How long engine off without battery dying
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Ft LAuderdale
How long engine off without battery dying
I had a harley battery tender that I plugged at the end of each ride. But still, my battery
died withing two years. So I am thinking about not using the tender with my new bike. So, can you guess estimate how long I can have an Ultra with security without a tender in my garage and still be able to start right up next time? I have heard two weeks
died withing two years. So I am thinking about not using the tender with my new bike. So, can you guess estimate how long I can have an Ultra with security without a tender in my garage and still be able to start right up next time? I have heard two weeks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
here's the error:
when a battery is discharged all the way down- it will only recharge to a level about 60% of it's previous capacity.
so IF your battery gets drained in the garage...a 350 CCA battery may recharge back only to 200 CCA
Things that kill batteries are heat and vibration- something we have lots of on a motorcycle.
Especially you and I living in warm climates- 2 years is not unusual.
and the more regularly the bike is ridden- generally - the longer the battery will last.
if your bike sits in the garage not only the security but the radio will cause a slight drain, there will also be a slight drain between the terminals on the battery casing- any dirt will allow a slight flow of electrons.
the battery tender is not the be al and end all, but it's the best tool we have.
for a flat battery, a tender will not recharge it, use a real battery charger and a charging rate of less than 10 amps...for me more like 2 or 5 amps which would require a few days charging
Mike
when a battery is discharged all the way down- it will only recharge to a level about 60% of it's previous capacity.
so IF your battery gets drained in the garage...a 350 CCA battery may recharge back only to 200 CCA
Things that kill batteries are heat and vibration- something we have lots of on a motorcycle.
Especially you and I living in warm climates- 2 years is not unusual.
and the more regularly the bike is ridden- generally - the longer the battery will last.
if your bike sits in the garage not only the security but the radio will cause a slight drain, there will also be a slight drain between the terminals on the battery casing- any dirt will allow a slight flow of electrons.
the battery tender is not the be al and end all, but it's the best tool we have.
for a flat battery, a tender will not recharge it, use a real battery charger and a charging rate of less than 10 amps...for me more like 2 or 5 amps which would require a few days charging
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 18, 2013 at 03:57 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,184
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From: The Peoples Republic of Massachusstts
I have a HD battery tender on mine. It goes on every year when the leaves fly and off when the leaves come back on. I also ride in the winter to work etc. so it gets some use. I have 50 k on the bike and its 5 years old with the same battery.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
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From: Sussex, South of England
Sounds like you either had a fauly tender or extremely bad luck with the battery.
If your previous bike was a Sportster it could have been excessive heat on the battery or maybe even the regulator.
I have an '07 Ultra, from new, always on tender, never a problem.
If your previous bike was a Sportster it could have been excessive heat on the battery or maybe even the regulator.
I have an '07 Ultra, from new, always on tender, never a problem.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
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From: Dover, Oh
people that are not in the sun belts of Fl and Az have no idea what battery life is.
In Phoenix, 2 years is a good amount of time on your battery. My diesel truck, jeeps, bikes, jet skis all go through batteries every 2 years. doesnt matter how good of a battery you get... cheap batteries dont even last that long
In Phoenix, 2 years is a good amount of time on your battery. My diesel truck, jeeps, bikes, jet skis all go through batteries every 2 years. doesnt matter how good of a battery you get... cheap batteries dont even last that long
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Mike
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Tourer
Joined: May 2012
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From: gilbert, az
wow, im a native to az and dont have huge issued with batteries, if i go get autozone or checker batteries yea 2 years but a interstate from sear is what i normally get for close to the same autozone price and i ALWAYS get 3.5-4 years min out of anything even riding lawn mowers
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From: Just Outside Chicago
Yea Mike you forgot Snow blowers/Snow throwers but thats OK i know you meant well....Right? :-)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I've been dodging winter a long time
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 18, 2013 at 11:06 PM.