My buddy's '03 Fatboy has the original battery...and it still works. Sure, if you let it sit a couple months it won't start without a jump, so it's tired, but for the most part it works. Seems amazingly long, is it?

 

first off, I'd buy a new one today if I were you. that battery is just waiting to screw you over!! anything over 3 years on any battery is a gift from God, most are really gone by 5 years, I know a tender helps, but as a mechanic, I know a whole lot about batteries, and how they will give out all at once. heat, cold and age and vibration are a battery's enemy. I change mine every three years, and I've never gotten stuck. just saying

 

This is a good question. I use a tender year round, and have never had a battery issue. I've had my '04 Ultra for 3 years, and the battery was of unknown age when I bought the bike. i intalled the tender and have been using it since, and the batt seems just fine. Going on 3 years now, and I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't just put a new battery in or wait til...?

 

Batteries are not a lot of money. A tow and lost time on a ride can be. Replace the battery every 3-4 years BEFORE it wears out.

 

Got 6 years out of my last Road King battery. Swapped it out 2 years ago and sold the bike last year.

 

I use the tender if she sits 3-4 days or more and all winter.

Mine just went south this spring. Actually I could tell it was getting weaker last fall.

Bought bike new April 07, so the Org batt was 5 yrs old.

 

I can remember needing a new battery every year in bikes. Getting 2 or even 3 years out of one was a bonus. Getting 3-5 years on a car battery was normal.
It seems like I've been getting 3-5 years on my last few bike batteries. I know of several getting 7 or 8.
First sign of issues I replace them.

 

I have an '08 and still have the original battery. I don't use a battery tender, but do have a heated garage. Sat for 3 months over the winter and started right up with a full charge.

Thinking I'll get one more season from it and buy a new one next spring.

 

Bought my 07 ultra in Sept. of 06. My wife has an 07 Heritage.
Both on tenders both batteries still working. I know the end is near .

 

replaced last summer on my o4. put it on the tender over the winter. I ride at least every
3 days during the summer, so don't use the tender then.