Expected Battery Life
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Expected Battery Life
Ok, I brought my self a new 17 1200 Custom 20 months ago and Im finding that the battery that came with the bike is now requiring charging before a days ride. Now once out in the road it will start at a quick push on the button , But if I leave the bike sit for a day or 2, starting is a different story.
Has HD had issues with bad batterys or should I be looking elsewhere before I go back to the dealer.
Always greatfull
Wiz Out 😊
Has HD had issues with bad batterys or should I be looking elsewhere before I go back to the dealer.
Always greatfull
Wiz Out 😊
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,350
Likes: 647
From: Vegas, baby!
Seriously, as RIPSAW indicated " Whoever gives you the best deal for a correct battery".
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
I’d suggest some diagnostics first:
- load test on the battery
- when the battery is fully charged, disconnect the negative post on the baterry, then let the bike sit for a few days. If the battery still drains down...it’s the battery. If the battery does not drain down, then you have some kind of parasitic load that is draining it.
- load test on the battery
- when the battery is fully charged, disconnect the negative post on the baterry, then let the bike sit for a few days. If the battery still drains down...it’s the battery. If the battery does not drain down, then you have some kind of parasitic load that is draining it.
Sounds like your bike is still under the the MoCo's factory warranty if its under 24 months. Your battery should be covered. BUT, you'll have to bring the WHOLE bike and battery installed to confirm that the battery is failing to hold a change, or an electrical issue that's causing the draw.
I made this mistake by taking the battery out myself and bring it to Modesto HD. The parts manager was a total D**K about the whole thing, although his rational did make sense! However, I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and knew my battery was gone because I always had it on a battery tender. AND, wouldn't take a charge on my regular battery charger either....
Even though this wasn't my first brand new bike I've bought from Modersto HD (first being my '12 FLTRX) they didn't extend ANY courtesy. I got so turned off by his attitude, I just bought a HD battery from them and reinstalled it myself.
I also have bad history/experiences with they service department too, and didn't care for them to hack up my bike with a simple battery install either...just saying.
I made this mistake by taking the battery out myself and bring it to Modesto HD. The parts manager was a total D**K about the whole thing, although his rational did make sense! However, I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and knew my battery was gone because I always had it on a battery tender. AND, wouldn't take a charge on my regular battery charger either....
Even though this wasn't my first brand new bike I've bought from Modersto HD (first being my '12 FLTRX) they didn't extend ANY courtesy. I got so turned off by his attitude, I just bought a HD battery from them and reinstalled it myself.
I also have bad history/experiences with they service department too, and didn't care for them to hack up my bike with a simple battery install either...just saying.
I couldn't agree more with you more... Typically the HD batteries have lasted 4 to 5 years for me too on my other bikes. But, I'm thinking HD changed vendors for their batteries in the last couple of years. I've gone through two batteries on my '14 now?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Id suggest some diagnostics first:
- load test on the battery
- when the battery is fully charged, disconnect the negative post on the baterry, then let the bike sit for a few days. If the battery still drains down...its the battery. If the battery does not drain down, then you have some kind of parasitic load that is draining it.
- load test on the battery
- when the battery is fully charged, disconnect the negative post on the baterry, then let the bike sit for a few days. If the battery still drains down...its the battery. If the battery does not drain down, then you have some kind of parasitic load that is draining it.
Im calling the dealer tomorrow about a replacement.
Thanks for ya help once more guys👍.
Wiz 🍺
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
Likes: 4,943
From: England
Why do bike batteries seemingly only last 4 to 5 years?
My brand new car I had 10 years and did 122000miles. It still had the same battery when I sold the car with not a hint of a problem from it.
My brand new car I had 10 years and did 122000miles. It still had the same battery when I sold the car with not a hint of a problem from it.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
Yeah having the Hebei jeebies about the stealers cocking up somethingnin my bike doing a batt check swap out.
Wiz 🍺