Battery: Winter Storage
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
I thought you knew everything about batteries (
).
Seriously, a discharged battery will freeze and probably crack the case, but that`s not the worst part, the worst part is when it thaws out...
).Seriously, a discharged battery will freeze and probably crack the case, but that`s not the worst part, the worst part is when it thaws out...
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Oct 13, 2024 at 06:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,262
Likes: 3,682
From: backwoods
I never claimed that. Just shared my experience. I have a number of old batteries laying around. I don't doubt what you say, just noticed it. Maybe the fluid leaked out without me seeing it.
Last edited by Rounders; Oct 13, 2024 at 06:16 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,143
Likes: 12,706
From: South Carolina
Who knows if the battery will hold a charge? Not worth risking.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 1,601
From: Eastern Ohio
Hey. So I find myself having to rent a storage unit for my bike for the winter that is about 25-30 miles away from home. The battery is already 7 years old. In the spring I plan on installing a new battery but I don;t want to do that right now. I will to be able to get there on a weekly basic to jump start the bike and let the battery charge a little bit then lock it up and come back 1-2 weeks later. I wanted to disconnect the battery but I can't ... because I tried and as much as I tried, I the screws were on the posts so tight I felt I was going to strip the screws and I didn't want that to happen. It's a 2012 Road Glide. So I am going to have it stored as is for the winter. I don't want to buy a new battery now just to let it drain over the winter.
So I have a few questions.
1) Should I just let the battery drain over the winter and will the bike start with a jump?
2) Should I buy a new battery and set it on the ground and run cables from the new battery to the installed battery -- kind of like a winters long term jump
3) Should I get there every 1-2 weeks to jump it and let it charge from my car battery for 10-20 minutes?
Any other suggestions?
So I have a few questions.
1) Should I just let the battery drain over the winter and will the bike start with a jump?
2) Should I buy a new battery and set it on the ground and run cables from the new battery to the installed battery -- kind of like a winters long term jump
3) Should I get there every 1-2 weeks to jump it and let it charge from my car battery for 10-20 minutes?
Any other suggestions?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 543
From: MN
Sorry, bad assumption on my part - my bike is stored indoors in heated pole barn (45 degrees).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,262
Likes: 3,682
From: backwoods
If your plan is to replace the battery, and at 7 years not the worse idea. why not just pull it when you drop it off at storage, and then buy new one in spring. Check your manual to make there isn't some funky thing you need to reset on the new bikes.
At my house, sure for curosity sake I would charge it perodically to see if it starts in the spring. But for you why dick around? I have gotten longer than 7 years, but it is not a bad time to cash one in. especially in your situation.
Worse case, and I think it is wasting money, get one of the goofy brands and replace yearly.
At my house, sure for curosity sake I would charge it perodically to see if it starts in the spring. But for you why dick around? I have gotten longer than 7 years, but it is not a bad time to cash one in. especially in your situation.
Worse case, and I think it is wasting money, get one of the goofy brands and replace yearly.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
This is kind of a ridiculous thread, it 10 mm socket or wrench takes that tiny little screw out You got to be kidding me If you're putting a bike away in cold storage where it's freezing temps it should come out anyways and not only that you shouldn't be starting your bike in the winter time to let it run just for a few minutes to charge up the battery because all you going to do is build more moisture up in the motor and that's probably even worse use your head man..
