Battery
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 11
Likes: 5
From: Texas
I never got more than two years from any wet battery since my 1978 Lowrider was new 10-25-78 and I tried a lot of different ones. In 2002 I went to the PC535 Odyssey AGM battery, replaced it in 2014 then 2016. I don't even put them on my Battery Tender, they have been outstanding, but that's just my experience.
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Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 13
Well I've read all these posts about Lithium and doing a wake up with your headlite. The model I was referring to was the EarthX Lithium. I know other brands are avaliable. This battery EarthX is about three times price wise as a NAPA lead acid. Over four years I've bought two. Really the second was a warrantee trade. Replaced it free. That the two year one. Just removed it. During my intense wrenching this winter. Lots of issues with my 1978 80c FLH. Just saying maybe the EarthX would be worth it if it would last. Our summers are hot here in Texas I mostly ride in the fall and spring and some winters depending on the low temps. Today would hVe been great and by Friday it's in the 70s around noon. Like I say nice riding weather. AJ
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
I ve been riding shovels since 81, Evo's since '89 and Twin Cans since 2003 so I would like to think I have a good understanding of battery life. Sorry about your luck but like I said I run AGM's in 3 bikes 1 being the 81 FXB.
When I stop riding for the season I connect the Battery Tender and get 7-10 years out of my batteries. Maybe all AGM's are nt the same..... I buy HD batterys from the dealership. I even run a Sportster battery in my Honda Rancher and just like the other....7-10 year battery life.
When I stop riding for the season I connect the Battery Tender and get 7-10 years out of my batteries. Maybe all AGM's are nt the same..... I buy HD batterys from the dealership. I even run a Sportster battery in my Honda Rancher and just like the other....7-10 year battery life.
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Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 13
I ve been riding shovels since 81, Evo's since '89 and Twin Cans since 2003 so I would like to think I have a good understanding of battery life. Sorry about your luck but like I said I run AGM's in 3 bikes 1 being the 81 FXB.
When I stop riding for the season I connect the Battery Tender and get 7-10 years out of my batteries. Maybe all AGM's are nt the same..... I buy HD batterys from the dealership. I even run a Sportster battery in my Honda Rancher and just like the other....7-10 year battery life.
When I stop riding for the season I connect the Battery Tender and get 7-10 years out of my batteries. Maybe all AGM's are nt the same..... I buy HD batterys from the dealership. I even run a Sportster battery in my Honda Rancher and just like the other....7-10 year battery life.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
I have 3 running bikes so I cant say I put alot of miles on the shovel and Indiana heat is usually only 4-6 weeks long.
4 turn signals, 1 headlight, 1 taillight, 2 dash lights and 1 high beam light so I only have 9 bulbs. Seems to me my FXB is only like 24amp charge system and not sure it would support 24 lights and a starter.
And yes, I keep a drawer of those rubber isolators for the battery tray and oil tank as doesn't take long after 1 separates the added weight will start working others apart. (They also work on the floorboard of my John Deere Garden tractor). As for charging i had to replace the voltage regulator several years ago but the stator is still original even after replacing the primary belt and greasing the clutch hub. Front pulley was on tight and was concerned the stator would get damaged from shock while removing and replacing the belt.
4 turn signals, 1 headlight, 1 taillight, 2 dash lights and 1 high beam light so I only have 9 bulbs. Seems to me my FXB is only like 24amp charge system and not sure it would support 24 lights and a starter.
And yes, I keep a drawer of those rubber isolators for the battery tray and oil tank as doesn't take long after 1 separates the added weight will start working others apart. (They also work on the floorboard of my John Deere Garden tractor). As for charging i had to replace the voltage regulator several years ago but the stator is still original even after replacing the primary belt and greasing the clutch hub. Front pulley was on tight and was concerned the stator would get damaged from shock while removing and replacing the belt.
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Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 13
Ya I hear ya, that's why I separated all them lights thre relays and separate switches. If I am running at 45 or higher speed I can run all those lites but in the city slow stop and go. I just run my run lites and turn off the bumper and the other show lites. That's why I just bought the EarthX Harley Lifi Battery. Can use it with my stock charging system. Weights 4 pounds. Hope it helps those rubber mounts. Really like my FLH and wanted to keep her as I bought her. Real anniversary classic.AJ. I see you've been riding Harleys sense 1981 I am a few years behind ya bought my first year AMF in 1974. In 1984;I bought new 1984 shovel the last year 1981 sat in the dealer ship for three years. Then I got a Evo soft tail in 1987 had it until 1997. Traded it for a Evo FLH. Sold it. Bought my first Duo Glide in 2014. Rebuilt it then sold it to buy my 19781/2 80c 75th anniversary. Hated selling that duoglide kick start only. That why I went to.the Eletriglide. Why 78 well I got 8 grand for it my 78 was 6 grand. And not what Florida said it was. But that's life. We learn we live! Thanks for your post. Great reading! AJ
Last edited by AJ Brink; Jan 16, 2025 at 10:55 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 435
From: australia
im told that battery maintenence-tenders should not be left on overnight for risk of fire yet others say not true whos right i run the automatic mototender tender and have 2 harleys to keep charged
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 2,561
From: CT/FL
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 13
Hey John ya that's an issue. I have a tender on my 55 Ford F 100. PU. It is only on eight hours at nite. Had that battery about 8 years spins that 312 Y Block. Like the plugs are out. Right now I haven't installed Earth X battery yet. Hope it works out, first lipo battery I've invested in. I know they are expensive. But maybe they will be worth the investment.AJ
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,170
Likes: 435
From: australia
@john lee Are you referring to AGM or Lithium batteries? Lithium doesn't need a tender, just disconnect from any load when not riding.
Last edited by john lee; Jan 16, 2025 at 10:24 PM.