How often do you buy a new battery? Do you have them checked every year? I have a 07 Superglide Custom, no extras to drain battery power. thanks

 

The infamous they say every two years is all you will get out of a motorcycle battery. A buddy of mine has a 2002 RKC which he bought new and hasn't had to replacethe battery yet.

 

4 years is ok,,,,
get a volt meter, your manual, do the easy checks

 

I keep mine on a battery tender when I can't ride and it starts right up on the first turn even after sitting for 3 months.

 

My 03 has the orig battery. Bought the bike 1 1/2 yrs back with 2.500 miles and now has about 16k on it. It never sits for more than a week or so, never had a charger on it, and fires right up even when temp is in the 30's. I think havin a carb makes the battery last longer.

 

My 03 Night Train still has the original battery in it. The bike sits with a tender on it from Thanksgiving to April.

I just came back from Daytona and when i pulled the bike out of the trailer,it fired right up wit no problems!

Of course now thatI posted this, the battery will die on me. [:@]

 

My '05 Ultra has the original battery. Yesterday I noticed that the voltmeter was sitting on 15-16 volts, higher than normal (13-14), even after riding a while an it should be charged.. I haven't noticed sluggish starting or anything else. Is this higher voltage reading an indicator that it needs replacing?
Thanks

 

O3 Heritage bought new in May of 03. Still original battery. Yes I keep it on a battery tender.
Ratkiller

 

Battery life is generally 5 to 7 years and there are a couple of ways to check them but I tend to agree with electarick as after 4 years you will want to check battery often or just get a new one--my .2 cents

 

Alot depends on your climate and riding habits and whether you keep the battery "tended" between uses. Frequent short hops around town with many restarts are tough on a battery. Another battery killer is heat, battery life will be shorter if you live and ride in a hot climate.