As winter hit I parked my bikes inside a heated shop for winter service. I serviced the first one and did some modifications to it as well. It took about 30 days by the time the chrome shop and backordered parts were done. I took it off the lift and went to put my 07 Heritage on. I found the battery dead. This bike has a little over 2000 miles on it and nothing was left on. I would think that the battery should hold up for 30 days. Is this common or do you think I have a problem? I've pulled the battery out and recharged it. It seems to be a good one. One of the service items on my list was to install a tender cord however if I've got some draining problem I don't want to just cover the problem up with the tender. Any thoughts?

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When I bought my bike, I was told by the dealer to use a Battery Tender when parkedmore thantwo weeks.

The factory alarm is drawing from the battery.

 

I always use a battery tender after each ride. As soon as the bike cools it hook it up. I purchased mine from Summit Racing and it is a Autometer brand. Any good brand will do. My FatBoy came with a battery tender hookup already installed.
If not sure of the battery do a multimeter test to see the voltage reading when engine not on. Then do it again with engine running. If the static reading is below 11.5 the battery is toast. It should read 12 or slightly higher. Then when running it will register higher still. Make sure ignition switch is turned off when parking the bike to avoid current draw.


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There is a constant draw with the security system on the bike. If you're going to let the bike set for a long period of time, with out a Tender, you should disconnect the battery.

 

Was your security system turned on, while it sat for the 30 days?
Tom

 

Yes,I wasn't aware you could shut it off. The LoJack system said it has a 10 year battery. The security system makes the lights flash only if you mess with it. Other than that I didn't know it used power while idle?