Bad Battery?
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Ultimate HDF Member
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Bad Battery?
I hope this is just a bad battery and nothing else. Bike will not start, just clicks. Always in the past on any vehicle this has been the battery needs charging or replacing. However, when I fully charge this one it still just clicks and does not turn over the starter.
This is what is going on. Check batt with a voltmeter and it shows at least 12.7 v while installed in the bike. Turn on the ignition and it drops to around 8.5 volts. That seems like a heck of a load being put on by just turning on the ignition switch and not even trying to start it.
Battery is original on '07 (six years old) so it is about time for it to give up the ghost. I hope I just need a new one and there is not something more expensive wrong. Give me your best opinion and advice. Thanks.
This is what is going on. Check batt with a voltmeter and it shows at least 12.7 v while installed in the bike. Turn on the ignition and it drops to around 8.5 volts. That seems like a heck of a load being put on by just turning on the ignition switch and not even trying to start it.
Battery is original on '07 (six years old) so it is about time for it to give up the ghost. I hope I just need a new one and there is not something more expensive wrong. Give me your best opinion and advice. Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Glendale AZ
Replace the battery, you've had it in there longer than many even though some have gotten longer. Im replacing mine and its not going to be 2yrs till June. Whats mine doing you may be wondering, well without hijacking the thread....it pauses for a split second on a compression stroke. Used to do it once in awhile, but recently every time I crank it. Meter tests at 13.6, dont see how its my batt but heard of this problem in another thread and replacing it is whats being done. So, getting back to the OP,I would deff replace the battery. Even if you've been using a tender from day one like I have. Everyone is going with the Big Crank for $99. Made by Deka.
Last edited by TUCCI; Mar 5, 2013 at 07:26 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Maine
Have your battery load tested at an auto parts store, if there are any close by. The stores up here will do this for free. That will tell you if the battery is cooked, which is a good bet.
If it is bad, buy a new one while your there. If they have what you want.
If it is bad, buy a new one while your there. If they have what you want.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Michigan
Man, did you ever got your money's worth out of that battery!
In the past I've rotate the batteries out of our "road" bikes and install a new one on the third year and put them bikes that are not ridden very often. I also have all of them on battery tenders.
When you install the new battery be sure to clean and tighten the battery to frame connection.
In the past I've rotate the batteries out of our "road" bikes and install a new one on the third year and put them bikes that are not ridden very often. I also have all of them on battery tenders.
When you install the new battery be sure to clean and tighten the battery to frame connection.
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Funny all my Harley batteries have lasted at least five years and I have never used a tender. I'm not riding as often now so I will get a tender for the new battery. I was just concerned that it might be something more than a bad battery with that drop from 12.7 to 8.5 with just turning on the ignition.
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks for the replies.
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