Battery Question
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 814
From: Nevada
Battery Question
My 2005 Ultra Classic has the original battery. I've always used a Battery Tender in the off season, and the battery works as good as new. Summer heat is hard on batteries. I don't want to get stranded while traveling. Am I on borrowed time, or can I get another year out of the original??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
My experience with bike batteries is that you are lucky to get two years out of one. However; older bikes tend to vibrate more than the new ones and mine will shake a battery to death.
My experience with car batteries is that they tend to die about 1 1/2 months beyond the warranty.
Probably worth the cost of a new battery for the peace of mind it brings, if nothing else.
My experience with car batteries is that they tend to die about 1 1/2 months beyond the warranty.
Probably worth the cost of a new battery for the peace of mind it brings, if nothing else.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
The last battery in my 96 Road King was still going strong after 5 years when I sold it. I have seen others say that 5 to 7 years was the most you could expect. For me, after 5 years I get nervous.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: In beween DC & Baltimore
I'm a firm believer of a new battery every two years. Well let me tell you this. I have a 2000 Dresser. The original battery I got rid of in 2003 only because I started worrying about it even though it was fine.
Then I bought a battery tender plus. If I'm not ridin it's plugged in. This battery is still kickin *** 5 1/2 years later. I had it checked too. So, if it's not too much of a pain for you, keep it plugged in all the time.
I'm not sure of the difference between the Battery Tender and the Battery Tender Plus. I know the Plus knows when your battery is fully charged and won't over charge it. Then it'll sense when it needs to bump it back up.
Even though the battery checks out great. It's been 5 1/2 years, I'm starting to worry again. I'm with carlgrover, a new battery brings peace of mind.
Then I bought a battery tender plus. If I'm not ridin it's plugged in. This battery is still kickin *** 5 1/2 years later. I had it checked too. So, if it's not too much of a pain for you, keep it plugged in all the time.
I'm not sure of the difference between the Battery Tender and the Battery Tender Plus. I know the Plus knows when your battery is fully charged and won't over charge it. Then it'll sense when it needs to bump it back up.
Even though the battery checks out great. It's been 5 1/2 years, I'm starting to worry again. I'm with carlgrover, a new battery brings peace of mind.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
Why replace it if it's still going strong? When it appears to be getting weak and harder to start the bike, then I'd start looking for a new one. I sill have my original battery and it starts the bike on the first hit of the starter. I'd wait.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
I had a 01 Road King with the original battery w/tender lasting almost 5 years. You can tell when the battery is starting to go when the starter begins to hesitate a little. I also noticed head light was a litter dimmer or yellowing. Within a week...battery was done.Replaced with new and good to go. This was just my experience. May be different for others.
I would replace just for peace of mind
My $.02 worth
I would replace just for peace of mind
My $.02 worth
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
I'm still on the original battery in my Road King, and except for one time that i left the ignition on and it drained completely, i've never had a problem starting it.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
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Leave it be till you have a problem . You can pick one up any where on the road . Just ride it .
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 809
Likes: 4
From: Oregon / AZ
When you live in a cooler climate your battery will last longer,when I lived in AZ every other year,garage got up to 115 in summer...just take a volt meter to it and check,should always be above 12 volts,if not it might be time to replace,a good battery should be up at around 14 volts,I check mine at the battery tender hook-up
