Battery Life ? 2008 FLHX
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 994
Likes: 45
From: North Carolina
Several years ago I had a 5 year old battery. It got to the point that I spent a lot wondering if it was going to leave me sitting on some out of town rides, so I replaced it. I believe leaving the battery on a tender when the vehicle isn't being used is a major contributor to extended battery life.
After reading this I went ahead and ordered one. I seriously doubt that is a better deal out there. Thanks for posting!
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 698
Likes: 50
AGM = Absorbed Glass Mat
the electrolyte mixture ( acid and water) is held in the mat between the plates rather than as a loose fluid.
these batteries are maintanence free and usually will not have the 6 little yellow caps on the top.
ps: you can name your town...we have lots of CDN riders here ( I lived in TO in the 80's)
mike
the electrolyte mixture ( acid and water) is held in the mat between the plates rather than as a loose fluid.
these batteries are maintanence free and usually will not have the 6 little yellow caps on the top.
ps: you can name your town...we have lots of CDN riders here ( I lived in TO in the 80's)
mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...2005...still have the original battery in her...season 9 coming up!..don't know why some people think they need to charge these things all the time...never have..never will...that's why they put a CHARGING system in the bike...during off season here in the north...once a month for a few hours is all you need....
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 282
From: Long Island NY
Changed the original battery on my '06 Ultra last year, 7 years old and still going strong, just figured it was time. Got my battery online from Parker Battery, a Deka (Made in the U.S.) for $104 total. Sold the bike in September...and I used a Battery Tender EVERY TIME I parked the bike for more than a few days! Good Luck!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
I have always replaced after 4 riding seasons. I've never had a battery show signs of giving up. just consider it routine maintenance item. I have my last 2 on shelf and rotate battery tender between them. Don't know if I will ever need them - more in case I get a Sunday phone call from a stranded buddy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 351
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Bike purchased in August '08. Still on original battery. And if it's parked in my garage, it's plug into the tender, no matter when or time of the year.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Only ever had 1 go bad almost right at 5 years. No warning, no signs it was going bad. Just left me stranded at the airport one day. I believe it was a Yuasa battery in my VTX. So now my rule of thumb is 5 years, but I rarely keep a vehicle that long anyway.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 11,175
Likes: 2,483
From: Nor Cal
Are you happy with the life & performance on your oem battery? If yes, why change? Maybe you want the same l & p, but cheaper. Ok, as others have alluded to in prior posts, "East Penn Manufacturing" makes HD batteries and their own label "Deka" and other private labels such as "Big Crank". Batterymart as referenced earlier, sells "Big Crank". Search ETX30L and see what pricing pops up.