Problem with the battery tester (Midtronics GRX-3100) that Harley dealers use is that unless the battery tests at less than 33%, it will say the battery is good. After my battery tested good (2 times, 6 months apart) at my dealer, when I went and had the battery tested at Autozone and O'Reillys auto parts, each time it failed. So unless your battery is pretty much dead or so weak it can't crank the engine, don't waste your time having the dealer test the battery.

Harley has Midtronics make the battery load tester for dealer use so they purposely have it set to only replace a battery when it's below 33%. I would think below 60% would be nice for replacement. But that's wishful thinking.

 

I had Battery issues on a trip and in Amarillo TX the dealer tested it and gave me a new one. That's my experience, YMMV

 

I've never used a battery tender on my 14 Limited. The longest it sat was 6 weeks during the winter and it still started.

 

 

Yeah got me a 2013 wideglide with only 6kmiles on it. Should have known better than to get a as is from a dealership with only 5k miles on it. Since the first day i brought it home. The next day the battery was weak and wouldn't start. So i bought the best autozone battery with high cranking amps like 310. Thought i fixed the issue. Then the whole computer fried while going 75mph. Shutting down the bike at 75mph. Harley Dealership says bring it in we will look at it and see if we can't fix it. Well they fixed it without telling me it would be $700. So i paid it seeing as i had no choice. 3more years to go on the loan. Figured new computer new battery i will be goi2d ta go this year. Nope again i get a little cranking then battery is dead. I believe these wideglides are all lemons and i might have to fight it or is this just a normal harley issue. To buy a new battery every dam year? I have 2 harleys both have issues. Will never buy a harley again. Could have more fun on a $200 dirt bike than thousands of dollars wasted on harleys i still cant ride. I have brought my other 94 lowrider to 3 mechanics. It still wont go more than 1mile without shutting off. Bout to go loco! Lol f harley davison. 100years in the biz and they still can't make a proper machine. Think my best bet to keeping it would be to just unhook the battery anytime i plan to not ride it the next day. One or two days its dead and needs jumped. So....angry! Will buy the best cranking amp battery online like 400+ for like $300 this time. If that dont work. Im pulling a discount tire commercial and throwing it through the dealerships front window! Lol
ps to younger guys. Be mechanics that care. To add. Shiwasee harley dealership in MI is a no go! My old 94 when first bought it i brought there for a new front tires n brakes and a top end teardown for leaking jug gaskets. They did the job. But then it started stalling after only a few miles. I bring it back saying its stalling after i replaced every electrical component myself trying to solve the issue. They call me saying it runs great. The computer says its all good. I say have you test drove it? It only stalls once warmed up and past 2nd gear. They say no they wont road test it cause its not the right size tire for that bike..then i bitch telling them they put that tire on there! Got nothing but well its not safz bit its ready for you to pick up. Nothing is wring with it that we can tell. Yup i broke down a mile away after leaving the dealership. Never in my life have i know such lazy ignorant mechanics. What dealership says its all good and you break down a mile from their shop. Lol again f harley davison!

 

Flat Out - sorry to hear you are having so many start issues. I have an Ultra so can't really comment on the Wideglide.

I can offer this - consider getting a jump start kit. I carry one in my bike and while I have not needed it for my Ultra, i have provided a jump for a few other bikes and card. Also, if you do go this route, consider putting in a jump cable so all you have to do is plug in the jump kit without removing the seat.

Best of luck to you

 

About 30 minutes.