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[HuckingFarley]

I have an 07 Road King. Have had many many problems. I am extremely glad I bought the extended warranty. That's not what I'm here about though. I need to replace the battery. What is the general opinion, stay with the Harley battery or something different. This will be my fifth battery, but also just turned 84K miles.
Please leave comments.
Ride Safe

[miker]

I use oddessy batts, when replacing a battery......on anything needing a battery..

http://odysseybatteries.com/

[Talon]

I go to Batteries Plus for my batteries for everything. Do you have a battery tender? I have a semi heated garage, probably never below 40* in there, I still have my original battery in my 05! I stay away from the dealership as much as possible, usually better deals somewhere else.

http://www.batteriesplus.com/models/558-CC/4386-Motorcycle-Batteries/Harley--Davidson.aspx

Craig

[grc]

In the past, the Harley AGM batteries got my vote for the best bang for the buck.  However, that was when there weren't many real alternatives other than the extremely high priced specialty batteries, or the el cheapo wet cell batteries (non AGM).  I think if you do some searching you will find AGM batteries these days from places other than Harley that are basically identical to the stock battery but cheaper.

I've got to ask, how in the world did you go through 5 batteries in less than 5 years?  All of my batteries have lasted at least 5 years, and I've had a couple that held up fine for 6 years.   Before you keep buying new batteries every year you might want to figure out what is causing them to fail. 


Jerry

[spydglide]

I have a semi heated garage, probably never below 40* in there, I still have my original battery in my 05!Craig

question is, Craig, is whether your garage is semi cooled?  Remember that heat kills batteries much more than cold.....seems like it would be the other way around, doesn't it?  My boat batteries always die quicker in the summer than winter, so maybe it's true.  Battery tender is the answer even for someone that puts lots of mileage on a scooter. jmho.  spyder

[HuckingFarley]

JUst to give a little more info. My first three batteries were replaced within the first 6 months. H-D finally found a bad starter was causing the problem. But, I have had three starters as well. One engine replacement at 12k miles. Multiple O2 sensors and MAP sensors. Complete rebuild of second engine at 60k miles. And a few other technical difficulties. I ride just about every day to work ...90 miles round trip, hence 84K miles. This last battery has lasted about 3 years or so, not bad considering the heat it is subjected to.
Thank God for the 7 year unlimited miles extended warranty.
Bud

[GregKhougaz]

Have to agree with Miker.  Odyssey batteries seem to be the best around and can be bought for about the same price as a Harley Davidson battery.  I have had very good experience with them.

[Talon]

question is, Craig, is whether your garage is semi cooled?  Remember that heat kills batteries much more than cold.....seems like it would be the other way around, doesn't it?  My boat batteries always die quicker in the summer than winter, so maybe it's true.  Battery tender is the answer even for someone that puts lots of mileage on a scooter. jmho.  spyder

Looked it up your right.

Car batteries last an average of two thirds as long in hot climates as cold ones due to increased grid corrosion and water loss. Heat kills batteries, especially sealed wet "Maintenance Free" (Ca/Ca) batteries, and cold reduces the battery's starting performance.

http://jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/carfaq14.htm#hot

[Half_Crazy]

Have to agree with Miner.  Odyssey batteries seem to be the best around and can be bought for about the same price as a Harley Davidson battery.  I have had very good experience with them.

I'll third that. Good batteries there.

[tombeving]

      Deka makes the batteries for Harley. If you Google Bohannon Battery Dist, they sell the touring battery for $109.00 with free shipping.

[HuckingFarley]

Thanks for the info

[RedDevil]

Whatever battery you go with, keep a tender on it.  I keep my bikes plugged in whenever they are in the garage, year round.  I typically keep a bike for 4-5 years (except one which I kept for 8 ), and I've never had to replace a battery (knock on wood) in any of my bikes.  A batter tender is, IMO, one of the best investments you can make for your bike, lawn tractor, car, boat, RV, anything that has a battery.  I've got 4 of them in my garage (2 for the bikes, one for the Toyhauler battery during the non-towing season, and one for the car.).

[spydglide]

Whatever battery you go with, keep a tender on it.  I keep my bikes plugged in whenever they are in the garage, year round.  I typically keep a bike for 4-5 years (except one which I kept for 8 ), and I've never had to replace a battery (knock on wood) in any of my bikes.  A batter tender is, IMO, one of the best investments you can make for your bike, lawn tractor, car, boat, RV, anything that has a battery.  I've got 4 of them in my garage (2 for the bikes, one for the Toyhauler battery during the non-towing season, and one for the car.).

wow "RD", you are a believer....4 !!  I was slow to come around, but now I'm a believer also.....pays for the tenders in $$$ saved on batteries for sure.  spyder

[SBB]

wow "RD", you are a believer....4 !!  I was slow to come around, but now I'm a believer also.....pays for the tenders in $$$ saved on batteries for sure.  spyder

Spdy

I have 9.
1 on each of the 4 Harleys.
1 on each of the two scooters.
1 on the Mustang.
1 extra that I take with me on trips.
1 that I bought in Daytona this year because I forgot to take the extra one and the tour pak light on her SEEG stayed on and killed the battery.
A man can never have too many battery tenders.

 

SBB

[sadunbar]

Spdy

I have 9.
1 on each of the 4 Harleys.
1 on each of the two scooters.
1 on the Mustang.
1 extra that I take with me on trips.
1 that I bought in Daytona this year because I forgot to take the extra one and the tour pak light on her SEEG stayed on and killed the battery.
A man can never have too many battery tenders.

 

SBB