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[Fired00d]

Would like to hear from those that have purchased battery's manufactured by Deka (in particular the Big Crank ETX30L Battery. I'm looking at that battery or one from Battery Plus (AGM Duracell Ultra Battery).

Couple obvious differences I see are the price Big Crank $109.95, Duracell $137.41 (after 10% discount offered online), Big Crank 1 year warranty (can't find anything stating whether it's a full or pro-rated), Duracell 2 year (full replacement) warranty. So, for $27.46 I can get an additional full year of warranty (with full replacement within that warranty period).

BTW, until this current battery went tits up I was a big advocate of the OEM/H-D battery.... my original battery (OEM) lasted almost 8 years and because of that long life I went and purchased another OEM/H-D battery on 2/18/12. I keep my bike/battery hooked up to a Battery Tender Plus at all times when it is parked. Last Friday I decided to go for a ride only to find my bike with a dead battery... I at first thought the Battery Tender had gone bad (it was purchased in 1999) and went out and purchased another one (now not sure the Battery Tender was the issue but it was time for a new one anyway). However, since the bike sits inside my basement, weather here hasn't hit a cold spell yet (that is known to kill a battery), and was last rode about 3 months ago (I know... go ahead and say it... "If you rode it more you wouldn't have a dead battery"... but life, desire to ride, and other things get in the way) one would think the battery wouldn't have died.

Anyway I will not be purchasing another OEM/HD battery and would like some feedback from those that have any experience w/either of the batteries listed above. Both are made in the USA (yippie ), and for about $1.14/month (if you average out the price difference of initial purchase) during two years of owning the Duracell I could get full replacement if it were to go tits up.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[johnsachs]

I use them. They seem to last as long as the stock batteries do.

[Fired00d]

I use them. They seem to last as long as the stock batteries do.

John you have experience w/both and/or prefer one over the other? Thanks for the feedback.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[OBB]

Had put the Big Crank in my '11. Something like $106 shipped to my door. Batterymart.com .Same battery as the HD one I've read on here previously. Never had an issue with it but traded the bike in long before it could have been an issue.

[Fired00d]

Had put the Big Crank in my '11. Something like $106 shipped to my door. Batterymart.com .Same battery as the HD one I've read on here previously. Never had an issue with it but traded the bike in long before it could have been an issue.

The link of the Big Crank one in my OP is from Batterymart.com (slight price increase). Do you know/remember if the 1 year warranty was full or pro-rated... IE: six months full, then pro-rated for the next six months.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[phato1]

I've had the Deka Big Crank in my 11.5 for about 18 months now after the OEM started showing signs of illness.... the bike was getting slow to crank - after only about 3 years of use. I also keep the bikes on tender whenever they are parked in the garage so I was a little surprised that the OEM was getting weak after what I feel is a short time.

FWIW, given my limited experience with the Deka I would recommend it. I also bought it through Batterymart.com for around $100 delivered to my door. beats the crap out of paying HD prices for an OEM branded battery. 

[sadunbar]

Would like to hear from those that have purchased battery's manufactured by Deka (in particular the Big Crank ETX30L Battery. I'm looking at that battery or one from Battery Plus (AGM Duracell Ultra Battery).

Couple obvious differences I see are the price Big Crank $109.95, Duracell $137.41 (after 10% discount offered online), Big Crank 1 year warranty (can't find anything stating whether it's a full or pro-rated), Duracell 2 year (full replacement) warranty. So, for $27.46 I can get an additional full year of warranty (with full replacement within that warranty period).

BTW, until this current battery went tits up I was a big advocate of the OEM/H-D battery.... my original battery (OEM) lasted almost 8 years and because of that long life I went and purchased another OEM/H-D battery on 2/18/12. I keep my bike/battery hooked up to a Battery Tender Plus at all times when it is parked. Last Friday I decided to go for a ride only to find my bike with a dead battery... I at first thought the Battery Tender had gone bad (it was purchased in 1999) and went out and purchased another one (now not sure the Battery Tender was the issue but it was time for a new one anyway). However, since the bike sits inside my basement, weather here hasn't hit a cold spell yet (that is known to kill a battery), and was last rode about 3 months ago (I know... go ahead and say it... "If you rode it more you wouldn't have a dead battery"... but life, desire to ride, and other things get in the way) one would think the battery wouldn't have died.

Anyway I will not be purchasing another OEM/HD battery and would like some feedback from those that have any experience w/either of the batteries listed above. Both are made in the USA (yippie ), and for about $1.14/month (if you average out the price difference of initial purchase) during two years of owning the Duracell I could get full replacement if it were to go tits up.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Hmmm... Your preventive defense is interesting.  Is this what it's come to?  lol....


I've used the Deka Big Crank in both my bikes.  The one in my FXR is over 4 years old with no issues.  The one in my SEUC is over two years old with no issues.

[Fired00d]

Hmmm... Your preventive defense is interesting.  Is this what it's come to?  lol....


I've used the Deka Big Crank in both my bikes.  The one in my FXR is over 4 years old with no issues.  The one in my SEUC is over two years old with no issues.

Just thought I'd get it out there before someone in the "peanut gallery" mentions it... what's the best defense??... a good offense.

When I was doing my search/research found nothing but good things said about Deka just wondering if it's worth the extra $$ for the extended warranty time.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[OBB]

The link of the Big Crank one in my OP is from Batterymart.com (slight price increase). Do you know/remember if the 1 year warranty was full or pro-rated... IE: six months full, then pro-rated for the next six months.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I honestly don't remember. Sorry.

[Fired00d]

I honestly don't remember. Sorry.

Ok, thanks.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

I've used the Deka Big Crank in both my bikes.  The one in my FXR is over 4 years old with no issues.  The one in my SEUC is over two years old with no issues.

Similar experience here.  The battery in the SERK has been there since the bike was completed.  That's what now; two to two and a half years?  Works fine every time.  The batter in the SERG is about 3 1/2 years old now.  It is just recently beginning to show signs of age.  A little slow to crank.  The way these things fail that means it's time to get it changed before it strands me.  But I've got no complaint with its service life.

[grc]

'd00d, when you're looking for the best price try searching for the Deka ETX30L, you may get more hits.  The place I bought mine last year was actually cheaper than Battery Mart, and it was the Deka branded and labeled version of the same battery Battery Mart sells as the Big Crank.  I think I paid about $95 including shipping (shipping isn't included, I paid about $8 for shipping from Ohio to NW Indiana).  Current price is $87.99 plus shipping, less a 5% coupon deal on the site.  The warranty was represented as a one year free replacement warranty by the way.

http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm

Jerry

[Fired00d]

'd00d, when you're looking for the best price try searching for the Deka ETX30L, you may get more hits.  The place I bought mine last year was actually cheaper than Battery Mart, and it was the Deka branded and labeled version of the same battery Battery Mart sells as the Big Crank.  I think I paid about $95 including shipping (shipping isn't included, I paid about $8 for shipping from Ohio to NW Indiana).  Current price is $87.99 plus shipping, less a 5% coupon deal on the site.  The warranty was represented as a one year free replacement warranty by the way.

http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm

Jerry

Jerry, thanks for the information and link. Did this battery have the offset posts and require the spacers (and were they provided) like the Batterymart and Duracell batteries indicate?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[grc]

Jerry, thanks for the information and link. Did this battery have the offset posts and require the spacers (and were they provided) like the Batterymart and Duracell batteries indicate?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Yes, the spacers were included.  It's the same battery as the Big Crank except for the label on the outside, and has the exact same specs. 

Jerry

[bakon]

I used a big crank. No problems at two years, still going. Buddy owns bike now.

[Fired00d]

Yes, the spacers were included.  It's the same battery as the Big Crank except for the label on the outside, and has the exact same specs. 

Jerry

Great, thanks. At that price and the feedback from those that have/had this battery I placed the order this morning.... now we wait for the big brown truck.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[bigsixman]

I have used the AGM Big Crank batteries from Battery Mart for several years with success. I have only had them in my Harleys for two years, but I have had them in other bikes for at least double that time with no issues at all.

Jerry's link is excellent, but I get online discounts and sales sent to me by Battery Mart and they are hard to beat, especially with free shipping.

[Fired00d]

I was on the MoCo website looking for something regarding another thread and looked at the reviews (click on reviews when you get to the link) regarding the OEM battery and found this interesting... "6 out of 17 (35%) reviewers would recommend this product." Seems we are not alone in our view of the OEM battery... and the MoCo should be aware to... that is if they look at their own website.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sadunbar]

I was on the MoCo website looking for something regarding another thread and looked at the reviews (click on reviews when you get to the link) regarding the OEM battery and found this interesting... "6 out of 17 (35%) reviewers would recommend this product." Seems we are not alone in our view of the OEM battery... and the MoCo should be aware to... that is if they look at their own website.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

With improved marketing, the MOCO can overcome those poor reviews and increase battery sales significantly...   

[Twolanerider]

With improved marketing, the MOCO can overcome those poor reviews and increase battery sales significantly...   

I just saw the vector drawings ready for the cutter for beta pieces for the new Screamin Eagle Dual Battery System (chromed brass posts).  It promises to supply twice the CCA while only needing half the voltage at least a quarter of the time.

[Fired00d]

With improved marketing, the MOCO can overcome those poor reviews and increase battery sales significantly...   

They could contract Uncle Mikey to put his "Berry Juice" in their "Kool-Aid" and it still wouldn't bring me back to advocating H-D OEM parts. And believe me I was one of those that drank the "Kool-Aid" pitchers at a time... I swore by and promoted H-D OEM parts constantly... Remember the ads about their chrome being better than any other... BS!!! As many know (myself included) their chrome peels on a consistent basis.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[johnsachs]

John you have experience w/both and/or prefer one over the other? Thanks for the feedback.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Dood,
I have a unique situation. I have a Deka warehouse about 10 miles from me. I deal there, and am insured that I get a fresh battery every time I go there. Then there's the price. No contest with "mother Harley's" price. Batteries are equal in terms of longevity. Most of my replacements are on modified bikes.
John

[Fired00d]

Dood,
I have a unique situation. I have a Deka warehouse about 10 miles from me. I deal there, and am insured that I get a fresh battery every time I go there. Then there's the price. No contest with "mother Harley's" price. Batteries are equal in terms of longevity. Most of my replacements are on modified bikes.
John

That is a great situation... I do have a Deka on the way... no more "mother Harley's" for me either... I'm done w/them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Para Bellum]

With improved marketing, the MOCO can overcome those poor reviews and increase battery sales significantly...   

Yes, yes, MOCO, please put more time, money, and emphasis on marketing.  Don't waste your time on improving the product or parts or service that might make the ownership experience better.  Customers would not want any of that.  We prefer that you treat us like mushrooms.   

[DCFIREMANN]

Gary I just read this thread. Before you put that new battery in your bike, pull the old one and see if it will take a charge. I have something pulling my battery down in Punkin. Axel who is the expert electrical issues has not looked at it yet but gave the heads up on how to find it. The battery in my smart siren was dead and pulling the HD battery down. Once you make sure there is nothing pulling down your system then put your new battery in. OH and BTW I kept a tender hooked up to the bike and it still went dead. The battery in the bike is a deka!!!!

You may not have a problem but it is better to be safe then sorry. But on the other hand since you don't ride the bike anymore just leave the battery sitting on the work bench and install it when you put the new latches on your tour pak!!!!! LMAO!!!!! Just a thought!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Fired00d]

Gary I just read this thread. Before you put that new battery in your bike, pull the old one and see if it will take a charge. I have something pulling my battery down in Punkin. Axel who is the expert electrical issues has not looked at it yet but gave the heads up on how to find it. The battery in my smart siren was dead and pulling the HD battery down. Once you make sure there is nothing pulling down your system then put your new battery in. OH and BTW I kept a tender hooked up to the bike and it still went dead. The battery in the bike is a deka!!!!

You may not have a problem but it is better to be safe then sorry. But on the other hand since you don't ride the bike anymore just leave the battery sitting on the work bench and install it when you put the new latches on your tour pak!!!!! LMAO!!!!! Just a thought!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

Thanks for info/heads up.... I did take the battery out and try charging, then had a load test put on it and it was bad. Since you mention it I might just change the 9V NIMH battery in the security system too (I put the Smart Security II system on the bike in '07)...  can get one from Battery Plus for under $15.

BTW... those "latches" you speak of are long gone.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Fired00d]

Deka arrived, Deka installed, bike started....

* Fired00d is

Thanks to all for the feedback and help on this.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sadunbar]

Deka arrived, Deka installed, bike started....

* Fired00d is

Thanks to all for the feedback and help on this.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

That was quick!  Who did you order it from?  How far did it have to travel?

[Fired00d]

That was quick!  Who did you order it from?  How far did it have to travel?

Used the company from Jerry's (grc) post below, came from Twinsburg OH....

'd00d, when you're looking for the best price try searching for the Deka ETX30L, you may get more hits.  The place I bought mine last year was actually cheaper than Battery Mart, and it was the Deka branded and labeled version of the same battery Battery Mart sells as the Big Crank.  I think I paid about $95 including shipping (shipping isn't included, I paid about $8 for shipping from Ohio to NW Indiana).  Current price is $87.99 plus shipping, less a 5% coupon deal on the site.  The warranty was represented as a one year free replacement warranty by the way.

http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm

Jerry

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[sadunbar]

Used the company from Jerry's (grc) post below, came from Twinsburg OH....

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Saved the link...    thanks!   

[sadunbar]

I just saw the vector drawings ready for the cutter for beta pieces for the new Screamin Eagle Dual Battery System (chromed brass posts).  It promises to supply twice the CCA while only needing half the voltage at least a quarter of the time.

I'm sold!   

[Fired00d]

Saved the link...    thanks!   

You're welcome

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[FLY-DOG]

Replaced the battery in my 2012 CVO street glide today. OEM battery has been on a battery tender since day one when not riding but when I go to crank you can tell the battery was straining to turn it over. I replaced the OEM battery with a 30LA Duracell Ultra AGM Gray Case Battery from Batteries Plus, $144.99 minus 10% discount = $130.49. Specs below: Once installed, put on battery tender and had a green light within 5 minutes.  Starts with authority now, not sluggish like before.
 
Item Number: CYL10020
Brand: Duracell Ultra
Voltage: 12
Cold Cranking Amps: 400
Lead Acid Design: AGM
Made in the USA
Warranty: 24 Month Full Replace, 0 Month Pro Rated
Weight: 22.1 lbs

[iski]

Ordered a Deka ETX30L Battery from http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm today. Current price is $97.99 with free shipping.  Found an online coupon - VOLT - is the code that saved me a little over $6 off the purchase. Total price: $91.13.  Locally best could find was $119 plus tax.

[Fired00d]

Bringing this thread back up to give my evaluation of the battery I got in case anyone is in need of one. I ordered a Deka ETX30L Battery from High-Tech Battery Solutions back in November 2015 after recommendations received in this thread. This battery has been trouble free all this time only thing I have done to maintain it is kept it on the battery tender whenever it's parked. Couple weeks ago I rode the bike a couple times and noticed that it just didn't seem to have the "cranking" umph I remembered. Being that it was 7.5 years old I decided it was time to replace it as I had gotten my $$$ worth out of it (YMMV). There is a slight price increase since I purchased in 2015 ($87.99 in 2015/$145.99 currently) however I did recieve a 5% discount by email after letting it sit in my cart for a couple days. Hoping to get the same performance out of this battery as I did previously and would recommend it to anyone looking for a battery.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Spring of last year had to get a new battery for one of the bikes and got the same thing Gary.  I'm not paying the 94 trazillion dollars for a lithium battery so these things do just fine.   

[Fired00d]

Don I hear you!!! Plus a lithium battery would require a new "tender".

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Twolanerider]

Don I hear you!!! Plus a lithium battery would require a new "tender".

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Those tenders are stupid expensive too.  If I'm paying that much to get a charge and maintain it then I'd better be paying for s.... well; never mind .

[ultrafxr]

Bringing this thread back up to give my evaluation of the battery I got in case anyone is in need of one. I ordered a Deka ETX30L Battery from High-Tech Battery Solutions back in November 2015 after recommendations received in this thread. This battery has been trouble free all this time only thing I have done to maintain it is kept it on the battery tender whenever it's parked. Couple weeks ago I rode the bike a couple times and noticed that it just didn't seem to have the "cranking" umph I remembered. Being that it was 7.5 years old I decided it was time to replace it as I had gotten my $$$ worth out of it (YMMV). There is a slight price increase since I purchased in 2015 ($87.99 in 2015/$145.99 currently) however I did recieve a 5% discount by email after letting it sit in my cart for a couple days. Hoping to get the same performance out of this battery as I did previously and would recommend it to anyone looking for a battery.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Hmmm, I wouldn't call a 65% price increase in eight years slight.  That's pretty significant imo . . . and I'll bet the majority of the increase came about in just the last few years.

[Fired00d]

Hmmm, I wouldn't call a 65% price increase in eight years slight.  That's pretty significant imo . . . and I'll bet the majority of the increase came about in just the last few years.

Guess I'm just numbed by price increases after egg prices went up so much (now declining though).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[pooj10]

I used the Deka on my 2015 CVO streetglide and have nothing to complain about at all as it served me well. In late 2018 I ordered my 2019 CVO streetglide. Last year I gutted the Boom Audio and went with SOUNDZ Audio top end system and wanted the highest CA AH AGM battery I could find, lithium just does not pan out financially. I landed with XS Power – PSX30L. Good to go for both front and top terminals, CA: 500, Ah: 32 and do not regret it one bit. Just in case you are looking for an alternate option.

https://4xspower.com/product/psx30l/

Chris