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[RayG]

My 110" has been difficult to start since it as new, I have heard others sound better and some worse. I have already had the starter replaced but it can still require a few attempts to get it started, but at least it doesn't have that loud banging noise. Frankly its embarrassing to pay this much for a bike that I have to try 2 to 3 times to start. Lately I have been using the tender as soon as I get home and notice that the low battery indicator light goes on, is this normal?  It takes a while before the light switches over. Is it OK to continue this practice? I read on a post that someone had followed this practice for years and his battery lasted longer using the tender all through the year. If it wasn't for the hard starting I would only use it while in storage. I have the basic SERK without any electronics added other than the HID's I got from HD Dude.

Thanks

[HUBBARD]

My 110" has been difficult to start since it as new, I have heard others sound better and some worse. I have already had the starter replaced but it can still require a few attempts to get it started, but at least it doesn't have that loud banging noise. Frankly its embarrassing to pay this much for a bike that I have to try 2 to 3 times to start. Lately I have been using the tender as soon as I get home and notice that the low battery indicator light goes on, is this normal?  It takes a while before the light switches over. Is it OK to continue this practice? I read on a post that someone had followed this practice for years and his battery lasted longer using the tender all through the year. If it wasn't for the hard starting I would only use it while in storage. I have the basic SERK without any electronics added other than the HID's I got from HD Dude.

Thanks

Yeah, 'er 'uh, RayG,
 That was probably me.  I use it year 'round.  Original Battery lasted 7 years!  Later--HUBBARD

[mjb765]

I use mine all year round as well..Sold my 98 Softail in 2004 with the original battery.....

[Fired00d]

I leave mine on whenever the bike is parked at home. They are designed to be left on all the time.... automatically turn on when needed, and shut off when not. No worries w/leaving it connected all the time.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Opossum]

Sounds more like the auto compression release isn't working.

[grc]

Ray, the battery tender is automatic as 'd00d mentioned, so it won't overcharge the battery and there is absolutely no reason why you can't keep it hooked up all the time.  On the other hand, there shouldn't be any legitimate reason to do so unless you don't plan to ride it for a week or more.  The amount of current drain with the bike turned off is pretty small.  If I'm riding mine pretty much every day, I don't hook it up.  If I know I won't be riding for a few days, due to other committments or lousy weather for instance, then I hook up the tender.

You really need to find a decent shop to diagnose and fix your starting problems.  It should not be difficult to start the bike, and it definitely should not take 2 or 3 attempts on a regular basis.  If your dealer is clueless, find someone else.  And by all means call H-D and get them involved.


Jerry

[HUBBARD]

Ray, the battery tender is automatic as 'd00d mentioned, so it won't overcharge the battery and there is absolutely no reason why you can't keep it hooked up all the time.  On the other hand, there shouldn't be any legitimate reason to do so unless you don't plan to ride it for a week or more.  The amount of current drain with the bike turned off is pretty small.  If I'm riding mine pretty much every day, I don't hook it up.  If I know I won't be riding for a few days, due to other committments or lousy weather for instance, then I hook up the tender.

You really need to find a decent shop to diagnose and fix your starting problems.  It should not be difficult to start the bike, and it definitely should not take 2 or 3 attempts on a regular basis.  If your dealer is clueless, find someone else.  And by all means call H-D and get them involved.


Jerry

I concur.  Later--HUBBARD

[kb]

A buddy of mine hooked up a battery tender to his boat just before launch day. He was awakened by a Newport police officer @ 4:20 the following am. His boat burned and the ones each side of him all total loss. The fire marshall ruled that the battery tender was at fault.He still has a couple of lawsuits pending. Plus he now has a new boat. Thank God for insurance.

[kraut]

your battery should survive at least 6 weeks without tender. I got one as we can have long winters over here - but normally last ride will be dec. 24 and the first around feb.15. Battery survives that much easily even if temp will go down to below - 20 F at some chilly winter night.

Only if I miss the mid of feb. ride for some reason or other I have to put the tender on.

[RedDevil]

The bikes are on a tender whenever they are in the garage (which is normally when they're not out on the road).  I traded my 02 Ultra in 07 with the original battery installed and it turned over like the day I bought it.  They have never caused any issues for me.

[grc]

A buddy of mine hooked up a battery tender to his boat just before launch day. He was awakened by a Newport police officer @ 4:20 the following am. His boat burned and the ones each side of him all total loss. The fire marshall ruled that the battery tender was at fault.He still has a couple of lawsuits pending. Plus he now has a new boat. Thank God for insurance.

Sounds like someone didn't follow safe practices concerning ventilation, or perhaps he had a defective tender or battery that shorted out.  Like they say, stuff happens.  I don't think I'd let that one instance keep me from using my battery tender, however.  I remember the days of buying a new battery at the start of every riding season, and I'd prefer to do as I currently do and get 5 to 6 years out of every battery.  Keep them charged, and they will last.


Jerry

[gg]

RayG, use the battery tender! If it catches fire you get a new bike and maybe a new house too!  Just kidding. I ude the BT every day. Don't see the issue.

[LRebel]

I've never used a battery tender.  If you go without riding your bike for weeks and weeks, a battery tender is a great idea. 
I ride my bike year round... never go more than two weeks without riding it and my garage is always will above freezing in the winter. 
I have never had to replace a battery, but then the longest I have ever kept a bike is 5 years   

[mjb765]

I've never used a battery tender.  If you go without riding your bike for weeks and weeks, a battery tender is a great idea.  
I ride my bike year round... never go more than two weeks without riding it and my garage is always will above freezing in the winter.  
I have never had to replace a battery, but then the longest I have ever kept a bike is 5 years    

Wish I could say that

And before someone says it....I know...I know....I should move.....yeah...yeah....

[kraut]

...  Keep them charged, and they will last.

batteries to my experience are like belts - some last forever, some don't.

With one bike I had starter problems for a whole season so I remember quite clearly in 2003 I bought a Hawker for it. Sold bike and battery 2009. Met the guy who bought it just some days ago - the Hawker ist still running strong with over 100.000 m on it.

Whereas in the winter of 2008 on an other bike OEM-battery died after only 3 years/50.000 m.

Both batteries were treated alike