BATTERY question
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
I don't think 3 years is typical, 4-5 years is more typical.
I replace my batteries every 4-5 years whether they are failing or not.
Pretty good insurance for about $20 a year. Don't want to get stranded for something stupid like trying to get another 2 weeks out of an older battery.
I replace my batteries every 4-5 years whether they are failing or not.
Pretty good insurance for about $20 a year. Don't want to get stranded for something stupid like trying to get another 2 weeks out of an older battery.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
3 years is a bit on the low side. My last battery (HD) lasted about 5 but I think longer. When I last needed a battery I got an Odyssey and that is all I will buy from now on. Pricey but loads of CCA.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 2
From: Macon, GA USA
On the Harley batteries I got 4 to 5 years out of them. On the cheaper ones I get 3 to 4 years. Now keep in mind there are many variables to this question. Where you store the bike, how often you ride and so on.
For years I made my living working on bikes and the people that road theirs every day had less problems then those that rode a few times a month.
One thing I recommend is to check to see if the battery bolts are tight.
For years I made my living working on bikes and the people that road theirs every day had less problems then those that rode a few times a month.
One thing I recommend is to check to see if the battery bolts are tight.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
..my battery is 7 years old and still cranks fine! ...done at 3 years???? give me a break.. an OEM Harley battery that is junk after 3 years was defective, or stored improperly.. although mine may be more of an exception...I think about 5 years is normal....
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Battery life seems to vary a bit. I bought a new Limited in Jan of 2010, the original battery only made it 18 months and it was replaced under warranty. Dealer checked the charging system and said it was OK. I use the bike as my commuter vehicle, riding about 80 miles per day round trip, so it should be charging pretty well.
I just bought a Deka replacement and installed it last night, as the HD battery from 18 months ago has died as well. Not sure why I'm only getting 18 months out of them.
I just bought a Deka replacement and installed it last night, as the HD battery from 18 months ago has died as well. Not sure why I'm only getting 18 months out of them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
a lot of oem batteries die with less than 3 years on them. some folks get more, some folks get less. if the batteries were so good, hd would warrant them for longer than a year.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 16
From: in a van down by the river in Ga.
I wish this site had a "like" button like the one on Facebook. Lot of likes in this thread. I personally just a week ago got one for my 09 Street glide that came from Battery mart. Lot of praise for them and the price too. why pay the stealer unless money is no object. 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...c'mon...less than 3 years?..a LOT of them?...sorry..no way..I live in NE and we get hot and cold extremes...every one of my friends has gotten at LEAST 4 years out of their HD batteries...most get 5-7....can you imagine how many complaints Hd would be getting if everyone had to replace batteries every 2 seasons?....Christ..I get 5 years out of my rider-mower battery...HD's batteries are actually pretty good..