Is it time for a new battery?? if so, anybody tried...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I don't think I would pay extra for a battery that does not give me any extra advantage. Li-ion does not last any longer than lead/acid, it does, just like lead/acid perform less good in cold weather and doesn't like heat any more either. It is however, lighter so, if you have to push your scoot a long way down the road, you want this battery.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 3
From: Under a bridge
Tried to start the glide today...and the the starter sounded like it jammed solid (a loud clank)! I waited a second and then it turned over again and it started (but it struggled..as if i've increased the compression). Its been close to 3 years on the original battery...is this the sign of a weak battery..or something worse??
I've had the loud clunk twice. HD Techs tell me it's the starter clutch and is "normal" whatever that means. I assume it will be "normal" right up until it "breaks"
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
Disadvantages
- Charging forms deposits inside the electrolyte that inhibit ion transport. Over time, the cell's capacity diminishes. The increase in internal resistance reduces the cell's ability to deliver current. This problem is more pronounced in high-current applications. The decrease means that older batteries do not charge as much as new ones (charging time required decreases proportionally).
- High charge levels and elevated temperatures (whether from charging or ambient air) hasten capacity loss. Charging heat is caused by the carbon anode (typically replaced with lithium titanate which drastically reduces damage from charging, including expansion and other factors).
- A Standard (Cobalt) Li-ion cell that is full most of the time at 25 °C (77 °F) irreversibly loses approximately 20% capacity per year. Poor ventilation may increase temperatures, further shortening battery life. Loss rates vary by temperature: 6% loss at 0 °C (32 °F), 20% at 25 °C (77 °F), and 35% at 40 °C (104 °F). When stored at 40%–60% charge level, the capacity loss is reduced to 2%, 4%, and 15%, respectively. In contrast, the calendar life of LiFePO4 cells is not affected by being kept at a high state of charge.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
Aloha All,
I dropped the extra coin ($350) for a Shorai brand Lithium Iron Prismatic Cell (LifePo4) battery for my 08 Police Model Road King (103 ci). If youre interested, the numbers from their website are as follows; Sku: 4897034420395 and Part Number: LFX36L3-BS12. The battery is about half the size (they include foam padding to fill the empty space) and it is super lite compared to the stock battery. I went through the Harley battery in less than three years. I bought the bike used and had to put a battery in right after I shipped it to the west coast. I ride at least 6 days a week, yes because I can! I hope at a $350 price tag, I can get a least five years out of it. Anybody have one of these batteries in service that long yet? If not, I'll let you know in 2017 if it made it the five years I'm looking for.
Needle
I dropped the extra coin ($350) for a Shorai brand Lithium Iron Prismatic Cell (LifePo4) battery for my 08 Police Model Road King (103 ci). If youre interested, the numbers from their website are as follows; Sku: 4897034420395 and Part Number: LFX36L3-BS12. The battery is about half the size (they include foam padding to fill the empty space) and it is super lite compared to the stock battery. I went through the Harley battery in less than three years. I bought the bike used and had to put a battery in right after I shipped it to the west coast. I ride at least 6 days a week, yes because I can! I hope at a $350 price tag, I can get a least five years out of it. Anybody have one of these batteries in service that long yet? If not, I'll let you know in 2017 if it made it the five years I'm looking for.
Needle
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Had a Sears Diehard that lasted about 3 yrs. but leaked all over a $600 Super Trapp muffler set. Next got an AGM from JP Cycles that lasted 13 mos. with a battery tender on it in the winter. Now have an AGM from O'Reilly's Auto Parts but am trading the 'ole girl in on a 2007 FLHP very soon.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I have had excellent service from Odyssey AGM batteries in my two personal watercraft. The increase in cranking amps spins the starters noticeably faster. I find it hard to believe that the one in my stand-up is 15 years old and still going strong. When they die, I will definitely get another one.
I recently bought an Odyssey for my FLHTC.
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-PC680M...dp/B00249AL9K/
I would be happy if it lasts half as long as my PWC batteries. The only downside is that it is a little smaller than the standard battery. I had to make some spacers. I used rubber conveyor belt material.
Another thing I like about AGM batteries is that there is no need for a vent tube. They are completely sealed and I have never had any corrosion anywhere while using them.
I recently bought an Odyssey for my FLHTC.
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-PC680M...dp/B00249AL9K/
I would be happy if it lasts half as long as my PWC batteries. The only downside is that it is a little smaller than the standard battery. I had to make some spacers. I used rubber conveyor belt material.
Another thing I like about AGM batteries is that there is no need for a vent tube. They are completely sealed and I have never had any corrosion anywhere while using them.
http://www.directcycleparts.com/elec...0mj-p-271.html
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
Don't run out and buy a battery just because it's 3 yrs old and cranked a little slow. Do you use a trickle charger? What is the battery voltage with the ignition on before you crank it? If you don't use a trickle charger, your battery may just be a little low. Recommend you give it a good charge before you spend a penny.
I've had the loud clunk twice. HD Techs tell me it's the starter clutch and is "normal" whatever that means. I assume it will be "normal" right up until it "breaks"
I've had the loud clunk twice. HD Techs tell me it's the starter clutch and is "normal" whatever that means. I assume it will be "normal" right up until it "breaks"
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