Bad Battery or Charging System??
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Floida
Bad Battery or Charging System??
09 Ultra Classic, purchased in June, here in sunny but COLD Florida. Twice after not riding for 5-7 days (because of cold) the battery dies. Bike will not start. Yes, security system is active. Should this happen to a new bike?? Thanks...IS 41:10
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
Start the bike & measure the voltage at the battery while holding the rpm at about 2000. If voltage is less than 13.5 you have a charging problem. If it's 13.5 or better you have a battery problem. Either way, get a battery tender.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 9
From: Sunny Southern California
+1. Get a Battery Tender, your battery will love for it!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1,936
From: Formerly Tampa Bay, FL, Currently Western PA
Most likely a bad battery. If you have a problem with the charging system, the engine will stop running. Pull the battery, take it to Advance Auto, and have them test it. Or, seeing as how your bike is still under warrantee, take it to the dealer and have them check it out.
And, just to clarify, that is NOT normal. Even with the security it should last several weeks or more.
And, just to clarify, that is NOT normal. Even with the security it should last several weeks or more.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Could be a stater too, had one of those go bad on a softail of mine. Dealer can replace it under warranty. 15 dollar part, but a 100+ dollar install.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
If motor is not beefed up seems like a bad battery should be still under warranty have HD shop check and make em do whatever need to be done.Use your warranty make em pay for their defects don't wait.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
If the battery is bad I hope the dealer will help you out but there's a battery exclusion in the warranty I believe.
Specifically "This warranty does not cover: Parts and labor for normal maintenance as recommended in the Owner's Manual, or the replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear including such items as the following: tires, lubrication, oil and filter change, fuel system cleaning, battery maintenance, engine tune-up, spark plugs, brake, clutch, chain/belt adjustment and chain replacement."
Seems like that gives a dealer a fair degree of wiggle room.
If I recall the warranty on a new bike battery is really short (compared with auto batteries). Short like 6 months short (maybe a year) . . .
Specifically "This warranty does not cover: Parts and labor for normal maintenance as recommended in the Owner's Manual, or the replacement of parts due to normal wear and tear including such items as the following: tires, lubrication, oil and filter change, fuel system cleaning, battery maintenance, engine tune-up, spark plugs, brake, clutch, chain/belt adjustment and chain replacement."
Seems like that gives a dealer a fair degree of wiggle room.
If I recall the warranty on a new bike battery is really short (compared with auto batteries). Short like 6 months short (maybe a year) . . .
Last edited by davessworks; Feb 20, 2010 at 07:08 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
Definately should not happen. You should be able to leave that bike untouched for a month or more and it should start. I would suspect a bad battery, but could be voltage/regulator or more likely voltage/regulator plug, stator or something causing a drain.