Good call...I would've done the same (replace). No need to get stranded, while finishing your riding season & you're ready for winter/next season. Also, getting now vs. Spring avoids order delays b/c it's usually when masses who didn't maintain battery realize theirs is shot (after long winter hiatus).

 

X 2

Terminal connections can and do work lose and it doesn't take much to make it look like a bad battery. Give the leads a good tug near the lugs. If you can move em at all, thats probably the problem.

 

I'm surprised no one has suggested taking it out and having it load tested. Take it out and take it to a Batteries plus bulbs. They will load test for free. If it doesn't pass, they can sell you a Duracell with a two year warranty. No question about your old battery and if it is bad, you get a new one right away and they'll dispose of your old battery.

Your battery probably survived but having it load tested will give you peace of mind either way.

Something to be more nervous about is your charging system. They don't like being jumped but I think your battery had enough juice in it to be ok. I had no choice to jump a dead bike and the battery survived no problem. The voltage regulator and stator failed on me two days later.

 

I wouldn't hesitate to replace it. 3.5 yrs from a battery is about all you can realistically expect. And the drainage from running the radio is an indication that the cells are wearing down. IMHO it's better to spend the money on a fresh one than be stuck somewhere without a possible jump start and have to go thru the expense and hassle of towing.
YMMV

 

How many times in the past have you run your radio for an hour? Frankly, that just doesn't seem smart.

 

Time for a new battery.
Do NOT confuse "CCA" (cold cranking amps) with the MISLEADING words "CA" (cranking amps) done by shady battery sellers and companies when buying a battery.

Brands Yuasa and Big Crank as well as others

 

 

If listening to the radio for an hour killed your battery it's time to replace it. There should have been more than enough reserve capacity for that small of a load. Next time it dies you may not be lucky enough to have someone to jump start your bike.

 

New battery on the way. I don't think you will hurt the bikes jump starting it as long as the donor car or truck is not running. Seen it done many times over the years. Now i watched a guy jump his bike from a running car once and it took out the charging system on his bike. I've seen other do the same thing with no problems. But i wouldn't chance it.

 

Ive seen several dealers jump start bikes but always with a lithium ion battery pack. So I doubt the act of jump starting is bad. I wouldn't want to do it with a running vehicle.