How Long Your Battery lasting?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
The guys that get stranded the most are those who ALWAYS put the bike on a tender. Reason being they don't know the battery is bad till they are away from home and spend a night without the tender.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 101
From: Portland, OR
Letting them sit for long periods of time, whether it's in the dealer showroom or someones garage, is quickest way to shorten the life of a battery. Over the years I have tried to save a few $'s buying from batteries+. Sometimes they have been sitting for quite a long time. I ran a Lithium battery for a couple of years. Pain in the *** waking them up in the cold. I'm back to buying from HD. It's a little more money, but the batteries are always fresh. Lithium had more cranking amps, but less durable & no warning when they are getting ready to die. Local dealer here quit selling them because of so many returns.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 1,618
From: TX
The trick is to judge when the battery is going bad before that happens. Mine cranked slow even after being on tender.
This is an age old question that always brings out bizarre exceptions to the rule.
Check any motorcycle battery manufacturer. The average expected life of a motorcycle battery is 3 years. That is THREE years (3), the number after 2 and before 4.
That takes into consideration where you live, temperature, altitude, usage, care, cranking amps, etc etc etc. Some might last longer, some shorter.
If you keep your battery in a cool, dark place, never ride your bike, and on a tender it could last for years and years. If you are lucky, the battery will come with a 2 year warranty. That is the exception, most only come with one.
If your battery is over three years old, and you want to make sure it will start when you need it, then you need to be thinking about a replacement. At four years you are rolling the dice. it might start one day, and not another. At five years you are definitely on borrowed time.
Remember, a battery, just like in a car, is only used to start the machine. After that the alternator (or magneto) takes over. Same with a kick start, you only need enough voltage to create a spark.
Check any motorcycle battery manufacturer. The average expected life of a motorcycle battery is 3 years. That is THREE years (3), the number after 2 and before 4.
That takes into consideration where you live, temperature, altitude, usage, care, cranking amps, etc etc etc. Some might last longer, some shorter.
If you keep your battery in a cool, dark place, never ride your bike, and on a tender it could last for years and years. If you are lucky, the battery will come with a 2 year warranty. That is the exception, most only come with one.
If your battery is over three years old, and you want to make sure it will start when you need it, then you need to be thinking about a replacement. At four years you are rolling the dice. it might start one day, and not another. At five years you are definitely on borrowed time.
Remember, a battery, just like in a car, is only used to start the machine. After that the alternator (or magneto) takes over. Same with a kick start, you only need enough voltage to create a spark.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 135
Likes: 214
From: Central NJ
All good info on here. I had my original battery (2017 FLHR) until yesterday. Lasted just about 5 years. Bike began struggling on cold starts, which was the indicator for me. Walked into the dealership and purchased the new lithium battery. Works great!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,996
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
Most AGM batteries use recycled lead. Want a better battery,get one made from pure lead to get optimum longevity and performance. I’m guessin in 4 or 5 years,lead type batteries will be phased out as hazardous.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
I just replaced my battery that I purchased at my local Harley dealer in 2014. Seven plus years and no signs of going bad. I just figured why push it.
I put on 6-8000 miles per year on it. It sits in an unheated garage anywhere from 4-5 months in North Dakota. Bike is always on a tender and only has an 80" EFI Evo so that may make a difference without all the key fobs and alarm stuff.
I put on 6-8000 miles per year on it. It sits in an unheated garage anywhere from 4-5 months in North Dakota. Bike is always on a tender and only has an 80" EFI Evo so that may make a difference without all the key fobs and alarm stuff.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,959
Likes: 1,988
From: CA
Doesn't seem to matter what brand, I usually get about three years out of a battery. We have upwards of 50-60 days a year over 100 degrees, might have something to do with it. Usually on a tender if they are not ridden for more than a week.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 9
From: Pittsburgh, PA
My 2008 FLHT that I bought new in April 2008 still had the original battery in it when I got rid of it in May of 2015 and was still turning over just as strong as the day it was new. Always kept on a battery tender when parked. My 2019 I think had a battery put in it before I purchased since I did buy it used. But I also keep this bike on the same battery tender and I dont expect to have to replace this battery anytime soon. But if I do Ill definitely just buy another OEM battery as I seem to have good luck with them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,725
Likes: 9,155
From: Georgia
Keep an eye on your battery voltage while riding and see if it’s bouncing around. I noticed mine is, so I probably need to replace the voltage regulator so that it is being properly charged while riding. Mine is bouncing from 13 to pegged out.