So I recently picked up a 15 Breakout with 9000 miles. Starts just fine but was wondering about battery life. I'd hate to be off a couple hours away this summer and have the summer heat take it's toll. I'm pretty much a preventative maintanance guy.
I'd rather spend the money now than hope to find a jump hours from home later. Thanks in advance.

 

4-10 years depending mostly on what you do.

 

The best preventative maintenance for a battery is to get a tender and keep it on the bike when parked.

 

Here in Florida, I feel like I am on borrowed time if the battery is over three years old. The newer battery technology has come a log way as compared to the old school units. A tender is a must too. Just riding on weekends and letting it sit for 5 days without a tender takes it's toll.

 

I have been riding bikes of varying descripts for many years. I am also an electrical engineer. In the marine industry where I worked we used cadmium enriched batteries, whilst more expensive they are more capable when it comes to deep cycling or recovering after a deep discharge. These batteries were swapped out after 5 years irrespective of condition. Ironically on average I have found 5 years to be the approximate life expectancy of a motorcycle battery and I too now buy calcium enriched ones. In my experience if you wish to avoid disappointment or issues 5 years is a safe margin to work on as long as you look after it whilst fitted.

 

Thanks guys. I have a tender.

 

If you are that worried about it, get one of these and keep it in your saddlebag. I have one and have had to jump my 05 Softail Deluxe off of it when I had been an idiot and left the ignition on, this one works great.

 

 

I would check the AMPS first. I'm like you when it comes to battery's for the 100.00 or so I change about 3 to 4 years. I have a lawn tractor the battery is 19 years old sits under my deck all year long quick charge for first start of the year and it keeps working. I always save my bike take outs for the tractor so far two of them went dead and the lawn tractor is still good.

 

Most of my friends carry one of these and swear by them. Seems like a great insurance policy. I'll be carrying one.