BATTERY question
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 75
From: Goldsboro, NC
BATTERY question
Ok, I have a 2010, I purchased in Jan of 10. Battery is 3 yrs old and died on me, I have not tried to charge it yet, don't know if it's got much life left.
It would not start Wed morning, been cranking a little slow for a week.
Should I get it tested, see if it's any good?
Is 3 years about the life of an original battery?
Is there a good option for aftermarket (Better battery comparable price, or good battery cheaper, etc...) Or should I just go HD again?
Need something today,
Thanks for any quick replies.
It would not start Wed morning, been cranking a little slow for a week.
Should I get it tested, see if it's any good?
Is 3 years about the life of an original battery?
Is there a good option for aftermarket (Better battery comparable price, or good battery cheaper, etc...) Or should I just go HD again?
Need something today,
Thanks for any quick replies.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
many use a deka battery, you can find a local dealer through the deka website.
3 years is about typical.
...and next time it seems to be cranking slow, get it checked before you get stranded.
a duff battery can stress the charging system and damage it requiring further repairs at substantial cost.
DO NOT jump start a bike with a duff battery- the charging system may burn itself out trying to charge a battery that won't hold a charge ( kinda like a bucket with a missing bottom, you can't fill it)
mike
3 years is about typical.
...and next time it seems to be cranking slow, get it checked before you get stranded.
a duff battery can stress the charging system and damage it requiring further repairs at substantial cost.
DO NOT jump start a bike with a duff battery- the charging system may burn itself out trying to charge a battery that won't hold a charge ( kinda like a bucket with a missing bottom, you can't fill it)
mike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Lots of opinions about this. The battery is probably toast. Most people buy the OEM battery made by DEKA. I personally would go to Batteries Plus and see what they have before I would buy from the dealer. There is a Batteries Plus in Saint Peters
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Nov 30, 2012 at 10:23 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 157
From: Banning, CA
Deka battery
Just got one and no tax either even though it came to SoCal. I like Amazon's no
hassle return if there's a problem such as damaged in shipping.
One last thought - nothing will kill a starter faster than a weak battery. When
turning over slowly it's pulling maximum current and, as previously mentioned,
you can damage your charging system too.
Btw - the Deka comes with spacers you'll need and a drop of super glue on the
flat side will hold them on for easier install. When you get the battery you'll see
what I mean.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
many use a deka battery, you can find a local dealer through the deka website.
3 years is about typical.
...and next time it seems to be cranking slow, get it checked before you get stranded.
a duff battery can stress the charging system and damage it requiring further repairs at substantial cost.
DO NOT jump start a bike with a duff battery- the charging system may burn itself out trying to charge a battery that won't hold a charge ( kinda like a bucket with a missing bottom, you can't fill it)
mike
3 years is about typical.
...and next time it seems to be cranking slow, get it checked before you get stranded.
a duff battery can stress the charging system and damage it requiring further repairs at substantial cost.
DO NOT jump start a bike with a duff battery- the charging system may burn itself out trying to charge a battery that won't hold a charge ( kinda like a bucket with a missing bottom, you can't fill it)
mike
Trending Topics
I would charge the battery up first out of the bike then take it in and have a load test done to see if it's any good if not www.batterymart.com for a ETX30L $100.00 free shipping samething that HD sells but $70.00 cheaper.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
I bought my 09 Rk as a leftover when the 2010's were released. When it started cranking funky I changed the battery out for a new one BEFORE it died and I got stranded. Guess that makes mine about 3 years old also when I felt the need to replace it. Three years may not be a "norm" but it is still very common. A lesson I learned from my experiences with auto, bike and boat batteries is that they are a "maintenance" item. An ounce of prevention and all that crap!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
I don't agree about 3 years being typical, I think that's on the low side. One thing you can do is hook a battery tender on it when it's going to sit a while. I do that religiously. If I park it in the evening and don't think I'll be riding again the next day, I plug it in. The battery on my last bike lasted 6 years.
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