1198 Ultra with original battery still working as new. Use tender though.

 

This! Not only does the Evo Softail "cook" the battery, but the rubber mounted oil tank/battery tray shakes the battery like a paint shaker. Best life I've gotten out of a battery in my '94 Softail was 4 years, average is 2-3 years. Had the bike for 22 years, so I've gone through a few batteries.


Given the age/mileage of a '95 Softail, the starter may be getting weak, too. My battery life improved greatly since I replaced the starter motor in 2010.

 

I replaced the oem battery on my 2002 fxst 5/2/10. Its almost 6 years old with about 39000 miles on it. Still works fine.
I chose yuassa from previous experience, price and vendor.
User adds acid and puts into service by charging per instructions. I like this because you can keep one on the shelve and put it into service when needed. Need a decent battery charger for this, not a tender.
Uses spacers at the terminals, which makes taking it in and out slightly more of a pain

 

oooh, lead acid battery. no thanks. I'd rather use the agm battery. less fumes, less seepage, less corrosion on your bike.

 

AGM batteries are still lead/acid, just sealed with absorbent glass mats (AGM) inside.

 

yes, that I understand, but it isn't a 'traditional' lead/acid type that you as the user has to activate. I guess the proper terminology (that I had a brain fart last night and couldn't remember) is 'wet/flooded'.

 

I am a big fan of Yuasa.Had one in a 4-wheeler,made in Japan that lasted 10 years inspite of my best efforts to murder it.I left it on a charger for days on end(not a maintainer) let it sit for months. Since then I have been replacing oem Hd batteries with them(made in US now).Never a problem,though I unfortunately I usually trade the ride shortly after putting in the new batty. They do cost a bit more than most.

 

My next (post OEM) battery will be Yuasa. We use the brand exclusively offshore, where I work. Like most industrial equipment, these get used & abused, discharged and recharged and stay in service longer than they should. They may not be worth **** in a motorcycle but, "tell you what", I'm gonna find out !

 

the yuasa that I bought for the wife's bike set me back $110. much less than the oem.

 

Everything from everywhere costs less than the dealer.