Battery Life
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,511
Likes: 13,826
From: Pa.
You need to ride more.
Unless you live in hot climate that wrecks batteries, 2 seems crazy to me. Midwest 7 years, no tender. Newer bikes might have parasite loads. But my bikes, sleds, ATV, sxs, trucks go for years. Got 300k on truck battery. 7 years small stuff 9 trucks.
Unless you live in hot climate that wrecks batteries, 2 seems crazy to me. Midwest 7 years, no tender. Newer bikes might have parasite loads. But my bikes, sleds, ATV, sxs, trucks go for years. Got 300k on truck battery. 7 years small stuff 9 trucks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
I replaced my 2018 Heritage battery at 2 years. Removed it (PITA) and took it into a Batteries Plus store for testing, and they reported it was "ok but a bit weak". It was kept on a tender when not being ridden except on trips. I did it out of an abundance of caution. Replacement battery is a Deka AGM.
I still put mine on the tender in the garage when not ridden. I will get mine tested after this year's riding season is over and may well replace it again if it shows signs of weakness. The last thing I need is to get stranded while on a trip or even locally. Deka AGM batteries are about $100-150. Not bad for peace of mind.
I still put mine on the tender in the garage when not ridden. I will get mine tested after this year's riding season is over and may well replace it again if it shows signs of weakness. The last thing I need is to get stranded while on a trip or even locally. Deka AGM batteries are about $100-150. Not bad for peace of mind.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 815
From: Middle America
My ‘15 48 - 2 full riding seasons before the battery started acting up.
My ‘17 Slim - 3 1/2 riding seasons before it died on me (at a gas station, no less).
My ‘18 Deluxe - Sold the after 2 full riding seasons/battery was fine.
My ‘21 48 - After this riding season/before next, I’ll replace it as a precaution.
My ‘17 Slim - 3 1/2 riding seasons before it died on me (at a gas station, no less).
My ‘18 Deluxe - Sold the after 2 full riding seasons/battery was fine.
My ‘21 48 - After this riding season/before next, I’ll replace it as a precaution.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,614
Likes: 6,439
From: Honah Lee
You need to ride more.
Unless you live in hot climate that wrecks batteries, 2 seems crazy to me. Midwest 7 years, no tender. Newer bikes might have parasite loads. But my bikes, sleds, ATV, sxs, trucks go for years. Got 300k on truck battery. 7 years small stuff 9 trucks.
Unless you live in hot climate that wrecks batteries, 2 seems crazy to me. Midwest 7 years, no tender. Newer bikes might have parasite loads. But my bikes, sleds, ATV, sxs, trucks go for years. Got 300k on truck battery. 7 years small stuff 9 trucks.
Now if something keeps waking up the alarm, that will make a big difference. Like trailering it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 25, 2022 at 06:58 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,057
Likes: 1,490
From: Black Hills of SD
Now that's the ticket - I have the HD battery taken from my bike that is still good, but not enough to really crank the big twin as I want.
I've been wondering what to do with it- it's too good to turn in - Lawn tractor!
I've been wondering what to do with it- it's too good to turn in - Lawn tractor!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,762
From: Omaha,NE
3 years seems to be the average for motorcycle batteries. I think it's a good idea to replace as a matter of maintenance at 3 years. The cost of a tow is about the same as a good AGM battery. Then you still have to buy the battery anyway. I learned the hard way. 
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 293
Likes: 207
From: California
I feel like I'm on borrowed time if they're more than 5 years old. I've had a "good" battery's terminal break off & leave me stranded at around 6 years old.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 39
Likes: 30
From: SE Connecticut
I just replaced my original battery on my 2015 FLHTK a week ago. Always kept on a tender if not ridden for a week or so. Over the last year, it was really slowing down, not able to start when temps were below 45 or so.
