What do you think about the ambient temperature / engine temps effecting the volts being put out?

 

I think it may affect it slightly but not enough to make any difference. Back years ago when you had adjustable voltage regulators, it was a big deal. With the electronics now, most meters would not show it. What would be the biggest driving factor is battery voltage. So readings will vary slightly

 

2003 RoadKing,
I changed the battery and noticed arcing on the negative post as I was hooking it up. Does the bike have an electrical draw in the "off" mode.

Everything works afterwards and I don't notice any other issues.

I had been using a "Battery Tender" on the old battery, but the bike did sit for several months since last use. When I got it out yesterday, the old battery was shot. Replaced it and noticed the arcing on the install. Is that normal?

 

Yes. The speedometer, ECM (EFI), TSM or TSSM and regulator all hit it a very small amount. Only microamps of about 1.5 to 4 (alarm) carb and 2.5-5 EFI. The 3 from the TSSM alarm tapers off to very little after 30 seconds but makes a healthy spark that you can hear and see at night.
It takes over a month and a 1/2 or so sitting to affect a well charged battery.

Get you a amp meter that shows DC load and put in line to measure it if new battery seems to drain down.

 

Something has gone wrong with Harley Batteries in the last 2 years,they have gone to crap. The stock battery in my bike lasted 9 years, I just replaced the second replacement 2 months ago with a Yuasa GYZ series battery , and you could tell right away that it is a better battery as it has more cranking amps than an HD battery , they cost about $150.00.

 

Ripsaw,

Thanks for the excellent answer. Does it make sense to put a battery disconnector on a bike or just leave the battery tender on it all the times?

 

Think the answer to your question is in 10 above.

 

=================================

FYI,you guys are paying way too much for replacement batteries.

See below for info i posted in prior thread on repl batteries for hd
saving a lot of money while still getting a quality more powerful
400cc , 500cca or 600cca battery.

Scott

================================================== =

Here ya go,some of the best prices on upgraded more powerful Maint free fact activated AGM stock type batteries.

Stock HD repl fact act mant free AGM battery is 385cca at a whopping $180+.

These same type maint free fact activayed agm batteries are higher output @ 400cca , 500cca & 600cca at $20 , $70 to as much as $100 less for a quality Deka 400cca AGM battery then hd's lower output repl battery.


See below links for details.



Scott


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Deka-ETX30L-...item1c573cfe0f


http://powersportbatteries.com/more-...nk-etx30l.html



http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Cra...L-Battery.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121429861963

 

Lets not all be engineers and reinvent the battery system on your Harley. If you have checked the charging system on your bike (twice) and have found it to be working, then just change the battery. Yes battery tenders work, but they will not change or repair a bad battery. All this is based on knowing that the starter is good and there is no mechanical problems.

 

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GOOD ADVICE IMHO.

His bikes charging system testing good a couple times in a row seems to show it's time for a new battery.

Scott