Battery Life
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 392
Likes: 2
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
I have noticed that with a correctly functioning 09 Harley charging system, the batteries are always right at or slighty under, 80% of full charge, after being ridden any distance, short or long. (That is based on the battery tenders report of the status of the batteries charge state).
It normally takes a couple of hours to fully charge and get one to 100%.
I have a single battery tender, and just switch it between the two bikes. We ride quite a few miles too, so it's not for lack of use.
It'll be interesting to see how many years I get out of mine keeping them charged most of the time.
It normally takes a couple of hours to fully charge and get one to 100%.
I have a single battery tender, and just switch it between the two bikes. We ride quite a few miles too, so it's not for lack of use.
It'll be interesting to see how many years I get out of mine keeping them charged most of the time.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 6
From: Oregon City, OR
I've never had to replace my battery on my last 3 bikes. Had an 00 Fat Boy that I rode for just under 4 years and 38k miles and a 04 Road King that went for a little over 4 years. Both still had their original batteries in them when i sold/traded in. Never used a battery tender on either one.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Cen Cal
06' SG with orig battery. had it serviced earlier in the year and after that it was sluggish on the start. One day it clicked on the start and went dead. Pulled the seat and messed with wires/fuses and it came to life. Found out the battery nuts were not tightened. Been starting strong ever since! No tender used, but I start it or ride every week.
With that said. Peace of Mind is everything when you head out on a LONG TRIP with 2 Wheels!
With that said. Peace of Mind is everything when you head out on a LONG TRIP with 2 Wheels!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 6
From: Oregon City, OR
Should add a note. I have been using a battery tender on my 09 Street Glide since I now live where it snows. Both batteries that lasted 4 years were used when i lived where i could ride 365 days.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Canada
I swapped out the battery on my '00 when it was 5 years old. It was still working fine. The second battery is on it's 5th season now and no problems. I'll swap it out next spring, need it or not.
Still amazes me how good the newer HD sealed batteries are. My old shovel used to need a new battery every year. I put an HD sealed battery in it 6 years ago - still works.
Still amazes me how good the newer HD sealed batteries are. My old shovel used to need a new battery every year. I put an HD sealed battery in it 6 years ago - still works.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
when you go on your vacation, the battery at the harley shop where you find that you need a battery will cost the same as locally. i'd just not worry about it. go have fun, if it gives you troubles, then get it swapped out. not a big deal at all. in other words, not much reason to fix it till it is broken.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
95 Fatboy and I am on my 3rd battery. I ride year round never been on a tender. The bike has been shipped across the water 4 times and never had a battery problem after a three month transit. Both times the battery died I jumped it off and rode to the dealer and replaced it. If your charging system is good it will get you there.
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