Battery Problem, Please Help Me :(
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
Get a new battery and don't put a tender on it during riding season unless it is going to sit for more than a couple of weeks, then only for a few hours.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
" The stock HD batteries are garbage. "
Really!!! Then why do I get 6 to 9+ years out of the H-D batteries in the 24 bikes in the garage? Just had to do two 2012 bikes this month. A 12 V Rod and a 12 RGC CVO. 6 years has been the least so far. Traded a bike at 9 years and the battery was strong.
Really!!! Then why do I get 6 to 9+ years out of the H-D batteries in the 24 bikes in the garage? Just had to do two 2012 bikes this month. A 12 V Rod and a 12 RGC CVO. 6 years has been the least so far. Traded a bike at 9 years and the battery was strong.
Last edited by lh4x4; Apr 20, 2018 at 11:15 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
9 + years
When the HD battery was redesigned for model year 2000, that battery was going 10 years right out of the box! In 2009 HD went to the manufacturer and asked them to dumb down the battery since they did not have enough aftermarket sales. In my years in the battery industry I have seen this first hand with the warranty claim data from the HD dealers. Good battery maintenance is also key to keeping the battery lasting for years. The new HD batteries since 2010 are lucky to last beyond 2 years. If you are looking for a replacement battery, the Interstate product would be the best choice. As long as it is made in the USA. Some are imported from China. Interstate does the best job in making sure the products that their dealers sell are kept up to date.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
Being in Wisconsin my bike sits half the year. I hook it up every month, for one day, to my Batteryminder. I bought my 03 in 11, I dont know how old the battery was. I replaced it in 2015 when I had trouble starting, but it was really a bad ground, battery was fine. The Extreme battery I bought, which is supposed to be the same as the stock is still fine.
I think it was leaving your lights on that fried your battery.
I think it was leaving your lights on that fried your battery.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 570
Likes: 45
From: Rocket City
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,610
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Just read some info on the CTEK MXS5.0, step one desulfation. A battery will create sulfides on the plates as it being used up, during the desulfation process it would seem the sulfides are being forced off the plates and now in suspension in the acid medium in the battery. Dragging the battery down real low compounds the issue till the sulfides go plate to plate and short out cells, killing a battery. According to HD manuals 12.7V is 100%, after sitting for 2 hrs after complete charge, no load.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Tiny island, Singapore
Thank you for the information. I bought the Harley Davidson battery, will be careful to switch off the emergency light next time again and put on a few hours tender if not ride of a couple of week.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
Make sure you tighten the terminals. I recommend using battery protector spray.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Tiny island, Singapore
Make sure you tighten the terminals. I recommend using battery protector spray.
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8037.../dp/B000BOKML2
