How Long Has Your Battery Lasted?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
From: Kennewick, WA
I've been using a Battery Tender Junior on my 2005 KTM dirt bike for 5-1/2 years, a battery normally replace every two years. The green Tender "Charged" light still illiminates within two seconds after hooking it up.
I just rotate the Tender to various idle vehicle batteries throughout the year, it seems to REALLY extend their lives.
Just my 2 cents, but I fully endorse the Battery Tender's worth in extending battery life,
I just rotate the Tender to various idle vehicle batteries throughout the year, it seems to REALLY extend their lives.
Just my 2 cents, but I fully endorse the Battery Tender's worth in extending battery life,
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 388
Likes: 3
My first battery on my 04flhtc lasted 3 and 1/2 yrs before going completely dead,no sign,shorted within .I use a battery tender regularly.I know this was the exception ,but I got stuck in another state and had to trailer home.I now change my battery every 3 yrs for pc of mind.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: PA
I have gone through a battery every 2 years with my old bike 1990 FLHTCU but did not use a tender.
Put a AMG in and started using a tender if the bike sat for more than a week and never had a problem again. Once you get a good battery and keep them charged you should have no problem.
Put a AMG in and started using a tender if the bike sat for more than a week and never had a problem again. Once you get a good battery and keep them charged you should have no problem.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
04 ultra has original battery and it seems to be fine. I am thinking about replacing it though before I take the next long trip. I'd hate to have it go bad when I'm 1000 miles from home. 03 Dyna has original battery and it is fine too. Since I only use that bike for local rides, I will not replace that battery until it shows signs of going south. 06 sportster has original battery and it is fine. All the bikes are on tenders for the winter months.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 959
Likes: 1
From: Westerville, OH
I just replaced the battery on my 06 street glide and that was because I drained the battery completely. I replaced it with a DEKA EXT30L for $60 cheaper than the HD battery (they make the HD battery).
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
05 Ultra original tender all the time. Noticed it cranks a little slow when hot. Taking longer to come up to full charge. After full charge disconnected charger waited 1 hour and it was 12.6 manual says it should be 12.8 to load test it. Will replace it this winter.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
On one bike eleven years, but a recent one on my Glide only just two! Both had battery minders on them. One on my wife's bike lasted only 6 months before turning its toes up. So there is no certainty. They are probably the most unpredictable part of a bike, so look after it, but be prepared to dump it as soon as it starts giving problems.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 882
Likes: 2
From: gone 4 good
+1 on the battery tender 24/7. The mechanic at the dealer actually suggested I use it anytime the bike is in my garage parked, not just winter storage. My battery is going on 5 years old and still gets a strong meter reading. The mechanic said his last battery lasted him 8 years.