hesitation . I am very pleased with this product.
I purchased this battery for my 20014 HD - FLHTCCI - Ultra-Classic. This was my 4th battery purchase for this bike and my last HD battery just could not provide the cranking amps needed to turn over the nearly 11 year old starter. I also purchased the Shorai Battery Charger. I inadvertently bought the battery with the polarity reversed, thinking the listing was incorrect. This is the correct battery for the FLHTCUI. It turned out that with the smaller size of this lithium battery, the reversed terminals did not pose any hardship as there was plenty of room left over to route the factory cables. The Battery Mart staff were great and offered to reship the correct battery and stayed in touch with me to make certain that the installation went well. With the assorted foam spacers included in the packaging, custom fit and placement in the battery compartment was a breeze. This was particularly important to me due to the assorted "add-on" electrical accessories I have installed over the years. This battery requires charging "attending" when the MC is parked with the cables hooked-up due to security system and other drain on the parked bile and the Shorai charger is specifically intended for this purpose. The charger is placed in full charge mode before riding (15-20 minutes max.) and you get the most remarkable power at start-up. The instructions recommend that you "warm-up" the battery before starting with all lights and other circuits on before cranking (2-4 minutes). This, in fact, works best and is a small delay in "normal operations" but produces the greatest cranking power. No starter dragging these days and I have avoided the cost of a new starter.
This is one bad as battery with lots and lots of cranking power.
I run 10 1/2 to one comp. ratio. I have compretion releasees. I use them, but dont have to.
Wanted a light weight battery for my boat . Runs the jack plate , trim , starter ,etc . No problems in the three weeks since the install . Reminds me of the batteries in my rc helicopters . Just hope it never catches fire while charging (battery does not get hot while charging , so should be just fine). Winter storage will be removed from the boat . I think the price is rather high though , hoping
Easy way to reduce your car weigh by 30 lbs.
Starts & charges as well as the factory battery.
My quickest time at the track, a 12.39, with this battery.
No problem with lots of starting cycles, in the staging lanes,at the track.
Yes, it does weigh less than 5lbs.
Own a 1700cc bike that needs quite a bit of cranking power. Bought several gel batteries before that did not last long or did not have enough power left after cranking bike a few times. So far, this battery has been outstanding although pricey - but then nothing beats peace of mind to get started whatever needs to be started.
To the longevity of the battery it is too early to comment - just hope i
