Battery issues

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Jul 31, 2016 | 08:39 AM

#11

airjoe

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Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 325

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From:

Living in Florida, heat has always been a problem. I had 70,000 miles on my 05 Fatboy when I traded it in. Went through 7 batteries.

I've got 17,000 on my '15 Ultra in a little over a year and no issues yet. Although I thought I detected a bit of a slow crank a few days ago. Fingers crossed.

Anyone have any experience with Lithium Ion batteries?

Jul 31, 2016 | 10:56 AM

#12

kontiki

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 8,680

Likes: 2,279

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by airjoe

Anyone have any experience with Lithium Ion batteries?

Wasn't that the type batteries that were burning up on the B787?

Jul 31, 2016 | 01:45 PM

#13

RedNose44

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 11,613

Likes: 7,087

From: SoCal / AZ

I use quality AGM's (mostly odyssey) and tenders on all my vehicles (currently 8 including a boat with dual batteries). Two of those vehicles are in AZ in extreme heat half of the year. I never have issues and get many years of use out of my batteries. Keeping your battery at optimum charge with a tender is the best way to get long life out of it. AGM's also do much better in heat in my experience.

Jul 31, 2016 | 01:49 PM

#14

joes bar and grill

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 245

Likes: 54

From: Pa

It's been my experience that battery connections don't have to look dirty to be dirty.
Try cleaning and a light coating of dielectric grease before buying a battery.

Jul 31, 2016 | 02:04 PM

#15

The Dude

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 279

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From:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomadmax

Depending on the year that may not be true. A modern FI bike won't stay running most of the time with a battery too low to start it even if you bump start it or jump it?

I would have agreed until I witnessed a 2012 ultra classic pop start a couple weeks ago. Battery would only click, guessi it had eneough juice to fire the injectors but wouldnt crank over. Ran for 30 miles to get back home.

Aug 1, 2016 | 06:41 AM

#16

Campy Roadie

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 11,814

Likes: 5,120

From: SW Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dude

Again, it depends on voltage left in the battery. It may start and run, it may go 30 miles if you never let the RPM drop below 1500, but it may not. The point I'm making is that using the stator to "charge up" an under performing battery will burn it up.

Last edited by Campy Roadie; Aug 1, 2016 at 07:12 AM.

Aug 1, 2016 | 06:51 AM

#17

stereoguy

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 3,126

Likes: 550

From: Springfield, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by airjoe

Anyone have any experience with Lithium Ion batteries?

A current topic in the Sportster section. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...batteries.html

Aug 1, 2016 | 07:15 AM

#18

cocky

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 2,062

Likes: 153

From: Midlands of SC

If you have to replace the battery get one that is made by the folks that makes the HD batteries. Plenty of threads on that. Save u some $$$.

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Aug 1, 2016 | 07:24 AM

#19

YeOldeStonecat

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 12,219

Likes: 7,786

From: Along the shoreline in SW FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cosmichrist

My question is, since the battery is probably 3 plus years old, is it possible to do a load test on the battery? What's the lifespan of bike batteries?

The last time I replaced the battery, it was pretty darn expensive from Harley.

Thank you in advance.

I usually have them last over 5 years, but there are so many variables with batteries. I just put them on the old fashioned trickle charger 3 or 4 times over the winter.

Anyways...purchase your next battery from Battery Mart
http://www.batterymart.com

Get a Dekka "Big Crank"..it's made by Dekka/East Penn...who makes the batteries for Harley. That Harley simply puts their own sticker on, and resells at twice the price.
The "Big Crank" model is actually better than the stock Dekka model...so you get a BETTER battery and HALF the price.

Aug 1, 2016 | 07:33 AM

#20

Uncle Larry

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 157,466

Likes: 57,024

From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell

O.P. to answer your questions ...

1. YES you can load test a battery.

2. A Battery Tender will lead to longer battery life. It's a proven fact.
( I just replaced the Original Battery on my 2009 FLHTCU. No problems
but I figured it was time to give the scooter some love. )

3. Battery Mart ( Big Crank ) is a great source for a replacement battery.