I've got an 2010 FLHTCU 22 months old. Noticed it was not starting as fast. Now battery is doesn't have enough to start bike. My old bikes battery died after about 2 years. I use the battery tender at all times.

Anyone else have these battery issues?


thanks,
Greg 10 FLHTCU

 

I had one die after 12-13 months on a softail once...it is not all that uncommon...it is often the vibration that kills them...

 

OK thanks

 

Before you panic try removing the cables from the terminals and cleaning them. Use something like a wire brush to skuff up the mating surfaces. Rub a bit of Vaseline on the terminal then tighten firmly. Bet it works.

 

Also, are you using a "Tender" or just a trickle charger? The tender will cycle the battery, making sure it doesn't get over charged. The trickle charger just charges, and may wreck the battery if it's on there for a long time.

 

My 07 ultra has 50k on it has the original stock battery and I have never had a problem starting it hot or cold, I have a battery "tender" ( it cycles, doesn't just charge ) I plug it in for a couple of weeks then unplug it for a couple of weeks all winter long. The bike sits in a unheated garage all winter I also put the cars in there everynight so its not really that warm but the snow will melt of the cars if they stay in there for 24hours.

 

I put a battery in my 05 road glide for the first time last year. I bought the bike new in dec of 04. No battery tender just ride it to work 5 days a week and everywhere I can when its not below 40

 

What does the multimeter say?

 

I have the same problem with my 2009 street glide. It will start but real slow. I took the battery out and the dealer said the battery was good. Been thinking about replacing the battery anyway.

 

Best way to check - run a test on posts & see if it's low...normal should be @ 12.65V...