6 year old battery. Anyone else?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 15, 2013 | 11:55 AM

jus2anoyu

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 2,090

Likes: 7

6 year old battery. Anyone else?

Had one last this long? Mine still acts fine. I put it on a slow charge if I don't ride for a month or so. The dealer put a brand new one in it when I bought it in 08. Dead batteries suck! I've never had one last this long so I'm thinking I should swap it while it's convenient instead of being stranded on a trip....

Dec 15, 2013 | 12:17 PM

jbkrab

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 274

Likes: 2

From: Baltimore, MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by jus2anoyu

Age old question. To replace or not? I'd say replace it when it's convenient for you before it shows any weakness and leaves you stranded. Do a load test and see if the battery really is good. Heat and sub zero temps really put a strain on lead acid batteries. After 6 years, you are on borrowed time in my book. My Yamaha battery made it 6 years before it bit the dust. My HD battery is about 3.5 years from DOM (date of manufacture). So I'm planning on replacing it within the next 6 months.

Dec 15, 2013 | 12:31 PM

Great08

Advanced

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 70

Likes: 6

From: western Washington

My '08 Super Glide with 51,000 miles that I took delivery on in July of '08 has original battery. Had 103 kit installed at 1,000 miles, and that sucks the starting juice at a higher rate. Battery still seems fine.

Dec 15, 2013 | 12:39 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 11,471

Likes: 2,998

From: Charleston, SC

For whatever reason these batteries give warning long before they actually go bad.
If the battery cranks the starter up without any hesitation you're good to go.
If it starts hesitating you probably have another 6-9 months before it actually goes bad. Strange I know.

Cool that they usually just don't die overnight and leave you stranded. Usually...
I would never just replace one because of the "date". I'd wait until it starts showing signs.

lp

Dec 15, 2013 | 12:54 PM

TWIN CAM 96

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 2,555

Likes: 6

From: East of the USS Midway

Mine lasted 6 yrs. I got lucky as it took it's last breathe when I parked it in the garage. Next day I went to start it & had pasted away.

Dec 15, 2013 | 01:11 PM

WICK

Advanced

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 85

Likes: 2

From: Martinez

I replaced my original 03 road king battery in late 2012, and only because I left the ignition on and it experienced a total drain. even though it did take a charge, better sfe than stranded