2018 touring battery replacement
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 718
From: Indianapolis
2018 touring battery replacement
A bit disappointed that the OEM only lasted me 4 years. AutoZone Duralast Gold AGM is what I'm going with. $150 isn't too terrible. Typically I don't do the store brands, but Duralast batteries are actually some of the best out there. I'm pretty sure they're made by Duracell.
Bike had been out a few times already this year. No signs or symptoms of an issue. Got it out Sunday and the fuel pump would prime, and headlight would come on. That's all. Volt gauge said around 9V. It had been off the tender for about 3 weeks. Back on the enter for 48 hours. Turn the key on and I watch the needle go from about 13.5 down to 12, then just below. Cranked a little slow, but started. Voltage at idle was almost 15. Off, then started again and it cranked noticeably slower than the first time.... she gone.
Bike had been out a few times already this year. No signs or symptoms of an issue. Got it out Sunday and the fuel pump would prime, and headlight would come on. That's all. Volt gauge said around 9V. It had been off the tender for about 3 weeks. Back on the enter for 48 hours. Turn the key on and I watch the needle go from about 13.5 down to 12, then just below. Cranked a little slow, but started. Voltage at idle was almost 15. Off, then started again and it cranked noticeably slower than the first time.... she gone.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
Duracell doesnt not make Duralast, they are made by "Clarios" and generally get fair to poor reviews. That being said 4 years is about average for Harleys, MY 2018 RG battery lasted about 4 years and I went with a Duralast because of supply chain issues I could not get a Big Crank that has been my go to battery the last 3 times i Bought a battery.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
FWIW....
This is second hand info, but I bought a Duracell from Batteries plus, for my last bagger several years ago. At that time, I couldn't wait for a Yuasa battery...
The store manager told me the Duracell Ultra motorcycle battery comes in two flavors... One has a grey case, the other has a black case.
One is US made, the other offshore...
I believe the grey case is the better US made battery...
I had pretty good service out of that Duracell, but whenever possible my go to is Yuasa...
This is second hand info, but I bought a Duracell from Batteries plus, for my last bagger several years ago. At that time, I couldn't wait for a Yuasa battery...
The store manager told me the Duracell Ultra motorcycle battery comes in two flavors... One has a grey case, the other has a black case.
One is US made, the other offshore...
I believe the grey case is the better US made battery...
I had pretty good service out of that Duracell, but whenever possible my go to is Yuasa...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
bwahahaha.... only 4 years? i wish i could get 4 years out of a battery. i'm lucky to get 3. after 2, i figure i'm living on borrowed time and am mentally preparing myself for an upcoming expense shortly.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 680
Likes: 224
From: Buhl, Idaho
Mine is an '08 FLHT. 140,000+miles on the clock. On its second battery, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Always tested very good.. Haven't used a tender for maybe 6 years now. Also, running all LED lighting, and no accessories to draw power, other than when my heated gear is needed. First battery lasted about 5 years, I think. Stock factory batteries. I know it could crap itself at any time, as batteries will, so I already have a new one on the shelf, just in case. Along with new cables If it matters, the bike seldom sits for long, weather permitting. I think the constant usage helps..
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 404
From: SE,GA
Wow, 4 yrs is good now a days. Looking to replace mine also. Ordered a big crank last time. Got almost 3 yrs. Will try them again probably
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 718
From: Indianapolis
I get about 6 years out of an AGM battery on my race bike. I was hoping to get one more year out of the OEM.
The Autozone Duralast Gold battery has the gray case. No issues with fit or anything. I was surprised to see a factory lift tether under the batter. Too bad it was rotted in two in a couple places. I guess I should look at the bright side and tell myself I don't need to worry about a battery for the next few years.
The Autozone Duralast Gold battery has the gray case. No issues with fit or anything. I was surprised to see a factory lift tether under the batter. Too bad it was rotted in two in a couple places. I guess I should look at the bright side and tell myself I don't need to worry about a battery for the next few years.
