03 deuce not turning over
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 4,532
From: Bismarck N.D.
I wish my wages have increased the same!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've been riding since '69 and only ONCE was I able to "revive" a dead battery and that required taking it back to the dealership.
We got my wife's '98 Sportster late in the fall of '97 and it sat in the garage (not on a tender) with me starting it occasionally (don't do that any more) and when spring came I got that dreaded "click-click" noise when I tried to start it.
After repeated attempts to "recharge" the battery myself I called the dealership were we bought the bike to check on getting a new battery and just happened to have the service manager answer the phone.
He told me to bring the battery to him and he would charge it for us.
I was a bit reluctant as it was an hour's drive (or ride) each way and I'd have to leave it with him overnight (which meant another 2-3 hours of driving) then pick it up the following day.
However, as promised he was able to make the battery work like new and he didn't charge me a penny!
We got my wife's '98 Sportster late in the fall of '97 and it sat in the garage (not on a tender) with me starting it occasionally (don't do that any more) and when spring came I got that dreaded "click-click" noise when I tried to start it.
After repeated attempts to "recharge" the battery myself I called the dealership were we bought the bike to check on getting a new battery and just happened to have the service manager answer the phone.
He told me to bring the battery to him and he would charge it for us.
I was a bit reluctant as it was an hour's drive (or ride) each way and I'd have to leave it with him overnight (which meant another 2-3 hours of driving) then pick it up the following day.
However, as promised he was able to make the battery work like new and he didn't charge me a penny!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
You can buy a battery load tester anywhere; Amazon, Walmart, auto parts stores. They're cheap enough to have one at hone without having to go to an auto parts store to test your battery. It's the same one they use.
I have the .
I have the .
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
I also have the "toaster oven" one like above, but I also have a newer snap tester where you set the battery type, CCA and hit the button and it shows you the real CCA.
for a little more than the "toaster oven" type, you can go digital
https://www.schumacherelectric.com/p...attery-tester/
But the best test for a lead acid is still a hygrometer , checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte will tell you the charge state pretty accurately
for a little more than the "toaster oven" type, you can go digital
https://www.schumacherelectric.com/p...attery-tester/
But the best test for a lead acid is still a hygrometer , checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte will tell you the charge state pretty accurately
Last edited by Neggy ZRXOA 5248; Mar 6, 2022 at 06:48 PM.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I also have the "toaster oven" one like above, but I also have a newer snap tester where you set the battery type, CCA and hit the button and it shows you the real CCA.
for a little more than the "toaster oven" type, you can go digital
https://www.schumacherelectric.com/p...attery-tester/
But the best test for a lead acid is still a hygrometer , checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte will tell you the charge state pretty accurately
for a little more than the "toaster oven" type, you can go digital
https://www.schumacherelectric.com/p...attery-tester/
But the best test for a lead acid is still a hygrometer , checking the specific gravity of the electrolyte will tell you the charge state pretty accurately
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,084
Likes: 19,246
From: The Wasteland
Before you go buy a battery try tightening the terminals on your current battery. If you have a loose cable you may not be getting a good connection and the battery wont crank.
It's literally one of the easiest jobs on a motorcycle, probably a 10mm wrench or a screwdriver will be the only tool you'll need and if you can remember left loose, right tight, you can do this job.
It's literally one of the easiest jobs on a motorcycle, probably a 10mm wrench or a screwdriver will be the only tool you'll need and if you can remember left loose, right tight, you can do this job.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,736
Likes: 17,577
From: Driftless Area
What Bubba said.
At three years, the battery should still be good.
It's entirely possible to have one die on the tender though. A meter will help here.
At three years, the battery should still be good.
It's entirely possible to have one die on the tender though. A meter will help here.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I know a guy that got 9 years out of a battery on a Dyna but it was a low-mileage, only rode on weekends bike.
Anytime a battery appears weak or has to be replaced the charging system should be checked for output especially in a higher mileage bike.
Another (but rare) problem with a discharged battery that my riding partner had while storing his bike in an enclosed trailer that was hooked to a battery tender turned out to be a blown fuse for the battery tender. He bought a new battery, installed it and then it went dead before he discovered the blown fuse issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,084
Likes: 19,246
From: The Wasteland
True.
I know a guy that got 9 years out of a battery on a Dyna but it was a low-mileage, only rode on weekends bike.
Anytime a battery appears weak or has to be replaced the charging system should be checked for output especially in a higher mileage bike.
Another (but rare) problem with a discharged battery that my riding partner had while storing his bike in an enclosed trailer that was hooked to a battery tender turned out to be a blown fuse for the battery tender. He bought a new battery, installed it and then it went dead before he discovered the blown fuse issue.
I know a guy that got 9 years out of a battery on a Dyna but it was a low-mileage, only rode on weekends bike.
Anytime a battery appears weak or has to be replaced the charging system should be checked for output especially in a higher mileage bike.
Another (but rare) problem with a discharged battery that my riding partner had while storing his bike in an enclosed trailer that was hooked to a battery tender turned out to be a blown fuse for the battery tender. He bought a new battery, installed it and then it went dead before he discovered the blown fuse issue.
I do the same for my lawn mower and it's on its 2nd battery in 12 years. I replaced the first one about 4-5 years ago.