Replace or wait
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
Original battery lasted about 7 years on a tender, began having 'starter stall' symptoms. Replaced with new factory unit. Less than 6 months later, on ride from Las Vegas to Yuma Arizona battery died in desert. Yuma dealer came out and picked up bike as night fell. 3 years on this one, no issues.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 1
From: Just north of Dallas
Just replaced the battery on my '09 a few weeks ago. It would barely turn the motor over through that first compressions stroke, but the bike would fire up instantly as soon as it did. The new battery turns it over easily. I don't know what kind of treatment the original battery received as I only bought the bike last November.
If your bike still starts normally, I'd keep using the old battery until it gives some indication of weakness.
If your bike still starts normally, I'd keep using the old battery until it gives some indication of weakness.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,166
Likes: 14
From: Michigan
Thanks
Thanks for all the inputs..
I just bought bike so don't know about its Battery care over the years.
The bike sat alot only 6000 miles in 4 years?
It seemed weak when I brought it home
But been on Batt tender Jr for a couple weeks.
Started good yesterday.
How do I monitor with Volt meter?
Do I have to disconnect it from bike ?
Should it sit not connected to Batt tender for a period before checking with meter?
Is this same as load test ?
I do feel more confident if it normally gives some indication before the total crap out.
Hap
I just bought bike so don't know about its Battery care over the years.
The bike sat alot only 6000 miles in 4 years?
It seemed weak when I brought it home
But been on Batt tender Jr for a couple weeks.
Started good yesterday.
How do I monitor with Volt meter?
Do I have to disconnect it from bike ?
Should it sit not connected to Batt tender for a period before checking with meter?
Is this same as load test ?
I do feel more confident if it normally gives some indication before the total crap out.
Hap
Supporter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 16
From: N.E. Wisconsin
Thanks for all the inputs..
I just bought bike so don't know about its Battery care over the years.
The bike sat alot only 6000 miles in 4 years?
It seemed weak when I brought it home
But been on Batt tender Jr for a couple weeks.
Started good yesterday.
How do I monitor with Volt meter?
Do I have to disconnect it from bike ?
Should it sit not connected to Batt tender for a period before checking with meter?
Is this same as load test ?
I do feel more confident if it normally gives some indication before the total crap out.
Hap
I just bought bike so don't know about its Battery care over the years.
The bike sat alot only 6000 miles in 4 years?
It seemed weak when I brought it home
But been on Batt tender Jr for a couple weeks.
Started good yesterday.
How do I monitor with Volt meter?
Do I have to disconnect it from bike ?
Should it sit not connected to Batt tender for a period before checking with meter?
Is this same as load test ?
I do feel more confident if it normally gives some indication before the total crap out.
Hap
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte NC
Just take it to the dealer and let them run a test. It will give you a print out of the condition and CCAs.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 103
From: Ghent NY
I just had to replace mine yesterday. I bought my Road king 2 years ago used. 2006 model. I never had a problem and kept it on a tender all the time. Yesterday I unplugged it from the tender, which was showing green as charged. I then proceeded to adjust the clutch pack and primary chain. When i had that done I hit the start button and nothing but clicks. So i took the battery out and from the date code it was a HD battery from 2005. So 8 years is not to bad. So I say don't trust them tenders because it showed it as charged (green light not red) but there was no cold cranking amps left in it. at least that's what the dude at the parts house told me..
