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Guys,
My 89' FLHTCU is starting to crank slow. What battery would you use to replace it? I was told the Harley battery had more CCA than the ones you find on line. I think they are like 325 CCA.
Thanks.
Harley is the best battery to use or a Motobatt but makes sure its a black one and not a yellow one as the yellow ones are all suspect and have been recalled.
You are right about the CCA, which these days is around 325/350 Amps with the better modern batteries. There are several brands of suitable batteries available, but be sure to buy an AGM type. They are sealed and do not have loose acid in them. Having bought it either install it and take your bike on a long ride - a tankful - or charge it overnight on a battery charger. Batteries are sold as pre-charged, but are not truly fully charged and you will get better service life if you give it a good start.
I've used batteries from a variety of sellers. My best luck has always been with the stock Harley battery. My present Harley battery is 7 years and 3 months old. Which is a record for me, having gone through batteries every two years (I finally 'fixed' the problem in 2006). IIRC, it cost around $80 back in 2006. It's currently on the workbench hooked to a Battery Tender for the winter.
I should replace it next spring, but I might 'live on the edge' and go another season with it.
When I bought my 99 FXSTC 4 years ago the battery was 3 years old. It is now 7 years old and still going strong. It is an AGM battery that has never been on a tender and always starts right up even after sitting a couple of months in the winter. It is an Adventure Power battery, and they are available from Amazon for $80.00 last I looked. I will probably go with another one soon.
Any recommendations for a modern battery that actually fits the space in the frame for them? From memory, about 8" and a bit.
Many of the new ones, due to improvements in technology, are considerably smaller and require padding up.
Are the like of the Odyssey Batteries worth paying the extra for.
Mottobatt do a range of sizes but not as many as OEM manufacturers. I don't have an original battery to measure up. It'd be nice and practical to have one that at least fitted height and depth wise to hold it better.
Last edited by Homeward Bound; Oct 17, 2013 at 02:06 AM.
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