Hey guys new to this so bear with me.
I have 98 wide glide. In the last two years ive had to replace 5 or 6 batteries due to lack of cold cranking amp. This happens at all different time and seams to be for no apparent reason. Can anyone tell me why this may be happening. I should add they have been batteries from the local auto parts store.

 

5 or 6 batteries in 2 years, did you not think there was a problem after say, the 1st new battery went kaput?

Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?

Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.

While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.

Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.

 

The battery is out and being tested at local auto parts store.

I have cleaned and replaced both positive and negative wire and terminals.
Also at the beginning of the season after the second battery I replaced the whole charging system, thinking that it was over charging.
Ill let you know on the new battery tomorrow when I pick it up. I will also do a new charging diagnostic test. Thanks for the advice.

 

I should add. I road all day the day before with zero problems. Started and ran fine all day. When to leave the next day and it was completely dead.
After a full night on charger still wouldn't start. Parts store said zero cranking amps. Same as before. I'm at a loss.

 

Welcome to the forum from central Texas. Don't get into the BAD habit of indiscriminately replacing parts without diagnosing the problem first. All that does is waste money.

Put a new battery in the bike and charge it overnight. Don't assume it is fully charged when you get it. Then do as Dan suggests and test your charging system.
If you don't have a Factory Service Manual (FSM) then use the links below. They will point you to the electrical forum and the steps to check your charging system.
Testing The Charging System (Part 1)
Testing The Charging System (Part 2)

 

The problem may be getting the same type of battery from the same parts store. Is it a specific brand? and are you getting the same brand every time? Is the battery you are getting a motorcycle battery? Vibration is hell on batteries and can short plates if the battery is not made for the vibration. Suggest getting a motorcycle battery from Battery Mart or some similar distributor.

https://www.batterymart.com/p-mtx-20...l-battery.html

However, make sure your stator, voltage regulator and wiring in in good working order before just replacing parts. Oh and use a good VOM or have someone that has a good one test the system.

 

Bike that age with slow cranking could be the solenoid contacts. Wear item and a cheap and easy fix...

 

Replacing a battery is a good first move since it usually should be done anyway for a bike that's new to you. I think a new battery is appropriate for a used bike that you're going over for yourself. At this point though, you're beyond that having been through a couple.

Is the bike newly yours, or how long have you had it? Is this your first go at working on this particular issue on it? What's the last thing you did related to all this?

 

If you recharge the battery, can it then start the bike? Or, have you had 5-6 batteries that wouldn't take a charge? I mean, is the battery toast, or just discharged? Maybe something is staying on and killing the battery overnight.

 

Welcome to the site.