Battery thoughts
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,856
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From: Washington State
Battery thoughts
I ride a 2007 SG and I'm still running the stock battery. I have it on the trickle charger whenever Im not riding it and it operates like its new. So my question is, are any of you still running the stock battery or do you change it out every so often regardless?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
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From: Sussex, South of England
I just traded my '07 Ultra and that had the original battery which was going as strong as ever. Luck is a factor but with a tender and a not too hot climate you may very well have that battery for another three years or so.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
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From: Maryland near DC
I just changed out the battery in my 2000 sportster for the first time,,,,its a crap shoot how long they last, oh and I never kept it on a charger...my 2011 fhlrc had the battery replaced a few months ago...like i said it is a crap shoot...also you don't need to buy a hd battery (although they are good batteries) , you can go to any battery place and save a good amount of money...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Your battery is doing well, it must be admitted, but you have a high quality one and they often give exceptional service. The best any of my batteries has managed is around 11 years, so you could have some time left yet. As for when to replace it that is difficult! I don't recall being let down by a battery while on the road in 40+ years of riding, except once, they usually seem to show they've had enough while at home, trying to start it at the beginning of the day.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Prior Lake, MN
I got 8 years out of the battery on my first bike, put it on a battery tender all winter. That was an AGM battery. Replaced it when it no longer held a charge.
Got 11 years out of the no name cranking battery that came with my boat. That was a regular lead acid marine cranking battery, also kept on a tender during the off season. This battery was still working, just decided to replace it since it was 11 years old and I didn't want to deal with a mid season battery replacement.
I'm convinced that using the battery tender contributed to their long service life. Gonna keep up with that on the limited, we'll see what happens.
Got 11 years out of the no name cranking battery that came with my boat. That was a regular lead acid marine cranking battery, also kept on a tender during the off season. This battery was still working, just decided to replace it since it was 11 years old and I didn't want to deal with a mid season battery replacement.
I'm convinced that using the battery tender contributed to their long service life. Gonna keep up with that on the limited, we'll see what happens.
Last edited by Brewmany; Nov 2, 2014 at 02:33 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 13
From: Northeastern Md.
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You'll know when it's time to replace I got 6yrs out of mine I was lucky mine died in the garage I went to start my bike & it was no more.Got a new AGM @ www.batterymart.com for $100.00 delivered on a tender when not in use. Your lucky that yours has been in service for so long.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
No reason to think a battery kept on a tender in a nice warm (i.e. above freezing) garage won't last at least a decade....not just on bikes but on lawn tractors, generators, etc...
My first battery was put on a tender after every ride. Lasted four years. Second battery was placed on a tender most of the time (a minimum of once a month). This one only lasted 2 years and gave no indication that it was going to fail. Went to start the bike before a poker run and wouldnt crank over, only the dreaded ...err.err...er. We'll see how long the new one lasts.