Practically new battery — needs to be replaced?
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, Ca
Practically new battery — needs to be replaced?
It’s been awhile since I’ve been on here! Hope everyone is out and enjoying their bikes!
Anyways here’s my problem. I bought a new battery years ago, maybe 2014. I was in the process of getting my bike running again and had to stop because of my career and it’s time demands. I never hooked the battery up to a tender (I know I should’ve but I didn’t) and the bike sat up until about a week ago. I’ve fired the the bike up maybe 2-3 times back in 2014 and didn’t have any issues with the battery.
Well I tried charging this practically new battery with a dinky *** trickle charger to get it running again and couldn’t tell if it was working or not. Took the battery down to NAPA to have them check it. The guy behind the counter said I needed a new battery. Well, the battery check system he was using said replace battery. So I asked him to charge the battery for me and let’s see what it says afterwards. I come back in an hour later and he tells me it’s still saying replace battery.
Im pretty baffled at this because this battery is damn near brand new, it’s hasnt even been used for rides. I get that it may be drained but buy a brand new one? Am I really going to have to bite the bullet here and buy a new one? Or can I take it down to Harley and have them swap it out? (It’s a HD Battery bought a dealer, forgot to mention that part)
Anyways here’s my problem. I bought a new battery years ago, maybe 2014. I was in the process of getting my bike running again and had to stop because of my career and it’s time demands. I never hooked the battery up to a tender (I know I should’ve but I didn’t) and the bike sat up until about a week ago. I’ve fired the the bike up maybe 2-3 times back in 2014 and didn’t have any issues with the battery.
Well I tried charging this practically new battery with a dinky *** trickle charger to get it running again and couldn’t tell if it was working or not. Took the battery down to NAPA to have them check it. The guy behind the counter said I needed a new battery. Well, the battery check system he was using said replace battery. So I asked him to charge the battery for me and let’s see what it says afterwards. I come back in an hour later and he tells me it’s still saying replace battery.
Im pretty baffled at this because this battery is damn near brand new, it’s hasnt even been used for rides. I get that it may be drained but buy a brand new one? Am I really going to have to bite the bullet here and buy a new one? Or can I take it down to Harley and have them swap it out? (It’s a HD Battery bought a dealer, forgot to mention that part)
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 13
From: Richmond, Va
The battery being dead is understandable. Cold temps alone will suck the charge right out of a battery. The problem is it was left too long in a "dead" state. When that happens it's common for them to not hold a charge. It probably has a dead cell that prevents it from either having the cold cranking amps needed to start the bike or preventing it from taking a charge all together.
As far as HD swapping it out, a quick phone call should answer that. With luck it's under some kind of warranty. Hope all works out for u and glad ur back!!
As far as HD swapping it out, a quick phone call should answer that. With luck it's under some kind of warranty. Hope all works out for u and glad ur back!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
Batteries don't last forever. You have to care for them if you want them to last. Letting it sit for five years won't do it.
HD batteries have a 1 year limited warranty. So, yes, you will have to bite the bullet and buy a new one.
Here are the best ways to prolong a battery's life:
1. Ride the bike. Let the bike's charging system keep it charged.
2. Use a battery tender; not a trickle charger (there's a difference)
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Good luck.
HD batteries have a 1 year limited warranty. So, yes, you will have to bite the bullet and buy a new one.
Here are the best ways to prolong a battery's life:
1. Ride the bike. Let the bike's charging system keep it charged.
2. Use a battery tender; not a trickle charger (there's a difference)
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Good luck.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 320
Likes: 43
From: NYC
Additionally, firing up the bike 2-3 times without riding or charging probably did the brunt of the damage. Most of the energy is used on start up hence why it’s strongly advised not to just start the bike up without riding while it’s being stored in the winter.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 3,512
From: At home.
Hate to break it to you, but your tires probably need replacing too. 5 years of sitting can take a toll on a bike.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 226
Likes: 49
From: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Yep......24 months and I replace batteries whether they seem good or not. I have had some last less than 24 months. My bikes are always tethered in the garage but it seems some are good longer than others. I have had what I would call excellent experience with the DEKA batteries. That is who makes the HD batteries......they cost less and are just as good. Now they have these new lithium batteries......I guess time will tell if that is the better route. I understand that the standard charger for the regular batteries will not work.....or are not right for the lithium batteries. That keeps me from changing because I have that 4 bank charger from HD.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
Yeah, check your tire dates codes.....
Replace them at 7 years, regardless of tread left...
And don't forget to flush your brake fluid.......
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
I just bought back my 05 Fatboy from the guy I sold it to in 2011, it only had about 1000 miles put on it in 8 years. had to replace battery (would not hold charge and had no reserve cranking power) and tires they were 9 yr old and brand new tread but he rubber deteriorates and can be dangerous , also change all your fluids .
Last edited by XARAN; Oct 23, 2019 at 11:09 AM.