Battery Life ??
Battery Life ??
Ok.. I have an 09 FLHT that was placed into service in 03/09. Use a BT over the winter but not in riding season. The bike does sit for a week at a time on many occassions without riding. Anyways, started up fine a week ago but deader than a door nail yesterday. Only working charger I had was my BT Junior and that basically does nothing at .75 amps. I took it to the local auto shop and it tested at 5.5V. It was suggested to charge it at 2A rating for 24hrs and test again. At this point, a low rating could indicate a dead cell. What the heck? Is this a "semi" normal kind of thing? I've never had a m/c battery crap out in less than 3 years but never had a bagger type bike either. I think I'll take it to the BatteriesPlus store tomorrow for testing after a charge, just in case I need a new one. Locally, the H-D battery is $180, local parts store $125 (1 yr warr) and BPlus $125 (2 yr warr). I think I'll keep it on the b-tender more often now 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
Purchased My 08 Ultra in Oct 07, has 45K on it now with the orginal battery. Use the BT all the time. Will be changing it out this winter. 5yrs is long enough. Don't want to push My luck.
I have an 08 street bob with the stock battery still. The previous owner never used a battery tender however I did use one last winter. I haven't had a single battery issue.....yet.
Could be luck of the draw.
Could be luck of the draw.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I just replaced my battery in my 2000 fxd always keept it on a tender still the factory battery in my 07 flhtc
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,975
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
I usually replace the batteries in our road bikes every three years (or sooner if we're taking a long trip) and rotate them into the bikes that rarely leave the garage.
As one poster said, heat kills batteries and long trips in hot weather also helps shorten battery life.
As one poster said, heat kills batteries and long trips in hot weather also helps shorten battery life.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
Many things will determine its life. Heat, starts, drains down and charge ups, vibration, etc. Just try to keep it charged up with a Battery Tender hen not in use and you should get a long life. On a wet battery never let the plates exposed, keep electrolite over plates. Never charge over 10% of battery amps.
If you notice a new bike factory battery last longer than your replacement of the same battery is because a new bike does not use as much electricity because everything is new, wires, charge system, bulbs, etc.You will always hear I got 3 -6 year on my original battery.
If you notice a new bike factory battery last longer than your replacement of the same battery is because a new bike does not use as much electricity because everything is new, wires, charge system, bulbs, etc.You will always hear I got 3 -6 year on my original battery.