Battery question
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Northville, MI
Battery question
Have you guys only used the factory batteries or have you gone aftermarket? Just curious as I am battery shopping and noticing the price gap. I am just worried that a cheaper battery may not equate to a better battery in the long run. Let me know your thoughts.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
RE: Battery question
It's been so long since I owned a bike. But when I had my 1980 HD, the battery didn't last very long. Replaced it with a Sears DieHard at the time. I wonder if Optima makes a motorcycle battery. If they did, that's what I'd replace the OEM one for.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Battery question
I don't like it but I only use the factory HD battery. There is almost nothing in the aftermarket that correctly fits the Sportster. I've tried several listed as correct replacements but the dimensions or terminals wind up being different. This situation applies to sporties only. There are aftermarket battries for the BTs.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Battery question
ORIGINAL: cHarley
I don't like it but I only use the factory HD battery. There is almost nothing in the aftermarket that correctly fits the Sportster. I've tried several listed as correct replacements but the dimensions or terminals wind up being different. This situation applies to sporties only. There are aftermarket battries for the BTs.
I don't like it but I only use the factory HD battery. There is almost nothing in the aftermarket that correctly fits the Sportster. I've tried several listed as correct replacements but the dimensions or terminals wind up being different. This situation applies to sporties only. There are aftermarket battries for the BTs.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Battery question
cheaper does not necessarily even equal in quality.
But sometimes you have to go by your pocket book.
I can't confirm this, but I heard YUASA actually makes the HD battery.
Is yours the new maintenance free or the older style.
If the newer I would stay with the newer.
If older upgrade.
Also you need to maintain the same amperes per hour.
Especially with fuel injection.
Lighter weight batteries (amps/hr) won't hold up long.
You can get an equivalent for a little lower price, but you need to shop around.
Most large battery companies will offer a replacement.
Check interstate, and yuasa and any independent bike shop.
But sometimes you have to go by your pocket book.
I can't confirm this, but I heard YUASA actually makes the HD battery.
Is yours the new maintenance free or the older style.
If the newer I would stay with the newer.
If older upgrade.
Also you need to maintain the same amperes per hour.
Especially with fuel injection.
Lighter weight batteries (amps/hr) won't hold up long.
You can get an equivalent for a little lower price, but you need to shop around.
Most large battery companies will offer a replacement.
Check interstate, and yuasa and any independent bike shop.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Battery question
Well there you have it!
Hd doesn't really make everything it sells, if you haven't figured it out yet.
They order "x" number from a supplier and put their name on it.
And normally charge more!
ORIGINAL: schumacher
I just looked and Yuasa makes a gel battery for the Sportster:
YTX14L-BS
I just looked and Yuasa makes a gel battery for the Sportster:
YTX14L-BS