I tried the search and that was useless.Hundreds of threads on every subject. Awhile back there was a thread about a batty that was stronger than stock but I can't remember the name.(crs) Maybe Big Crank? I want a better than stock if practical for my '12 Deluxe. I think maybe when you surround a batty with 200* oil it may effect the longevity.

 

Here's a link to one thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...batteries.html
I just picked up a Battery from O'Reilly's 310 CCA for $110. Battery life as reported in here seems to be a hit or miss thing. Last battery lasted 3 years was from Batteries Plus.

 

Thanx, I have bought a few batteries at O'Reilly's and was pleasantly surprised to see they were made in US.

 

One thing that I have noticed in all the battery threads that I have read, they seem to forget one important thing. A person can buy the best battery that they think is out there but they still have to properly maintain that battery if they want it to last very long. My stock battery lasted a little over 8 years but I do a lot of riding and that helps to keep it charged up.

 

About the only reason I got it there is that was the place closest to where I was at the time. Died on me during the day at work. I did have some warning signs though. The new H-D battery mine came with when I bought it used lasted 1 year.

 

5.5 years since bike purchase (new).... I usually shy away from HD parts given the choice..but I'll buy another HD battery when I need one.

 

Deka and East Penn are o.e.m. Direct Replacements

 

East Penn (Deka) makes the batteries for H-D.
You can purchase them from places like BatteryMart for 80-90 bucks....doesn't come with the Harley sticker. Same specs. Or you can purchase the battery from the stealership for like 150 or 160 bucks. Same battery...just has the sticker.

East Penn (Deka) also makes a slightly higher spec battery called the "Big Crank"...which you can get from Battery Mart. For like 95 bucks. Love mine.

 

It has been my experience that NO replacement battery (OEM or aftermarket) lasts as long as the original. My advice, don't pay the "Harley premium"! Get a good quality aftermarket battery that meets or exceeds OEM specs, and if you don't ride your bike on a regular basis then keep it hooked up to a battery tender when not in use. JMO

 

+1 and put it on the tender. 8 yrs on my old bike, I think because of the tender.