What Battery do you use in your Softail?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Batterymart.com Big Crank for me, same US manufacturer as the HD batteries, at $100 with free delivery.
http://www.batterymart.com/c-harley-...st-1570cc.html
Johnson Controls sold by AutoZone is another US manufacturer, but I have read many negative reviews compared to the Big Crank / East Penn.
http://www.batterymart.com/c-harley-...st-1570cc.html
Johnson Controls sold by AutoZone is another US manufacturer, but I have read many negative reviews compared to the Big Crank / East Penn.
O'Reilly's carries a battery that looks identical to the Big Crank, and carries the same part number (ETX20L) for maybe ten bucks more (plus sales tax) if one can't wait a few days for shipping (free) from Battery Mart.
Edit:
Looks like NAPA has the same battery on sale at the moment for about 90 bucks, but with only a 6 month warranty.
http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...20L_0400280062
Last edited by Warp Factor; Nov 8, 2015 at 05:14 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I use the 20 series AGM batteries from Walmart for $78. They are made by Yuasa the largest mater of power sports batteries in the world. That is about half of the HD battery at a dealer.
You are never very far from a Walmart. I do get 7 to 9 years out of the stock HD batteries as I do with the Everstart brand. But then I take care of them by having them on the tender until I back out the garage and plug back in when I return. I have 19 HD's and use a couple of gallons of StaBil and 19 of the Schumaker 1.5 amp tenders from Walmart at $20 per unit.
I simply do not have battery problems. When one is close to the end of its life the starting is just a little weaker and that is the clue to get a new one.
You are never very far from a Walmart. I do get 7 to 9 years out of the stock HD batteries as I do with the Everstart brand. But then I take care of them by having them on the tender until I back out the garage and plug back in when I return. I have 19 HD's and use a couple of gallons of StaBil and 19 of the Schumaker 1.5 amp tenders from Walmart at $20 per unit.
I simply do not have battery problems. When one is close to the end of its life the starting is just a little weaker and that is the clue to get a new one.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From:
Last year I bought one of the new Lithium Iron batteries. It' actually a LiFePO4 Power Sports Battery. Anyway, it is much lighter than the stock battery. It fires up just fine and has been in service for over a year. I like the technology. The price was just over $300. I hope it lasts longer than the stock battery. I got three years out of the original and the first replacement battery.
Jake
Jake
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/16795226
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
I do have lithium Ions for my cordless tools and I have a Antigravity Batteries XP10 lithium micro-starter that I keep in my saddle bag.
The problem I have with lithium ions is they don't give any indication that they are about to die, they just die.
At least that's how my power tool batteries are.
With a non-lithium you get some indications such as a slow turn-over that gives you a little heads up.
There's also the $300 price tag.
At 3.5 years per AGM battery $300 is more than 10 years of batteries.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 953
Likes: 127
From: Rome, NY
From what I've read (read only) the latest Walmart batteries are no longer made by Yuasa, and are getting very poor reviews.
https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/16795226
https://www.walmart.com/reviews/product/16795226
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
It certainly wouldn't hurt.
I'm betting that the vast majority of people don't use a tender when they are not riding.
I've never used a tender during the regular riding season but always use it during the off-season since sometimes it's weeks between rides.
Perhaps I'll start using it on a more regular basis.