Just replaced mine with Battery Mart Big Crank ETX30L. The is first replacement battery for my '09 so lasted about 3.5yrs and I used Tender most of time.

 

I hope to get a few more years from this battery because I'm using a tender, but my last bike I went through batteries every 2-3 years without tender usage.

 

Thanks to everyone, I went with an EXL-30 and I also went ahead and bit the bullet fpr a battery tender - 100 bucks for the battery and 45 for the tender from batterymart. Still think I will charge and check my old one, but as some have said, I will sure feel better knowing I'm sitting on a new one and shouldn't have any worries this winter

 

notice a recurring theme in battery threads? its funny, cause it isn't like the battery is gonna heal itself and suddenly start working good again.

don't feel bad, i did it too, except i pushed it for about 6 months. until i literally had to 'push it' in the parking lot, lol.....

 

The stock OE battery is only designed to last about 2-3 years. Over the decades I have found that the best replacement on the market is made by Yuasa. A tender/maintainer is always a good idea to extend the life of the battery. The Yuasa battery might not have the identical terminal as the original but for '09 and newer top mount cables it does not matter. The battery is far superior, costs less than the OE and much better than the same battery made by the OE in their own brand.

 

I just installed one of these in my SG four months ago, but not before doing some research first. Both HD and Big Crank (Batterymart.com) are made by Deka (ETX30L), and the only difference I could see between them is that the HD had a black bottom section and the BC was translucent white. The top section was identical. These batteries are sold by a number of vendors--including reportedly Walmart, Advance Auto Parts, etc.--but Batterymart.com had the best price at <$100 shipped. A friend bought an HD battery at the local dealer recently for >$185 including tax, so as a frugal dude the choice was clear for me. So far this battery is performing fine and I give it a thumbs up.

FWIW, my original HD battery lasted 3½ years, which although not too bad is a bit less than average based on what I read on the forums. The second began exhibiting sporadic weak starts a year after purchase and got worse just before replacing it. I do use a tender out of habit, although I don't think the new generation of AGM batteries have the need to keep specific gravity a peak levels as do the older non-maintenance-free lead-acid type.

 

My 07 UC lasted me few days over 5 years with battery tender and whole lot of riding and still have original on my wife's 08 UC will be 5 year old in few months also with battery tender but only 26K miles on it.Both bikes have lots electronic accessory and use all heated gears and heated hand grips in cold weather.

 

bob, the battery on my 07 lasted over 4 years. went **** up right after i traded the bike in on the 2010 (lucky me, glad i didn't spend the money just to give it away ). on my 2010, i had to replace the battery 2 months past the 2 year mark. got a yuasa for $100, couldn't wait for the shipping on the other one. and so far, so good.

 

I had to replace the OE battery after 5 years and 47,000 miles. I used a tender 4 or 5 times in the 5 years. I bought another HD battery as that was the most convenient and with 20% off, not too overpriced.

I have replaced as many Yuasa batteries over the years as I have HD batteries, but sometimes they are cheaper.

I have seen several brands touted as the maker of HD batteries, I don't know what is true, so I stick with HD.

 

As mentioned, you can find the Big Crank for under $100, and not at the dealer I promise you.
In Alabama, it's common for 3-4-5 year old batteries to crap out during some of the early cold snaps, busy time for battery sales.
Last year in late fall, I was thinking about my truck with the original battery, both 4 years old. Made sure my jumper cables were in the truck just in case. Within 2 weeks, I had to dig 'em out on an early cool evening at Walmart - without any warning. Amazing.
BTW - if buying a battery in a store, especially Walmart, check the date sticker and go for the freshest one you can find, usually at the back of the shelf...