Just installed a new HD battery on my 2007 FLHTC. Took it for a test ride and the volt gauge showed that it was charging at 16 or 17 volts when I was running down the road and at 13 or 14 volts when stopped for a stop light.
Sinse I am OLD and forgetful ,I can't remember what it use to show when rideing last year.
The instructions said it was charged and ready to use and the scooter started just fine. Would it help if I hooked up the battery tender to make sure that the new battery is fully charged ? The bottom line question is---At what rate should the volt gauge show when rideing on a fully charged battery ?
Happy Trail's

 

Would not hurt to hook up the tender and always use it..Depending on how long the red light is on,this may give an idea of the charge.
Could always check with a voltmeter also.

Both my old '06 Road Glide and '11 Limited show about 14-14.5 when on the highway.

 

Even if the battery says it is fully charged, I always connect the Battery Tender before installation to ensure it is indeed fully charged before installation.

If it's already in your bike, hook it up and let it set overnight anyway.

My bike shows a little over 12 volts at idle and a little over 14 when going down the road.

 

16 - 17 volts is high , check with a voltmeter at the bat. , could be your gauge is off , if not could be what took out your old bat , any way about 14.2 - 14.5 is tops any more you are heading for problems

 

I just automatically hook mine up to the battery tender when I"m not on it. I've got 6+ years on this battery. And it appears to be fine. Might replace this year before Sturgis just to be safe.

 

Wow you very fortunate to get 6 plus years. If I were you i'd be replacing it just because.

 

My '03 runs at 14 volts and is on a battery tender when parked.

 

My 09 FLHTCU charges at about 14.7 V when the battery is low. Over charging a battery will cause it to overheat and short out plates. I would suggest you're system is overcharging your battery and probably lead to the battery you just replaced failing. Could be you have a bad ground or one of your diodes in the Voltage Regulator has failed. Follow the procedure in your Owner's Manual to check your voltage regulator.

 

hook up your voltmeter and see what the reading is. it's best to hook up the battery tender till it's fully charged before installing to ensure that it's really ready to go rather than trusting the guy behind the counter. when the battery tender light shows it's fully charged, check it again with the voltmeter. check out your charging system while you're at it. it's pretty easy to do.