Battery Lifespan?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 4,119
From: Michigan
Battery Lifespan?
How long does a battery generaly last. I'm from Michigan, so battery is on a tender for 3+ months thru winter. 09 Dyna low rider, would appreciate any input. Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 107
Likes: 6
I got about 8 years on my 97 low rider battery, only time I didn't put it on the tender was in spring/summer when I knew I would ride again within a week. It didn't die on me either, I changed it pre-emptively before a trip after it showed a little sluggishness on start."tenderize" is my motto, it never hurts to keep it plugged in.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
Depends. I've seen car batteries go as long as 9 years w/o a problem and then quit w/o warning. Then again I've seen others go in 3 years. Probably the same deal with bike batteries. My Heritage is going on 4 years and seems fine. I use a tender during the winter also.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 5
From: The mitten state
I use to take my battery out every year. They lasted about 3 or 4 years.
After I started using a tender I've changed at 5 years and the battery was still fine, just 5 years old! I think using a tender is better than removing the battery.
After I started using a tender I've changed at 5 years and the battery was still fine, just 5 years old! I think using a tender is better than removing the battery.
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 1
From: North East Ohio
5-7 yrs on AVG. with a battery tender on a orig. HD battery.
Again I said ON AVG. cause someone will chime in how they got 11 years out of one.
Again I said ON AVG. cause someone will chime in how they got 11 years out of one.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
Four things affect battery life:
1.) Heat - Higher Temperatures = Shorter Life (Desert Southwest = 24 to 26 months) Note: Low temps are OK as long as the battery doesn't freeze (fully charged freeze point is ~ -90F, Discharged Freeze Point ~ +32F)
2.) Cycling - More and deeper Charge and Discharge Cycles = Shorter Life
3.) Deep Cycle (under 50% State of Charge) = Much Shorter Life, About 5 Deep cycles can pretty much do in a Lead Acid Battery.
4.) Vibration - Unsecured Battery and/or Bungee Cord/Coat Hanger etc = 1/2 Normal Life
Item # 2 is why folks who use Battery Tenders religiously tend to experience longer battery life that those who do not.
1.) Heat - Higher Temperatures = Shorter Life (Desert Southwest = 24 to 26 months) Note: Low temps are OK as long as the battery doesn't freeze (fully charged freeze point is ~ -90F, Discharged Freeze Point ~ +32F)
2.) Cycling - More and deeper Charge and Discharge Cycles = Shorter Life
3.) Deep Cycle (under 50% State of Charge) = Much Shorter Life, About 5 Deep cycles can pretty much do in a Lead Acid Battery.
4.) Vibration - Unsecured Battery and/or Bungee Cord/Coat Hanger etc = 1/2 Normal Life
Item # 2 is why folks who use Battery Tenders religiously tend to experience longer battery life that those who do not.
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