When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original battery lasted 4 years and replaced with a DIEHARD from an Advance Auto Store (I was stranded and desparate)
I had not tested the battery but bike was showing 14.3 volts all the time of riding
Cables was top mounted and tight, did not have any spacers.
I ride my literally every day and put serious miles on it, its 2019 RGS and I have over 52,000 miles on it and I was out of the country for 2 years so couldn't ride it
I will talk to a dealer today about doing a test of my charging system and for any unexpected drain.
It reads like first battery lasted 4 years which is normal.
It reads like second battery lasted 9 months which is NOT normal, but it looks like there are some up and down reviews reported on their website.
That Diehard should have still had warranty.
The Diehard brand battery was most likely an AGM...a gel battery...
A dash gauge is generally not a precise indicator but if it was showing 14.3 then the bike was charging.
Since it is top mounted I do not believe you require spacers.
If you have a cheap digital voltage meter...They can be purchased for under $20 then some simple and quick tests can be conducted.
Do not even have to remove seat if you have a battery tender cable and a meter....quick, clean and easy.
Voltage at rest, cranking and then high idle.
But it does not read like there are any problems...just double check the 4 FOUR ends of your battery cables...You already did the battery ends so check the other ends.
Parasitic drain test will require removal of seat to disconnect negative cable.
Why are you going to the dealer to check charging system? Advanced Auto and Autozone both will put a meter on and see if it’s charging or you can buy a cheap meter <$20 to check it yourself.
Since you ride the bike a lot the chance of it being a parasitic drain is low.
Parasitic test with an inexpensive meter.
Although this is on a car the concept is similar.
This would give you an idea.....If time is short then consider watching the 3 minute mark to 8 minute mark.
Basically disable/turn off security...people forget that security system is a drain on battery and there are several items like clocks that draw small amounts of power.
Disconnect any items that you have plugged or attached to battery that draw power that are not factory original...
Examples: USB plugs, radar detectors, phone chargers special amplifier, voltage convertors and additional lights.
Set your meter
Disconnect negative battery cable.
Attach meter between (-) terminal and battery cable
Let bike fall asleep and take reading after bike is asleep.
But it does not read like you have a problem.
Motorcycle USB Charger, Mroinge 4.8A SAE to USB Adapter with Voltmeter & Ammeter, Quick Disconnect Plug with Dual USB Charger Perfect for Smart Device Charging, with ON/Off Switch & Waterproof Cover https://a.co/d/8508JBH
This is a handy accessory.
It plugs into your battery tender lead so you can charge phones etc. If you get one like this with the voltage readout you can monitor your battery and charging system.
Before you start the bike the voltage should be 12.6-13.5v. after started it should read 13.6-14.5v.
USB chargers when not charging are not drawing anything. I don't leave plugged in bike, cause I have none. but house I do and I have verified with meter they draw nothing.
After reading everything here and the crap reviews for the DIEHARD battery (only offer 90 day warranty) I have decided to return the battery as defective and request my money back and get one from Big Crank instead. I have used them before and never had an issue. My first lasted 4 years which I believe is about right and I do not have extras to drain the system, so guess the replacement battery was at fault. I will go to Autozone and ask them to check my charging system but Im pretty sure it will be Ok...fingers crossed
Went to Autozone today and they couldn't help so went to my local independent and asked them to load test my new battery and checkout my charging system and possible drains, bike came back with a clean bill of health.
Now gotta decide whether to return new battery as defective and try and get my money back, then buy a better/more reliable one from another source
Went to Autozone today and they couldn't help so went to my local independent and asked them to load test my new battery and checkout my charging system and possible drains, bike came back with a clean bill of health.
Now gotta decide whether to return new battery as defective and try and get my money back, then buy a better/more reliable one from another source
Autozone wouldn't load test it? I never have a problem with them!
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
and try and get my money back, then buy a better/more reliable one from another source
