I've had a Shorai brand 8 cell lifep04 battery for about a year now. I probably should have gotten a 12 cell. It has enough power to crank, but where my r65ls hasn't been in the greatest tune it probably requires more from the battery than it should to start. Also, check your voltage regulator and alternator to see that you are getting close to 14v at the battery. Around 14.4v seems to be best for these batteries, but 13.5v or so should be fine. I'm only getting 13.2v at speed so my battery isn't getting charged like it should. It hasn't been a problem when the bike is kept charged between rides, but I've needed to ride it more this winter and the combination of 8 cell, cold weather and perpetual state of near discharge has scared me a few times. I have an adjustable regulator on the way, which should help. Some stock regulators can be opened up and adjusted, but not mine.