Hi folks,

Just got done installing my new slip-ons from dk custom and installed air cleaner. I went to fire it up and the battery was dead. Damn it... I had it on a tender all winter too. So I'm assuming I need a new one. I don't have a volt meter. Next on my list.. I did jump it and my house was shaking. Sounded great. Anyway, just wondering if there's any one battery that is better at holding a charge without sitting on a tender. I don't mind bringing my bike in the house in the winter but I have it stored in a shed in the summer without any power. Any recommendations for a battery? I'm not sure what to look for in a battery. I wonder if it makes sense to buy a cheapo and replace it every year knowing I can't take care of it on a trickle.
Thanks guys, Russ

 

There are many threads on batteries. Mega crankbseems to be the best choice. But, other than lithium no conventuknal battery likes to go more than a few days consistently without a tender.

But, I'll suggest that I'd you ever let the bike sit more than a few days without running it enough to fully charge the battery, you really should put it upon a tender. These batteries do not have a lot of maH capacity, and the parasitic drain can easily reduce the charge. Continually don't no so can permanently damage the battery.

One solution is a solar powered battery tender. I put one on my trailer and it worked great. My bike has GPS trackers that have a pretty good drain, so I notice it after a few dats without a tender.

 

I did a ton of research on batteries last fall as mine died with a few weeks left in the riding season. I ended up just going with the tried and true stock HD battery. Nothing else made sense to me.. you might be more adventurous though. Whatever you get, do report back after months and years of riding.

 

had 8 good years out of the stock harley battery , bought same again

 

I replaced my factory battery last fall with a new HD battery. I liked the terminals that did not need a spacer. With the HD HOG discount it was about the same as the others I looked at.

Here is some info I compiled while shopping online-

2013 Sportster battery
HD part number 65958-04B
Fits '15-later XG, '04-later XL and '08-'12 XR models. Also fits Buell® 1125R/CR models.


http://www.impactbattery.com/etx14l.html
The ETX14L battery is made by East Penn / Deka in Lyons, PA. It is a true American designed, American loved, genuine made in USA power sport battery!
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 220

It is no secret that East Penn manufactures the OEM Harley Davidson battery under the part number 65958-04.
It is also no secret that East Penn also sells the ETX14L battery to major automotive box stores under various private labels
as well as to other prominent franchises, brands and online stores. Don't let the sticker fool you, take notice of the unique
Harley Davidson replacement battery case and terminal structure to confirm you are looking at the same product.

Below are some of the comparable East Penn ETX14L labels for your review:

O'Reilly's (Super Start Extreme) ETX14L
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...0058&ppt=C0393
1 Year Limited Warranty
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 220 CCA
Voltage (V): 12 Volt
Length (In): 5-7/8 Inch
Width (In): 3-7/16 Inch
Height (In): 5-3/4 Inch
Weight (Lbs): 12 Lbs.
Terminal Type: Small Engine
Voltage (V): 12 Volt

Auto Zone (Duralast Gold)
http://www.autozone.com/miscellaneou...rchText=ETX14L
Part Number: ETX14L
Weight: 12.0lbs
Warranty: 3 months
AGM
12 Volt
12 Ah
3 Amp
Amp-hour: 12
Application: Power Sports
BCI Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 220
BCI Cold Cranking Amps Value: Tested to BCI Standard
Battery Height: 145 mm - 5 3/4 in
Battery Length: 150 mm - 5 7/8 in
Battery Width: 87 mm - 3 7/16 in
Core Charge Applicable: Yes
Positive Terminal Side: Right
Power Sport Battery Type: BTX14L-BS

Pep Boys (Magna Power)
https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/1055119/00310
Part #: ETX14L SKU: 1055119
Wet or Dry Wet
Right Or Left Hand PositiveRight
Length (in.)5.875
Width (in.)3.4375
Width (mm)88.0
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) @ 0F220
Height (mm)145.0
Voltage12
Height (in.)5.75
Weight (lbs)12.0
Length (mm)150.0

Advanced Auto (AutoCraft)

Battery Mart (Big Crank)
http://www.batterymart.com/p-big-cra...l-battery.html
BM Part #: ETX-14L
Made In: U.S.A.
Voltage: 12 Volt
Capacity: 12 Ah
Type: AGM
Length: 5.88"
Width: 3.44"
Height: 5.75"
Cold Cranking Amps: 220 CCA
Shipping Weight: 14.00Lbs
Warranty: 1 Year

ThrottleX (X-rated)
https://smile.amazon.com/HDX14L-Davi...YBB5RZBXHSFRX1
Made in the U.S.A.
Maintenance Free
Fully Charged
Ready to Install
Same Quality and Power as Origianl Equipment Battery -
220 CCA
12 AH.
Dimensions: L = 5 7/8, W = 3 7/16, H = 5 3/4. Weight - 13 lbs.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Non Spillable Sealed Technology
Heat Sealed Cover and Patented Solid Lead Female Threaded Terminals. New Stainless Steel Bolts Included!
30 Day Money Back Guarantee and 18 Month Free Replacement Warranty


Deka EXT
https://smile.amazon.com/Deka-Power-...PKP3HFPTP66ZJD
Made in the USA!
12 Volt
12 Ah
220CCA
AGM Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable


Deka (Intimidator)

****************Lithium **************

Shorai
http://shoraipower.com/products?acti...91&year=308291
Standard Recommendation: LFX21L6-BS12 MSRP: $229.95
Specifications:
http://shoraipower.com/battery-specifications
Weight:3.03 lbs
1.37 kg
Cold Cranking Amps:315
Polarity:[- +]
Shorai Batteries require a charging system output of 13.1 Volts or higher at idle,
and must not exceed 15.2 volts at maximum output.

Battery Tender
http://products.batterytender.com/Ba...t-Battery.html
12V, 240 LCA Lithium Engine Start Battery

PN: BTL14A240C
Features:
Voltage: 12V
Lithium Cranking Amps: 240
Lead-Acid Replacement Range: 10-14(Ah)
Case Dimensions: 5.27" (134mm) length x 2.55” (65mm) width x 3.62” (92mm) height
Operating Temp: 40 - 140°(F)
Weight: 1.76 lbs
Warranty: 3 Years - Limited*
Max Charge Rate: 10A
Agency Approvals: CE, UN 38.3

• 18 month Shelf Life
• Up to 80% lighter than Lead Acid Equivalent
• 5X the Life of a Lead Acid Battery
• Quad Terminal Configuration for ease of installation
• 2000+ Cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge
• Can be mounted in any direction
• Lithium Batteries do not sulphate

************* Stock*****************
Harley Davidson (65958-04)
From the 2013 Sportster service manual-
12V
225CCA
12Ah
sealed and maintenance free

 

Last month a bought a Twin Power High Performance AGM Battery. Gets excellent reviews.