Had a friend get 6 years out of a battery ~ keeps both his on tenders ~ My 06 got weak at three years ~ I never put it on a tender but rode about 40k per year. When it went it got weak so I replaced it.

 

As said, heat is what kills a battery not the cold.

 

Cold is even worse...if your battery is discharged and the temps go below freezing...the battery will freeze and bust the case...thats where the tenders really shine...they keep batterys from freezing. And to the OP, no you don't need to change the battery every year.

 

3 years, 55000 miles and i still have the stock one...it's showing signs of weakening but i am gonna use it until it gets really bad....Battery tender is good...You can get the Sears brand that has a floating mode on it around thanksgivig for around $25.

 

In cold climates, take the battery out of the bike and put it in the house where it is warm. Or spend a few bucks on a battery tender and leave it plugged in still in the bike. Cold will kill a battery just as fast as heat.

 

Walmart has the Schumacher brand, shipped to your home for $22.00.
That's what I use.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher...5-Amp/15140193

 

True, but the difference is, in a cold climate you can prevent early battery failure by keeping it in the house or on a Tender during the cold non riding months. In a hot climate where people ride year round, there's not much you can do to prevent heat induced, premature battery failure.

 

That is a good deal...the reason i would go with the Sears is it can be used as a charger also with a higher setting...Both good though.

 

The Odyssey brand of military-design batteries last a guaranteed 5 years, up to 10 years, and give 30% more CCA.

 

Oh boy I do love my old Iron , wire a little 9V battery into my system 2 kicks I gone woohoo .