Interstate Battery Question
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
DEKA makes the HD batteries IIRC
I have used NAPA batteries... they didn't work well, the terminal connection cross section is very small.
I like Interstate Batteries... in cars.... IMHO in HD bikes, the best battery I have used is HD... even the DEKA Battery isn't as good... don't ask me how that happens but it is my experience.
YASU ... great in Jap bikes, not so much in big V twins IMHO
YMMV
I have used NAPA batteries... they didn't work well, the terminal connection cross section is very small.
I like Interstate Batteries... in cars.... IMHO in HD bikes, the best battery I have used is HD... even the DEKA Battery isn't as good... don't ask me how that happens but it is my experience.
YASU ... great in Jap bikes, not so much in big V twins IMHO
YMMV
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
what issue did you have with yuasa in a big twin? I used the gyz32hl for almost a year before I traded the bike in and had no problems with it. but I wouldn't expect to have any issues with a 1 year old battery anyway.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
I'm the exception when it comes to Interstate Batteries.... I won't ever buy another one...
Since 1986, I have owned, and maintained a boat that I run offshore here in San Diego... I started with a 21' dual outboard boat, and progressed in size, until I owned a 46 Hatteras for 16 years... I have dealt with GRP 24 thru 4D & 8D marine batteries....
Prior to the Hatteras (four 8Ds and one 4D) I would experiment with different makes of batteries, looking for a lower cost, effective battery.....
Over the years I have tried 3 various size Interstate Marine Batteries... all failed just before the warranty period. I never got a replacement, because changing a marine battery can be quite a physical exercise, due to their placement in the bilge.....
The other brands I used, lasted anywhere from a year to several years past warranty....
No more Interstate batteries for me....
Since 1986, I have owned, and maintained a boat that I run offshore here in San Diego... I started with a 21' dual outboard boat, and progressed in size, until I owned a 46 Hatteras for 16 years... I have dealt with GRP 24 thru 4D & 8D marine batteries....
Prior to the Hatteras (four 8Ds and one 4D) I would experiment with different makes of batteries, looking for a lower cost, effective battery.....
Over the years I have tried 3 various size Interstate Marine Batteries... all failed just before the warranty period. I never got a replacement, because changing a marine battery can be quite a physical exercise, due to their placement in the bilge.....
The other brands I used, lasted anywhere from a year to several years past warranty....
No more Interstate batteries for me....
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 25, 2019 at 12:37 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
You work for a dealership, dontcha?? 
Since this thread has been resurrected, I'll play...
I've used Yuasa for years. One of the best motorcycle batteries on the planet. As far as Interstate, I've never had one in my bike, but I've had plenty in cars, and they've all gone well past the warranty period with no issues at all.
YMMV.
Since this thread has been resurrected, I'll play...
I've used Yuasa for years. One of the best motorcycle batteries on the planet. As far as Interstate, I've never had one in my bike, but I've had plenty in cars, and they've all gone well past the warranty period with no issues at all.
YMMV.
However, I did that kind of stuff at one point in my life. The only reason that the FAA specifies what batteries you can put in your airplane,the brand that was installed from the factory with the airplane or another FAA approved brand for that airplane, was too many people putting in just whatever cheaper or bigger or overrated or underrated battery they could find. Why do you think that is if they are all the same?
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,468
Likes: 3,572
From: Idaho
LOL, no, I'm not a dealer, definitely not a fan of MoCo service, but MoCo parts have always worked well for me like advertised.
However, I did that kind of stuff at one point in my life. The only reason that the FAA specifies what batteries you can put in your airplane,the brand that was installed from the factory with the airplane or another FAA approved brand for that airplane, was too many people putting in just whatever cheaper or bigger or overrated or underrated battery they could find. Why do you think that is if they are all the same?
However, I did that kind of stuff at one point in my life. The only reason that the FAA specifies what batteries you can put in your airplane,the brand that was installed from the factory with the airplane or another FAA approved brand for that airplane, was too many people putting in just whatever cheaper or bigger or overrated or underrated battery they could find. Why do you think that is if they are all the same?
j/k!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
LOL, no, I'm not a dealer, definitely not a fan of MoCo service, but MoCo parts have always worked well for me like advertised.
However, I did that kind of stuff at one point in my life. The only reason that the FAA specifies what batteries you can put in your airplane,the brand that was installed from the factory with the airplane or another FAA approved brand for that airplane, was too many people putting in just whatever cheaper or bigger or overrated or underrated battery they could find. Why do you think that is if they are all the same?
However, I did that kind of stuff at one point in my life. The only reason that the FAA specifies what batteries you can put in your airplane,the brand that was installed from the factory with the airplane or another FAA approved brand for that airplane, was too many people putting in just whatever cheaper or bigger or overrated or underrated battery they could find. Why do you think that is if they are all the same?
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 271
Likes: 73
From: Stowe Pa
Physical size. location of connections.need for a vent,caps that seal when inverted, strength of case and weight. Feds don't give a **** how long a battery last.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 457
From: Littleton CO
I put an Interstate Cycletron in my 2013 FLHTK last May and promptly returned it a week later when it wouldn't start the bike. I installed another HD branded battery and have been worry free since! The original battery lasted 5 years, so I would be happy with another 5 years out of the replacement.
And I have used them for 20 years and even sold them when I had my Auto repair shop. Love them in my 4 wheeled vehicles.
And I have used them for 20 years and even sold them when I had my Auto repair shop. Love them in my 4 wheeled vehicles.
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
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
Go ahead and put a cheap OTC automotive battery in your Cessna 150 and see what goes down when the FAA finds out. It ain't pretty! In that world, one unauthorized part installed and signed off in the log book suggests others and that airplane will be grounded and ordered opened and inspected for any other unauthorized parts for any service or maintenance that the log books (all of them from year one) indicates has been performed on that airframe and powerplant. Any unauthorized parts constitutes a violation and is documented. In the meantime, the aircraft is deemed unairworthy. BTDT
Sometimes the manufacturer's part is the best all around choice. Batteries are one of those.
Last edited by skinman13; Nov 26, 2019 at 10:36 AM.