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[jb2861]

So what's the better battery out there now? 

[grc]

So what's the better battery out there now?

I'm not aware of any recent changes in the vehicle battery market, or any newer and more superior technology.  How do you define better?

Jerry

[jb2861]

Good question Jerry.  Better than the HD battery. They don't seem to last as long or the dieing after 2-3 days not on a tender.  I've used the Big Boar products in my older stuff but was just wondering if anybody has seen anything comparable.  This is my first new from the manufacturer bike so I've tried to keep it up and running well.  Thanks for the reply.  John.

[ultrarider123]

I'm fairly happy with the MoCo offering on batteries.  Yes, they are more expensive just because they have "Harley Davidson" on them for something nobody ever sees but I've always gotten good results out of them....good results being 3-4 years on the bikes I kept that long and never replaced on the bikes I only kept 3 or less years.  I don't expect any other brand to do better or worse than that and costing more or less than stock.  So far I've never had a failure to start and until recently had never used a battery tender.  I'm only doing it now because my '12 and '15 had and have alarm systems that can drain a battery if left sitting for a week or so (which doesn't happen often).  I've gotten in a habit of using the tender if I know Beauregard will be sitting idle for more than a few days.  I put it on tender last night knowing it would probably be sitting in the garage until Harvey meanders his way up from the Gulf and past East TN (Saturday or Sunday).

Batteries are like air filters/oil filters/shocks/oil/etc. in that most everybody likes to promote what they use themselves and to justify the purchase/cost...I'm no different.  Personally, I like to stay stock as much as possible on all of those fronts including batteries.  If I stay stock, I know that most Harley dealers will carry a replacement if needed on a long trip.  Why reinvent the wheel unless it can be proven the replacement wheel is better in all aspects and the cost of said "wheel" can be justified...?

[KGB]

I like the factory's battery, just in case you need a warranty replacement it's easier then if you bought one from the aftermarket online to get it replaced


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[NH Bulldog]

I have never had any battery issue with any of my bikes (all of which have been Ultra's or CVO Limiteds) each of which I had for at least 5 years.  The only time I have ever used a tender is when it is parked for the winter months.  If you are discharging after only a few days, you might have a power bleed somewhere that is drawing it down. 

The Harley batteries are AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat), otherwise known as a gel-cell, which is about the best type that you can get for a motorcycle.  If you really want to change, be sure to get an AGM battery as opposed to a standard lead/acid battery.  The dirty truth about batteries is that most brands are made by the same manufacturer, the difference in price is usually the name. 

But before you spend $100+ on an AGM battery or $230+ on a Lithium Ion battery (they are the newest type, but think of all those exploding hoverboards...no thank you), make sure that there isn't something wrong with your bike first.  Simply put, unless you have exposed the battery to high or low temperature extremes in a discharged state, they should last 5-7 years easy.

[jb2861]

I like the factory's battery, just in case you need a warranty replacement it's easier then if you bought one from the aftermarket online to get it replaced


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hadn't thought about this being under warranty.  2015 so it'll be 3 on Oct.  I just called the dealer and was told the battery should last about 24 months.  No warranty after that.  The longest I've let it set without a tender is 4 days and it wouldn't start.  So they offered me a discount on a higher amp agm type.  I get the military or their discount.  Either way 10% off.  I sure wonder if something else is pulling it down. 

[grc]

I hadn't thought about this being under warranty.  2015 so it'll be 3 on Oct.  I just called the dealer and was told the battery should last about 24 months.  No warranty after that.  The longest I've let it set without a tender is 4 days and it wouldn't start.  So they offered me a discount on a higher amp agm type.  I get the military or their discount.  Either way 10% off.  I sure wonder if something else is pulling it down.

The battery is covered by the new bike factory warranty, which of course is only two years.  Replacements from Harley are warranted for one year.

It is not uncommon for Harley batteries to fail early, and it's a problem you can see in other brands of vehicle starting batteries in cars, trucks, and bikes.  Vehicles in general have higher demands placed on the electrical systems these days, which affects the life of the batteries.  Another big factor is the constant cost cutting by the battery manufacturers, which can lead to internal physical failures of things like cell connectors and plates.  It's something I've seen in many different brands over the past ten years, and it's a crap shoot whether you get a good one or a not-so-good one.

Considering that even the high priced offerings tend to have similar battery life variations, I look at it this way.  I can buy two batteries of equal or greater CCA from a place like Battery Mart for about the same amount as one battery from the Harley dealer.  I've gone with the Deka brand, made in the USA by East Penn Mfg.  They come with the same warranty as the Harley battery, and they will ship to your door within a day or two of the order.  If you're on the road and it fails, buy another at one of the many auto parts stores, motorcycle parts stores, Wally World, etc.  There are many different names on those batteries from East Penn btw, Deka is just the name they use.  Even if you don't want to haul the old one home and then ship it in for warranty consideration, big deal.  You paid half as much as the Harley battery, so even if you have to buy another you aren't any worse off than if you had bought the overpriced one from the Harley dealer.

If you want something that has a higher CCA than the Harley battery, and still save a little money, look at Yuasa.  Yes it's a Japanese brand name, but they are made in the USA these days.  GYZ32HL, 500 CCA, can be found for about $140 on Amazon and other places.

Jerry

[longlast]

I'm on my second HD battery. I changed the original one that came with the bike ( bike is a 2007) in 2012 still running on it. The way I look at it I've got my 200 it cost out of it. I keep a close eye on on it by giving it a volt test once a month. I haven't had it on the battery tender at all this year not since the last winter. Didn't even tender it when the bike was down for a month for repair work. The battery was disconnected and once the repair was done I checked it and it was still at 12.55 v reconnected it and I've had no problems.
One HD battery Change in 10years got to say I've no issues with HD batteries.
Other than already been stated they're over priced because they're HD but then isn't everything of HD over priced 

If your battery is draining down in a short period of time (mine has sat for over a week and more and still fired up the motor) there may be another draw other than the alarm system. Disconnect the alarm system ( pull fuse) and check if the battery is dropping.

[CVODON]

I currently have a Battery Mart unit in my 15 & it is fine. But none of them, HD or equal die after 2- 3 days not on a tender as stated above. This is just not a realistic statement.
Got a buddy who does not ever use a tender, got 4 years out of his last HD battery, I constantly use a tender and only got 2.5.

[jb2861]

Thanks for all the input guys.  I went with a Duracell Ultra Agm. From batteries plus. About  $145 out the door.