Battery Question
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 45
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Battery Question
First off let me apologize if this question has been answered already, haven't been in here in a while.
I have a 2011 Harley Davidson Softail Heritage. I am a military dude stationed in Kansas, i'm from San Antonio TX and never had to put my bike away for the winter before. I have a battery tender and recently I have been having trouble starting it even when the battery tender says its fully charged.
Is this a sign of the battery going bad? Or is it just the cold?
I tried to start this morning it was around 40 degrees wouldn't start...today ended up being a really nice day, in the low 60's, tried to start late afternoon around 60 degrees, started up. Rode for about an hour no issues.
I was under the impression all I needed for cold storage during the winter was a battery tender...is there something else I should be doing?
I have a 2011 Harley Davidson Softail Heritage. I am a military dude stationed in Kansas, i'm from San Antonio TX and never had to put my bike away for the winter before. I have a battery tender and recently I have been having trouble starting it even when the battery tender says its fully charged.
Is this a sign of the battery going bad? Or is it just the cold?
I tried to start this morning it was around 40 degrees wouldn't start...today ended up being a really nice day, in the low 60's, tried to start late afternoon around 60 degrees, started up. Rode for about an hour no issues.
I was under the impression all I needed for cold storage during the winter was a battery tender...is there something else I should be doing?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 656
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From: The computer desk.
My wifes 2013 Fatboy Lo is in the shop right now with the same issue. It sits on the tender quite a bit because she doesn't like to ride in the cold. My FLHTK has no issues at all, but I do ride it alot more often.
They told us yesterday that they put it on the charger and then load tested the battery and found no problems. I asked if they left it inside o/nite or outside where it falls to the low 30's, like I told them the situation is when we try and start it in the cold (unheated garage).
The conversation was left with me telling them they need to put it outside with their rentals that are locked up in a cage, and to try it again Tuesday morning when it's cold.
They told us yesterday that they put it on the charger and then load tested the battery and found no problems. I asked if they left it inside o/nite or outside where it falls to the low 30's, like I told them the situation is when we try and start it in the cold (unheated garage).
The conversation was left with me telling them they need to put it outside with their rentals that are locked up in a cage, and to try it again Tuesday morning when it's cold.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
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It was around 40 degrees this morning...sluggish start but it started.. took it to the Harley dealer this morning they checked the battery with meter, they said battery is good. I bought some fuel stabilizer to see if that helps.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
I's be surprised if it was the battery. I still have the original battery in my 2008 Electra Glide Classic. If I were you, I would clean all battery cables, (both ends if possible) do a full charge on the battery with a battery charger, then try it again.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: WPB, FL
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,280
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From: SC
What weight oil are you using? The heavier the oil, the slower it will crank.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
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Really cold this morning....around 10 degrees....no start...hmmm. it try's to turn over then just clicks. battery tender says full charge. Got the battery tightened down and checked terminals...clean...and volt meter said was good.