When do you know it's time for a new battery?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 27, 2013 | 08:44 PM

#11

UltraClassicElectraGlide

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,384

Likes: 3

From: California

Good today, dead tomorrow. Battery might give you a tip-off by being a little sluggish, but just as likely can start with no issues and be dead on the very next start-up attempt.

Aug 27, 2013 | 08:53 PM

#12

acchd

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 3,002

Likes: 86

From: Charlotte Metro

I'd say your due. Normally notice its slower to turn over. The Big Crank AGM battery at www.Batterymart.com is excellent replacement.
PS If you have a FOB replace that battery too at same time.

Last edited by acchd; Aug 27, 2013 at 08:55 PM.

Aug 27, 2013 | 09:02 PM

#13

BoonDock_Saint

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 2,059

Likes: 4

From: Florida

Load test it every year until it fails the test. I carry these just in case

Aug 27, 2013 | 09:07 PM

#14

WolfDog

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,098

Likes: 5

From: North Texas

If your worried about it Change It.

The last thing you want is to be stranded, they don't last forever.

Aug 27, 2013 | 10:16 PM

#15

Lakerat

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 1,826

Likes: 87

From: Cookson, Ok

Bought myself a Schumacher load tester recently and will be testing my batteries at least every oil change. I live out in the boonies and it is a PITA to carry a battery to town to have it tested. It's no guarantee that I won't get stranded, but my odds will be better.

Aug 27, 2013 | 10:43 PM

#16

SanJuanRon

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 2,275

Likes: 149

From: High in the Colorado Rockies

Max of 5 years and it gets replaced. Better safe than sorry! SJ Ron

Aug 27, 2013 | 11:04 PM

#17

texaswiz

Banned

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 1,036

Likes: 67

Quote:

Originally Posted by jberg

A battery is one of those things you just replace after its predicted life, like at five years. It's not worth having it strand you in an inconvenient place away from home or a parts store. Very few last years past their expected range.

I know a few guys who use that same idea when it comes to wives.

Aug 27, 2013 | 11:37 PM

#18

V2Evo96

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,945

Likes: 4

From: Victoria, Australia

Quote:

Originally Posted by J2X

I replaced mine not long ago after 5 years. I noticed a reduction in the sharpness of how the bike started. I took it to a shop and the battery tested below average.

I'm in the same boat right now after 4 years. Keep it on a tender, but can tell by the first start of the day it's starting to fade.

HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Verdad Gallardo

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Verdad Gallardo

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Verdad Gallardo

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Verdad Gallardo

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Verdad Gallardo

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Joe Kucinski

Aug 28, 2013 | 04:57 PM

#19

CalgaryBikeBum

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 428

Likes: 35

From: Calgary Alberta Canada

Mine let me down this summer but not the usual way. Was on a run to the middle of nowhere. Ran fine. Came out one morning (second day of run) and everything seemed fine until i hit start button. Blechhh nothing. Figured loose cable. Pulled seat. Terminal snapped off negative post. After a bit of cursing. I borrowed a small drill bit. Made a small 1/2" hole in center or remaining lead post. Found a 1/4" tapered lag bolt. Took all the connectors and screwed them down tightly to top of post. Worked like a hot damn. Was good all the way home (6 hours) and the next day until I could buy a new battery. So if it happens to you that is one solution. (Only good for broken posts obviously) LOL