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.
I have a Deka EXT30LA AGM battery in my 2010 FLHTC. Its 5 1/2 years old, still starts strong. I keep it on a tender. I have heard the AGM batteries can last about 9 yrs but don’t know if thats true. If its not true I realize I should replace the battery. Any insight on my question? Also would the Big Crank ETX30LA be a better choice than the Deka? They both have the same specs.
Last edited by Streetrunner; Mar 17, 2026 at 08:18 PM.
I would get a new battery. Batteries do last longer in cooler climates.
One thing about keeping it on a maintenance charger. Iit doesn't hurt the battery but I guarantee the last start you may get is when you leave home.
That actually may be more then one thing. Anyway, my advice is always free.
Get you something similar to this. Battery purchased 2017 that's in my bike. Bikes been setting since 2023 or so but has been maintained ever 6 months. Battery came off maintenance charger. What one quick start did to it. It's actually not in great condition.
Can you see why?
.........
.......
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Mar 18, 2026 at 06:31 AM.
bottom line, is it time for a new battery or should I roll the dice?
For me, when a battery gets questionable I remove it from the vehicle, give a full charge and then load test it. I also have a cheapo Harbor Freight tester that has you input the CCA and then it tests it and gives you a percentage of the capacity that the battery is good for and the resistance. Similar (but probably not as good quality) as the one Jackie posted earlier.
Last edited by 2goldens; Mar 18, 2026 at 06:59 AM.
I have one that is pushing 4 years old and am going to replace very some. Gotta get some heart work done next week and going to wait to see how long before i can ride again before springing for a new one.
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.
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.