Brought new HD battery on 6-8-14, battery stayed on tender during winter. Went to start bike last week and bike started right up. Shut it off to change into riding gear. Bike wouldn't start when I returned. Dealer said that it was a dead battery. Original battery lasted 7 yrs, this one 3 yrs. I guess it's possible.

 

My first OEM battery lasted a little less than 3 years, my second OEM battery lasted 4 years.
After my second one died while I was on the road, I bought me a Antigravities XP10 jump starter that stays in my saddlebag.

I think batteries are a hit and miss, but I've come to just figure every 3-4 years I'm buying a battery.

BTW- I decided not to go OEM on my last battery and went with a Duracell SLI34M which has a 3 yr. warranty.
Reason being is it was in stock at my local Batteries Plus and when ordered online was $115 with tax which if I recall correctly was about $30 cheaper than OEM which only had a 1 year warranty.

When I push the switch the bike starts so the Duracell is doing it's job and with the 3 warranty I have somewhat peace of mind until Jan. 2020.

 

Batteries in our bikes last ON AVERAGE 3.5 years. I say this from experience selling batteries almost daily at my shop. People that keep their bikes on a tender will get another year, year-and-a-half out of them on average. These numbers are for good quality name brand batteries (Yuasa, Deka). That being said, 3 years out of your second battery is not great but you are in the ballpark for average life.

 

Don't feel bad,bought a battery from Parts Unlimited once lasted maybe a week.They made good on it but who knows how long it was sitting on shelf in warehouse.

 

There is a code on most batteries that indicate date of manufacture.
You can google it, but it does let you know if you are about to fork over hard $$$ for a two year old shelf sitter....

 

I've come to the conclusion that not all HD batteries are created equal. I've had them last as little as a year and up to 5. The battery I have in the bike now is 3 and still strong. Th one before it, barely lasted a year. I always keep the battery on the tender when the bike isn't in use..

 

Try Napa, the same company that makes HD makes Napa's. At only $86.00 bucks.

 

Just received a call from the dealer, was told the same thing that you guys are saying. I was also told that because I have a thunder max it draws more current. Was also told that because of the dead battery, the TM had to be reset. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

The first battery in my 07 Street Bob lasted 7 years. I am only 2 years into the Lo, so who knows? Make sure the terminal bolts are tight.

By the way, Deka makes HD batteries...

 

I just replaced my OEM battery after three years. It was on a tender any time it was not on my bike. Non HD batteries on tender have given me much more. I replaced my last non-HD battery after five years just as a precaution. I bought a Yuasa GYZ because it is supposed to be the best for handling high loads from large engines and accessories. Time will tell.