battery dead after temp change
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
A good battery tender (such as the waterproof Deltran 800's I use on my bikes) is your friend.
I use them on my bikes, usually overnight although you can leave them on 24/7, year around, and not just in the cold winter months.
Many people don't realize that the battery on your bike should be maintained 12 months out of the year, and not just during the cold winter months.
Easy to use the 'tenders' anymore since they came out with the harness that attaches to your battery. Takes all of 2 seconds to 'plug or unplug' them, and you no longer need to remove the seat everytime like we did back in the bad ole days.
BTW, my batteries normally last 6+ years before being replaced.
I use them on my bikes, usually overnight although you can leave them on 24/7, year around, and not just in the cold winter months.
Many people don't realize that the battery on your bike should be maintained 12 months out of the year, and not just during the cold winter months.
Easy to use the 'tenders' anymore since they came out with the harness that attaches to your battery. Takes all of 2 seconds to 'plug or unplug' them, and you no longer need to remove the seat everytime like we did back in the bad ole days.
BTW, my batteries normally last 6+ years before being replaced.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Warren, Ohio
MY 07 1200C has 6500 miles on the orginal battery. As with most batteries, even in a cell phone I have, as the temperature drops, so does the battery strength.
Did you try a battery tender? You can plug it in and leave it.
Did you try a battery tender? You can plug it in and leave it.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 433
Likes: 5
From: Warren, Ohio
That's not a dumb *** question, never know unless you ask.
A battery tender is a trickle charger that is designed to be left on the battery the entire time it's stored. It regulates itself and is not charging all the time.
A battery tender is a trickle charger that is designed to be left on the battery the entire time it's stored. It regulates itself and is not charging all the time.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 585
Likes: 0
the reason im asking i have a battery charger with a switch on it for a trickle i think 6v. so i plan not to keep my scoot winterized all year plan on riding some. you think if i just put in on the trickle it would work or do i just need to go buy a dang tender?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
I've had the same problem. When it gets cold, the battery seems to lose power. Get into the mid 20's, it won't crank it over enough to start the bike. My bike is an '04, and I assume it is the original battery since I have had the bike for 2 1/2 years. If I ride for about 30 minutes or more, it seems ok. I've been told and have heard it takes about 30 miles before the battery actually starts charging, which leads me to think it is getting weak. I will probably have it tested next spring. I can't afford one till then and can't afford to be stranded at work.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Buy a Battery Tender (float charger), they will not harm the battery. You can get one at Walmart for $20 or less.
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: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
Actually it does take some time to charge the battery to full stength. More like 15 miles. Now tell me, where exactly is this alternator you speak of on the bike? I seem to be missing that on all three of my bikes. I just have a regulator and a stator on all of mine. A little harsh on the guy telling him he was wrong like that?