Drained Battery
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Stage I
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, Tn
Drained Battery
I have 1998 HD Road King that has gone through countless batteries over the last several months and I don’t have a clue why. If I don’t start my bike at least once every few days it’s dead and I have to get a new battery, that god I have battery replacement, but even their getting sick of me at this point. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what it can/could be? Has anyone else had this problem with the same bike? Any help is so appreciated.
Thank you in advance
Thank you in advance
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Your post indicates that this issue started several months back so apparently it is a "new" issue and not one that has been present for the entire time you have owned the motorcycle?? If that is the case, something happened "several months" ago that caused this issue. Has any work been done on the motorcycle? What was the last thing that was done to the motorcycle? Think back to when the issue first presented? Something is going to ground somewhere in the electrical system that is draining the battery. Knowing what, if anything, was done that could have caused the issue will narrow the search for a solution. However, the only way to solve the issue is to get out a multi-meter and start checking circuits to locate the source. One common issue is insulation being worn off a wire at the steering head.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,198
Likes: 3,028
From: St.Louis Mo.
If you don't have a radio or an alarm installed on the bike it can be bleeding back though the regulator ot ground or even back though the stator to ground. What's the bike putting out while running ? Make sure the regulator is plugged in tightly at the case and the plug is in good shape. Normal charging system checks must be done to narrow it down. Good luck !
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Agree with hardheaded. Before starting a rigorous multi-meter exercise looking for a ground somewhere, check the voltage regulator; it could be the culprit. If the regulator checks out; then start the multi-meter exercise.
https://itstillruns.com/test-voltage...n-6358502.html
https://itstillruns.com/test-voltage...n-6358502.html
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
Likes: 12,559
From: South Carolina
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
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From: poway
Yeah, A micro-meter won't work. 
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Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
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From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I gave up being a nice guy. This is the dumbest post I have seen today.
Ya guy joining a Harley forum because he is having problems with a forum is suspect.
Ya guy joining a Harley forum because he is having problems with a forum is suspect.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Could be. I would check charging. DC clamps on have gotten affordable too, to check draws. But I would start with charging.
Though if a guy keeps throwing batteries at, maybe should bring in. More than one battery is really questionable.
Though if a guy keeps throwing batteries at, maybe should bring in. More than one battery is really questionable.