My bike sleeps in the garage with battery tender since day 1. Bought it brand new Dec 2006, replaced battery Sept 2009, just replaced battery Jan 2013. I've read threads about guys getting 5-7 years out of a battery. ?????????? Is there a better battery than the HD brand ?

thanks Greg 07 fxdb

 

I had a orig. Harley battery in my Road glide that lasted 11 years without a tender. On my Dyna I had to replace a 2 yr. old battery. I have a battery tender on both bikes now. May have to do with how the bikes are ridden. Distance, how often the bike is ridden?

 

I just put my second battery in my 06 as well. I don't even own a battery tender and my dates are the same as yours. During the winter months I might get out once a month on dry days. My first replacement was an Interstate, this time I went with an Yuasa. We'll see how long this one lasts.

 

I still running the original battery 05

 

Original battery lasted only 10 months so I replaced it with a Shorai Lithium Iron battery which carries a 10 year warranty and weighs about 1/4 of the traditional battery. I had what I thought was a warranty problem but it turned out two issues, first I did not allow it to become fully charged, and second I had a parasitic drain which was not allowing the battery to become fully charged or maintain a full charged. They tested the battery and sent me the higher AMP version no charge. Very satisfied.
Bob

 

Just gotta say I bought my 'Bob' in Sept 2006 and I'm still on the same 'out of the box' standard HD battery. I keep it plugged in to a battery tender 24 x 7 when not using the bike and got the bike out yesterday on it's weekly start and run the engine to operating temperature and it fired up first push of the starter button. So I guess it's the luck of the draw as to which battery you get.

 

The hot climate in Vegas isn't exactly optimal for a long battery life

 

Original battery in my '06 Wide (built 12/05). I have a tender, but seldom use it. I get in a few rides a month during Winter.