Went to the bike this morning to head to work. Turned the ignition switch, waited for the lights to go out on the dash to let me know the bike is ready to start and....click, click, click. No fire. I've had this bike less than three years now(bought new) and the battery is already dead. I hope this isn't what I should expect on average. Anyway, I'm not riding today and bummed about it.

Hope you all have a great day and weekend coming up. I get to go spend $$ on a new battery.

 

Did you keep the bike on a tender? Usually a HD battery will last about 5 years give or take.

 

One of the connections my be loose. Not a big issue even if you need a new battery.

 

Three years for a battery unfortunately seems about right, even when hooked to a tender.

 

That was my first thought. It sucks that you can't ride, but the situation could be a lot worse.

 

'Scuse my ignorance, and not a flame but a genuine question to those with more knowledge.

How come a Harley battery will only last 3-5 years. And is this normal for all bikes? I've had car batteries last well over ten years. Aren't they the same but smaller?

 

I was told the vibrations take a toll on battery life.

 

Vibrations, plus you're dealing with smaller cells. Batteries are chemical reactions and they only have so much material to work with. Once either the anode or cathode reach a depletion point where they can no longer generate enough charge, your battery is dead for all intents and purposes.

 

Thanks, makes sense.
Guess it works out at pennies per mile, so no biggie.

 

Looking at another battery for my Harley, while my wife's Suzuki keeps plugging along.