Odyssey Battery Worth it?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 5
From: Sunnyvale, Ca.
Good Reading:
http://batterytender.com/resources/f...sked-questions
RECHARGING AGM BATTERIES: The primary difference between these 2 chargers is that the Battery Tender Plus was specifically designed to accommodate the charging requirements of the new, Absorbed Glass Matte (AGM) style batteries. To achieve that goal, it was necessary to modify the absorption charge mode in the following way. The Battery Tender switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.5 amps. The Battery Tender Plus switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.1 amps. The result is that for an extended period of time, not to exceed 8 hours, the Battery Tender Plus output voltage will be held at a constant voltage that is significantly higher than the float voltage.
With the Battery Tender, the switchover at 0.5 amp results in an absorption charge mode length of approximately 1 hour. During this 1-hour period, the battery charge voltage is held constant at a value of approximately 14.3 volts. Because of the slightly higher voltage recharge requirements of AGM batteries, and because AGM batteries require a longer period of constant voltage absorption, the Battery Tender Plus controls the output voltage at 14.4 volts while it waits for either the charge current to decrease to 0.1 amp or for the absorption charge mode control timer to expire. The end result is that the Battery Tender Plus absorption period is longer and at a slightly higher voltage than that for the Battery Tender.
http://batterytender.com/resources/f...sked-questions
RECHARGING AGM BATTERIES: The primary difference between these 2 chargers is that the Battery Tender Plus was specifically designed to accommodate the charging requirements of the new, Absorbed Glass Matte (AGM) style batteries. To achieve that goal, it was necessary to modify the absorption charge mode in the following way. The Battery Tender switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.5 amps. The Battery Tender Plus switches to float mode when the charge current drops to 0.1 amps. The result is that for an extended period of time, not to exceed 8 hours, the Battery Tender Plus output voltage will be held at a constant voltage that is significantly higher than the float voltage.
With the Battery Tender, the switchover at 0.5 amp results in an absorption charge mode length of approximately 1 hour. During this 1-hour period, the battery charge voltage is held constant at a value of approximately 14.3 volts. Because of the slightly higher voltage recharge requirements of AGM batteries, and because AGM batteries require a longer period of constant voltage absorption, the Battery Tender Plus controls the output voltage at 14.4 volts while it waits for either the charge current to decrease to 0.1 amp or for the absorption charge mode control timer to expire. The end result is that the Battery Tender Plus absorption period is longer and at a slightly higher voltage than that for the Battery Tender.
I replaced the stock Harley battery that was 5 years old. It was kept on tender and just started to get a little tired this year.Replaced it with a 925 and im using there tender so far so good, it fires right up. I think the key is there charger is for dry cell batteries and the battery tender is for wet cell,We will see. if it fails ill keep you posted.
Good luck
Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, Ohio
I can tell you that from a big high compression motor stand point I did not like the Odyssey battery. I have a S&S 124 engine at 11.3 to 1 compression that has a super G carb. If I don't get the throttle just right it will require a little more cranking time. I tried an Odyssey battery several years ago then changed it in 1/2 a season. The Odyssey battery did turn the engine over faster but the big engine drained that Odyssey battery down fast. If the engine didn't catch and start fast the Odyssey battery would leave me stranded. I now have a Interstate model FAYTX24HL on a tender for 3 year with no problems.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I used an Odyssey, but it lost power shortly after its warranty expired! I also bought their battery tender which is working fine, so happy with that. I am certain that current AGM batteries are as good or better.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Marquette, Michigan
I have good friend who has an 03 springer with the original battery. He has never used a tender. He also has a 2005 EG with the original battery still working fine. I might add that we live in the UP of Michigan and both bikes are stored in an unheated garage. Both bikes started this spring with no problems.
J.L.
J.L.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From:
I can tell you that from a big high compression motor stand point I did not like the Odyssey battery. I have a S&S 124 engine at 11.3 to 1 compression that has a super G carb. If I don't get the throttle just right it will require a little more cranking time. I tried an Odyssey battery several years ago then changed it in 1/2 a season. The Odyssey battery did turn the engine over faster but the big engine drained that Odyssey battery down fast. If the engine didn't catch and start fast the Odyssey battery would leave me stranded. I now have a Interstate model FAYTX24HL on a tender for 3 year with no problems.
Since I put all that in if starts like a stock bike. One more thing I did because my battery is much smaller than the dressers, I put a switch in where when I activate the decompressors, it kills the lights and all my power goes to the starter. Once it starts I just flip the switch the other way.
On the subject of the odyssey battery, my roadking has a 107 Ultima motor in it. There is 27000 miles on that motor. My odyssey battery has been in there 8 years now. I dont have a tender. Sometimes its a month between me riding it. Starts all the time. I love those batteries. The roadking is a 98 and I am on my second odyssey battery. The first one lasted 5 years because it wasnt the correct one as they were new to the market and hadnt built the 925 so I had a 545 with some wood shims.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 2
From: Hampstead, MD
Another happy Odyssea 925 here, so far. Had the stock HD for 6 years and did the FM107 kit. While the battery still seemed good, cranking that compression put a hurtin on it, especially when hot. Got the 925 and a year later, so far so good. I don't even need to use the manual comp releases if I forget to push them in, though I still do so there's not as much drain on the battery.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,923
Likes: 266
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
This battery has 400 CCA's http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Cra...-flh-2000-2006. That will give you about as much as you will need. It won't last as long if you let it run down to nothing a few times. So keeping it on a tender from the time it's new will get the best results. For the price, you can't beat it.,,