Dead Battery
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
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.
Last edited by acchd; Oct 5, 2012 at 01:23 PM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 407
Likes: 2
From: Bixby Oklahoma
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
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.....
Novice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 10
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
FWIW, my original HD battery lasted 3˝ 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.
Last edited by iclick; Oct 12, 2012 at 07:21 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
). 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.
Last edited by skratch; Nov 1, 2012 at 07:55 AM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
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.
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.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
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...
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...
