I am riding 2003 Heritage Softail 8000 miles. I do not want to get stuck with a heavy machine not starting because of a dead battery some day. How do you know that it is time to change the battery in advance rather than wait till it dies. i keep it connected to a battery tender when not riding year long., is that good or bad for the battery.

 

If it's an intelligent trickle charger it can be left on the battery indefinately.

MikeyB

 

Batteries are very fical these days as they pose problems by being sealed. Old lead acid types could be checked by using a Hydrometer to check the specific gravity of the electroyte which did help in understanding when the battery starts to taper off.

I use a battery tender and they are very good but you need to switch it off at least once a week to allow the tender to go through the test mode on your battery. The best way is to find out if your battery is ok is go for a run or attach the tender until you get the green lights then after thatletthe bikestand for a few days. If the battery starts to stuggle after standing for a3-4 days then you know the battery is on it's on the way out. Lead acid type batteries do like to cycle (Charge - Discharge) Rather than being kept floating on full charge but the current used to start the bike will give it a good discharge. As aboveduring the time when it is laid up make sure you discharge the battery once in a while rather than letting is sit on the Tender.

 

I've had my presentbattery is4 1/2years.I always try to put the charger on when I am not going to ride for aweek.

But why sweat it, just coast start the bike if your battery wont crank it.



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Just wanted to clarify my last post.

The battery may not have enough left to crank the starter but you should be able to coast start itto get ya home. Then go get yourself a new battery

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Anybody ever 2 step these new bikes????

Warning "Don't ever let your bro,,,push start your bike wit his pickup truck"

 

I got 5 years out of batteries keeping them on a smart charger.

 

i trickle charge my bike and check the water every couple months



JR

 

This doesn't work with fuel injected bikes though. No battery = no fuel injection = can't coast start it = you're stuck where you are until a new battery is installed.

 

I ask mine!!!! Just go out to the shop and set down with her she will talk to you if you really believe. Just set there and get to know her she will tell you when the Battery starts to loose it's life she will tell you which oil she likes and she will tell you if your being too soft on her. If you really believe and you really care about your bike she will talk to you. Isn't that what true love is all about??? Communication??