Does battery weight make a difference?
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 41
From: NH / USA
Does battery weight make a difference?
I'm thinking of switching to a lithium battery for my Road Glide simple because of the weight difference. Before I do though, can anyone tell me if there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the bike? From what I can tell, it's almost 20 lbs lighter going with a lithium battery - not sure what that translate into real-world feel however.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
If you drag race yes. If you occasionally race on the street for ***** and giggles, and have carbon fiber bags, fenders and wheels, not to mention the motor between your legs, then yes.
If you just cruise around town on your Harley, no.
Depending on the year, a stock Road King for example weighs anywhere from 760 to just under 800 lbs. Guy I know that drag races has his weighing around 525. THAT'S a big weight difference.
If you just cruise around town on your Harley, no.
Depending on the year, a stock Road King for example weighs anywhere from 760 to just under 800 lbs. Guy I know that drag races has his weighing around 525. THAT'S a big weight difference.
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
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From: SoCal
If you routinely remove the battery, and you don't have one with a handle, then yes.
Otherwise, lose the 20 pounds from your gut and save the money for your new gym membership.
I say that joking, but honestly, losing 20 pounds from your body would make a far bigger improvement to handling than saving 20 pounds on the battery, simply because of where each is located on the bike.
Center of gravity being the key...
Otherwise, lose the 20 pounds from your gut and save the money for your new gym membership.
I say that joking, but honestly, losing 20 pounds from your body would make a far bigger improvement to handling than saving 20 pounds on the battery, simply because of where each is located on the bike.
Center of gravity being the key...
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 186
Likes: 41
From: NH / USA
Okay, those answers seem to all be inline with what my (nonexistent) gut was telling me. lol The only reason I ask is I can easily tell the difference between carrying a 120 lbs passenger and a 140 lbs passenger on my bike, so I was just curious if it would be the same feel as loosing 20 lbs of battery.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 598
Likes: 376
From: Sweden
Passenger weight is situated at the rear of the bike and further up from the CoG = +/- 20 lbs makes a noticable change in feeling.
Just a short question: Will the charing system of your bike cope with the proposed new type of battery?
Also check the CCA for that battery.
(Cold Crank Amps rating).
I once bought a trick and very expensive battery for an old tricked out BMW Airhead Scrambler. It turned out it did not manage to start the bike if ambient temperature were below 10 degrees C
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
No.Weight saving on a bike is a path. 10 pounds here 5 there it adds up over time. no one item is going to make that much of a difference. if someone want to use the weight saving to justify buying one go for it.
There have been issue with thee batteries do your home work.
There have been issue with thee batteries do your home work.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 916
From: Madisonville, La
The new HD lithium batters will handle the starting load and are compatible with the bikes charging system. You will a battery tender/charger specifically designed for lithium batteries like the HD lithium charger. The new HD lithium batteries have a 4 year warranty. So there's no reason other than cost to not consider one.
I had one for over two years swapped to multiple bikes as I traded and had no issues.
I had one for over two years swapped to multiple bikes as I traded and had no issues.