Battery tenders, thoughts.....
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Ma.
My battery just crapped out last weekend,bike is an 06 so that's a good run. As someone else said,Big Crank Etx 30L from Batterymart,$94.00 bucks to my door in 2 days.(Great price and service) Tendered for winter and if not riding for more than 3 days. Hopefully this will last 7 yrs too,but don't think I'll take that chance again.Being stuck for a few hours bit the bag.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Newcastle, Wa.
I have two bikes and keep them on tenders whenever I'm not riding them. On my Fatboy the battery lasted 11 years and I finally, just for good measure, changed it out. Not fun to have battery problems out in the middle of nowhere when a little preventive maintenance.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I have one HD Battery Tender, and I alternate it out between all my batteries. What I drive very regular does not get it. Bike, riding mower, classics, all get in the rotation for a couple of days or so. If I'm going to cut the grass, mower gets it a day or so before. Same with the bike.
I just don't care to leave one on continuously on any one vehicle for weeks or more at a time. May do a battery some good to hold it's on for a little while every now and then.
FWIW this has been my practice for several years, and my battery life is longer than average.
YMMV...
I just don't care to leave one on continuously on any one vehicle for weeks or more at a time. May do a battery some good to hold it's on for a little while every now and then.
FWIW this has been my practice for several years, and my battery life is longer than average.
YMMV...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
Well my yellowbird's battery finally went to battery heaven, (or should I say hell) and had to replace. It did last about the average amount of time as the rest of batteries in other bikes before which for me is 4 1/2 to 5 years.
We all know that the HD factory batteries are not brand spanking new when you buy your bike from the dealer, nor brand new when you get a replacement.
The dealership wants like $180.00 - $190.00 for a "new" one. If there is a "Batteries +" or other battery store in your neck of the woods you can get the exact same battery as the factory for less, which a lot of forum members already know.
My local store has the "Deka" made battery X2 POWER AGM 30LA for $144.00 retail price, plus rebate of -$10.00, so the new price is $134.99.
24 months free replacement and 400 CCA. Also the "born on date" was March 2013.
Anyways, I started thinking about the battery tenders.
I for one keep it on my scooter and hooked up ALL the time when the motorcycle is in my garage, period! (mine is a HD brand battery tender)
What do you do, do you keep yours hooked up all the time, only in the winter months and off in the summer months?
Do you really think that these things help keep your batter life longer, shorter?
Building a new deck out back and needed to get out of the sun for a bit and it's too hot right for me right now to cool off on the scooter.
What's your thoughts or how do you use your batter tender?
Ride On,
YB
We all know that the HD factory batteries are not brand spanking new when you buy your bike from the dealer, nor brand new when you get a replacement.
The dealership wants like $180.00 - $190.00 for a "new" one. If there is a "Batteries +" or other battery store in your neck of the woods you can get the exact same battery as the factory for less, which a lot of forum members already know.
My local store has the "Deka" made battery X2 POWER AGM 30LA for $144.00 retail price, plus rebate of -$10.00, so the new price is $134.99.
24 months free replacement and 400 CCA. Also the "born on date" was March 2013.
Anyways, I started thinking about the battery tenders.
I for one keep it on my scooter and hooked up ALL the time when the motorcycle is in my garage, period! (mine is a HD brand battery tender)
What do you do, do you keep yours hooked up all the time, only in the winter months and off in the summer months?
Do you really think that these things help keep your batter life longer, shorter?
Building a new deck out back and needed to get out of the sun for a bit and it's too hot right for me right now to cool off on the scooter.
What's your thoughts or how do you use your batter tender?
Ride On,
YB
Also get you a 5amp battery tender plus that is waterproof to charge your battery
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
i keep both my bikes and my lawn mower on a tender unless they are being used. I find my batteries last 5 years or longer.
Thats my experience. I have done this since all were new. My one bike is an 04 model. I have purchased 2 batteries for it since purchasing the bike. It is due for another one, i just do not know when.
Thats my experience. I have done this since all were new. My one bike is an 04 model. I have purchased 2 batteries for it since purchasing the bike. It is due for another one, i just do not know when.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 53
From: Gladys, VA
5 amp would be too much???? I believe its a 1.25 amp
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 48
From: WI
Use all the time. Remove only for riding. I'm convinced it extends the battery life. Just my .02
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,216
Likes: 3,045
From: St.Louis Mo.
i have three tenders. a friend bought a new 13 streetglide and i noticed it had a different type of pigtail on it than my 12 streetglide. do the battery tenders come with something different now?
