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[cvopaul]

Have to replace the battery on my 2010 CVO ultra. Don't want to use the standard battery from Harley.  Open for suggestions :mango.

[Fired00d]

Here is a thread I started back in the fall when I was looking to replace my battery - Deka (Big Crank ETX 30L) vs AGM Duracell Ultra - Longevity/Reliability. There are also other threads in this board regarding Lithium batteries too.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[cvopaul]

Thanks for the info.

[CVODON]

What is wrong with the HD battery? I get 5 - 6 years out of them. Are you looking for cheap? Or what?

[Fired00d]

What is wrong with the HD battery? I get 5 - 6 years out of them. Are you looking for cheap? Or what?

There are better options that are less expensive. Trust me I too "was" a believer in the HD batteries (original lasted almost 8 years) until I replaced the original with a HD battery that only lasted 2 years 9 months. For the price of the HD battery and them not lasting as long as they used to (at least my original) there are less expensive options that are made in the USA. A lot of cost of the HD battery is because it is "HD" branded... which doesn't make it better IMO. BTW I keep my bike on a battery tender at all times when it is parked so there was no difference in treatment/preventive maintenance of the replacement vs. the original.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[SDCVO]

I have posted this up before and I now many hate to hear it but I have about 14000 miles and a year on my Antigravity LI battery and I still absolutely love it! Turns over my 124 like a Asian bike every time in all conditions so far. I get they are expensive but so are our bikes and after spending the money I did on the motor, I wanted to make sure I never had an issue with starting. I use their Tender.
Granted I live outside of San Diego (about 2500 elevation) so the coldest I have ever tried it is high 40's and I have read where LI struggle in extreme cold so I can't speak to that.

[LC110]

I tied a number of different makes of batteries over the years. The most reliable I have found is the U.S. made Yuasa GYZ32HL priced around $150.00

[RoadDawg]

What is wrong with the HD battery? I get 5 - 6 years out of them. Are you looking for cheap? Or what?

Me too. Never a problem.

[iski]

What is wrong with the HD battery? I get 5 - 6 years out of them. Are you looking for cheap? Or what?

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/h-d-agm-original-equipment-battery-pa-12-6601097c--1
$170.95

vs

http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm
$97.95

Same battery, same specs, Deka makes Harley.  You pay $73 for the HD logo.  The reviews give the HD battery 2.4 stars out of 5. Compare that to the Deka customer reviews.

[Fired00d]

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/h-d-agm-original-equipment-battery-pa-12-6601097c--1
$170.95

vs

http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/Deka-ETX30L-Battery-p/etx30l.htm
$97.95

Same battery, same specs, Deka makes Harley.  You pay $73 for the HD logo.  The reviews give the HD battery 2.4 stars out of 5. Compare that to the Deka customer reviews.

That's some damn expensive "Kool-Aid"... sure glad I don't drink it anymore.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[iski]

That's some damn expensive "Kool-Aid"... sure glad I don't drink it anymore.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Me too.  Some of my friends may need an intervention.  If they ride within 30 miles of an HD shop they have not been to yet, they are drawn to it, to get some damn thing.  Poker chips now, used to be pogs or pins.  Then they spend the next hour looking at $30 t shirts & pointing at crap & saying Lookit!!.  Almost like a HD shop is a crack dealer & they need another fix.  Was patient at first, now I continue on or find something else to do sometimes.

As to HD logo stuff vs other stuff, unless it is a proprietary part, I strongly consider the alternative.  Batteries - who cares what the logo says?

[grc]

Batteries are basically just a commodity.  The label on the outside means very little, since there are very few actual battery manufacturers but there are thousands of brand names on labels.  There is no such thing as "the Best" battery, and even if there was one that was scientifically tested and found to be superior, that doesn't mean the one you get would live up to the rating.  Unfortunately there is a lot of variability in the manufacture of the products.

Shop based on size (so it actually fits the battery box in the bike), CCA (cold cranking amps), reserve capacity, and price.  Try to avoid falling for the usual BS in the ads for the various offerings.  False and misleading advertising has become the norm these days.

Jerry

[dayne66]

As to HD logo stuff vs other stuff, unless it is a proprietary part, I strongly consider the alternative.  Batteries - who cares what the logo says?

For me...same goes for most items....I always at least investigate the alternatives to the HD brand.

[iski]

For me...same goes for most items....I always at least investigate the alternatives to the HD brand.

Yeah, started long time back with oil, now have more than a few good alternatives that work just as well and cost less.  Except for the air in the tires.  Only use HD approved so as not to void the warranty.

[Fired00d]

Yeah, started long time back with oil, now have more than a few good alternatives that work just as well and cost less.  Except for the air in the tires.  Only use HD approved so as not to void the warranty.

That "hot air" coming from HD has got to be better than nitrogen.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d