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[MajorMajor]

I'm feeling the range limitation a bit too much with the FXS which only has 6.5 kW/h.

Assume I'd be mounting it on the tail.

Can I either:
1. Run it in parallel with the 2 internal ones.
2. Add a switch that switches over to the spare battery without removing the 2 internal ones (disconnects them).
3. Charge the 2 batteries with the external one, while riding.

Is this possible without access to the firmware?

[Fred]

None of those sound realistic. At least with the FX it is possible to stop and swap batteries.

[domingo3]

I would think #2 would be the easiest to implement, by far, as long as you don't mind momentarily powering down the bike before switching.  I'd worry about how adding a heavy battery to the tail would affect handling.

[gman669]

I think for the size and weight and cost of an extra battery that doing a DIY 2-5kw charger that will use a standard ev charger might get more range per hour than an extra battery. With something you may be able to package lower down on the bike than the tail. 42 lbs of battery will feel fairly significant IMO. I love the way the bike feels with a single battery and see even the second battery slightly crippling in the dirt(heavy front end)

[laramie LC4]

if you go with #2 though the power is very limited. i thought i could try it at the track but no way. the bike looses way to much power and that without the weight of an additional battery. if your in town not going over 40 mph, you might be ok, but anything more i'd say no.

now that i think of it though, what about a possible option #4...

get the off-board charging adapter ($140), then buy one of the anderson connectors for the speed charger ($4), wire them up, and plug the battery into the speed charging port? don't know if it would work, but maybe.... ??

laters,

laramie 

[Electric Cowboy]

You have to tell the contactor on the extra battery to close.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[grmarks]

You have to tell the contactor on the extra battery to close.

But it doesn't have ears, how will it hear you??

[KrazyEd]

If you search through the archives, I believe that I have seen similar options posted. If I recall, someone ( maybe more than one ) wired extra batteries in saddle bags.
That may have been earlier with the previous contactor setup. I believe Doc Bass has done quite a bit with various battery experimentation. I think that he also has
higher capacity batteries on his 2012. I went with the FX 5.7 because I liked the lighter weight and more nimble ride. I have other ICE bikes that I can ride for longer
rides. I recently picked up a 2016 SR with the intention to get rid of the FX. The SR is more practical as a daily driver with much less attention needed to riding style for
range. After going back and forth between the two, it doesn't look like the FX is going to go away any time soon. WAY too much fun to ride compared to SR.

[grmarks]

If you search through the archives, I believe that I have seen similar options posted. If I recall, someone ( maybe more than one ) wired extra batteries in saddle bags.
That may have been earlier with the previous contactor setup. I believe Doc Bass has done quite a bit with various battery experimentation. I think that he also has
higher capacity batteries on his 2012. I went with the FX 5.7 because I liked the lighter weight and more nimble ride. I have other ICE bikes that I can ride for longer
rides. I recently picked up a 2016 SR with the intention to get rid of the FX. The SR is more practical as a daily driver with much less attention needed to riding style for
range. After going back and forth between the two, it doesn't look like the FX is going to go away any time soon. WAY too much fun to ride compared to SR.

Whats wrong with having both? I have an SR but would love to have the 2017 FX with chain kit and nobbies for off road riding as well. With the new IPM motor and extra power, the chain kit will bring back the lower gearing making it a real power house off road.

[KrazyEd]

Nothing wrong with having both, that was my point.
I am never intentionally off road, so, belt suits my needs.
When I bought my FX, I picked up the chain conversion
kit. Never felt the desire to swap it out. I have several
ICE bikes with chains, I like the belt. I have seen a few
people having issues with the belt, but, not many. The
newer wider belt should be even stronger. I am guessing
that you would lose a little power with the chain vs belt
as well. Not to mention having to replace it much more
often. I wonder if the spline on the 2017 bikes makes
for easier counter sprocket removal. That would be a plus.

[Justin Andrews]

Simple solution.
You could just pop the spare battery(s) into a top box, unconnected, and then stop and swap out the batteries when the other two get low.

[Fred]

Does anyone actually ever swap batteries? I know the military wanted it and I seem to remember someone here did it when at a track, but does anyone for general use? I guess that's why the 2017s only have removable as an option now.

[zdts]

Running one battery at a time was one of the main selling points for me. Running off road trails with 42 less lbs and the option to have a battery always on charge back at camp is huge.