There is a device called a battery load tester. This device simply checks the charge level of the battery using a volt meter and then when you hit a switch it then puts a resistance load on the battery to see how much the battery output voltage drops. This test is in the HD service manuals and also a similar test is recommended in the service manual whereas you check the starting voltage, hit the starter and while cranking check the voltage again (just another load test) if the battery goes below 8.5V during this test the battery no longer has the CCA output that is required to start and run the bike and should be replaced. This condition is caused by battery cells deteriorating ( sulfate in lead\acid type batteries). There is no internet trash nor drivel in this. Learn basic electronics my friend before you post nonsense.

 

You CERTAINLY missed my whole point.
The whole context went whoosh ! (over your head.)

 

 

 

It's not so much the battery was drained much as the stator could have started the deterioration of the batteries plates which could result in early failure..

 

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a "sarcasm" button available ... Of course you're both correct ... King made a point ( he has unique way ) and you missed how he went about it ... and yes you"Zan" are correct too ... Play nice :>)

 

To the black and white point
How many here have a real load tester their very own shop?
Most these guys don't know an open from a closed circuit.
Did you answer the question yet?
Ok, now all these guys that say take it somewhere and have it "load tested".
WHY?
Because they have heard it said over and over here.
Thats why.
Ok to the point, Pay attn
If you have a voltmeter ..sigh.........(Go buy one) just a simple 12 dollar multimeter, don't be scared.
.Now you have all the tools necessary to test your own battery.
Just do a simple, voltage drop test .
About 9.6 being the magic lowest number whilst cranking @ ambient normal in say 15 seconds..
So did you get the answer yet?
Yes you do!!
You have a load tester in your garage, it just happens to look like a Hd.

 

I'm not sure if this is directed at me but .... yes I do have a load tester, yes I have a volt meter ( and a multimeter too ) and of course I have the HD ( a couple in fact ) in the garage and yes I'm capable of using them for their specific purpose.

 

Not directed at anyone-
It is more than likely most these folks don't own a decent screwdriver.
much less a load tester.
My other point as already stated everyone uses the term" load test" go get it done.
The bike, if it will turn over, can be used to do a Voltage drop and load test the battery.
It takes minimum tools, a voltmeter.
Most of these folks that shout go get a load test have not ever seen the test themselves.
Just more internet chatter.
So hopefully we all got a little smarter here.
.................................................. ......
Spoke in your eye by stan

 

if my bike starts, i figure the battery is good. i have a 10 year old gel battery in my 85 and it's still getting the job done. i was going to replace it 2 years ago but thought WTH, i'll use it until it's used up.