I have a question about overtaxing my alternator on my 2001 ultra efi with its original battery that is always plugged in year round to a battery tender.It starts fine and volt gauge is at 14 all the time when running. Could i be doing harm to the alternator and when is it time to change out a battery . this is the longest i have had a battery.thanks dj

 

I'd be concerned as to how well the battery keeps it's charge without the tender. If it doesn't hold a charge without the tender I'd get a new battery.

 

I don't know how you could harm the alt.just because your battery is 8 years old.

 

My thought of thinking was the alternator was working harder if the battery needs more juice then it would over heat causing a thermal breakdown of its windings ? just a thought thanks for the input dj