Battery time I think
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Fort Myers, FL
Battery time I think
I have noticed over the past couple of months the radio would turn on when I start the bike. Another thread indicated this was due to a weakening battery. The battery on this bike is the stock OEM and is about 18 months old.
The past couple of times I have taken her out, the starter was slow to begin to turn over. The bike started after the starter kicked in -- usually within a half a second -- but it was a definite lull after hitting the button.
Today, the bike seemed to turn over a little slower when I started her at the house. After I stopped to fuel up, she was very slow to crank and would not start after about 6 seconds of trying. I stopped, hit the button again, and she turned right over and started right up.
The PC says the voltage is spot on during engine run, I have checked all the connectors, including the frame ground. When I got back to the house after about a 30 mile ride, the battery read 12.85 and she started up -- with a little hesitation and the radio turning on. My gut tells me it's time for a battery but I don't have as much experience with the Ultra as I do other brands.
Is there anything I should be checking on the starter, etc. before I pull the battery for a load test?
Thanks as always!
The past couple of times I have taken her out, the starter was slow to begin to turn over. The bike started after the starter kicked in -- usually within a half a second -- but it was a definite lull after hitting the button.
Today, the bike seemed to turn over a little slower when I started her at the house. After I stopped to fuel up, she was very slow to crank and would not start after about 6 seconds of trying. I stopped, hit the button again, and she turned right over and started right up.
The PC says the voltage is spot on during engine run, I have checked all the connectors, including the frame ground. When I got back to the house after about a 30 mile ride, the battery read 12.85 and she started up -- with a little hesitation and the radio turning on. My gut tells me it's time for a battery but I don't have as much experience with the Ultra as I do other brands.
Is there anything I should be checking on the starter, etc. before I pull the battery for a load test?
Thanks as always!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
If you have a battery charger charge your battery up off the bike. It should give more than the 12+ volts you mentioned. You can get it load tested at many auto parts stores, which will identify if it is up to scratch or not.
One reason the Battery is down on performance may be that the charging circuit isn't working properly. There are a couple of Stickies in the Tech Electrical section which will help you there. It is possible to identify which is the culprit before you spend any money.
One reason the Battery is down on performance may be that the charging circuit isn't working properly. There are a couple of Stickies in the Tech Electrical section which will help you there. It is possible to identify which is the culprit before you spend any money.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 921
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From: Junction City, Kansas
Your battery should lastalot longer than 18 months. I would make sure the battery is the problem before replacing it. As mentioned before, Battery Mart is the place to go if you need a battery.
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Joined: May 2013
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From: Fort Myers, FL
All connections rechecked and are solid with no corrosion. Battery read 12.8 after riding -- 6 hours later -- 12.65. The PC showed voltages off the ECM at 13.2-13.5 at idle and 14-14.5 at speed. According to the stickys in the electrical section, I'm good with those numbers.
My manual says 370CCA at 28 amp hours. I could swear the battery said 330 at 24. I'll double check it when I pull it, but could this be the dealer put too small a battery in for the bike?
My manual says 370CCA at 28 amp hours. I could swear the battery said 330 at 24. I'll double check it when I pull it, but could this be the dealer put too small a battery in for the bike?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
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From: Santa Clarita
Time isn't necessarily a factor when it comes to battery life...last Harley I had, batteries would only last a year. Then I started using a Battery Tender. ..last battery lasted over six years. What the OP describes points to a bad battery to me but I agree that a load test should be done...but the bottom line is that he will be buying a new one very soon!
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
There isn't a great deal of difference, if your battery is 330, that is still a decent power output.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Wenatchee, WA
...............providing there is no voltage drop across the connections to the battery, 14.5vdc at fast idle indicates the charging system is good. Probably a good idea to measure across the battery and not pos-to-ground for this.
To eliminate the battery, temporarily connect a 12vdc car battery or similar - don't jump it with the vehicle running.
.............. could be the starter or solenoid.
.............. doubtful the problem is the battery IMO.
To eliminate the battery, temporarily connect a 12vdc car battery or similar - don't jump it with the vehicle running.
.............. could be the starter or solenoid.
.............. doubtful the problem is the battery IMO.