Any more than three years and you are on borrowed time.

 

Just changed the battery in my 99. It was 7.5 years old. It will start turning over slow as it gets close to the end. I wouldn't buy a new battery at the three year mark.

 

Never had one last more then three years. I live in florida so never needed a tender. rode allmost every day. Maybe I'm just unlucky?

 

The original battery in my '06 still starts on the first hit off the starter. I keep it on a battery tender over the winter when I'm not riding for long stretches. Seems to have plenty of life left in it.

 

Why not?


For me battery life has been a crap shoot at best. I've had some that lasted little over a year and others that lasted almost 10 years. I wait until I notice cranking speed getting slow. Cold weather requires more power from the battery, it is normal for the bike to crank over a little slower in cold weather.
This is also when you will really notice the difference between a good battery and a weak one.
Battery tenders are good but if you use one everyday it may hide the effects of a battery getting weak.

Heat kills batteries, IMO the engine heat on some bikes can affect the battery life more than others.

 

Every 2 - 3, no more than 3. I don't use a tender.

 

Depends on the electrical load, ie. GPS, radio, heated gear. The more you load it the less time it will last.

My RK has nothing electrical and I am on year 5. I will be getting a new one this spring just to be on the safe side.

We push started a bud's Ultra a couple of weeks ago. Stopped for lunch and a beer and 3 hours later, ready to leave, he had left the switch on. He hit the starter and nothing, headlight wouldn't burn. I guess he had just enough juice to enegize the pump/injectors.

 

Still using my original battery which is 5+ years and it charges almost instantly when I connect my BT Jr.

 

Your on borrowed time the very first day. Everyday is a crap shoot with batteries.

 

I've been getting 4-5 years out of mine. Pretty religious about the battery tender though, and I DON"T wait until it won't crank to replace. A little common sense goes a long ways with battery maintenance...