You guys that go for 5-7 yrs are lucky,heat will kill um..when I was in AZ my garage was 115 inside,got maybe a year out of a battery,rule of thumb they say is 3yrs,but may very where you live...

 

Thanks all for input. I think load test for sour and maybe pack the battery tender. Ride safe...

 

Changing the battery can be a pain in the butt. I think you should get a new bike instead. It's less work.

 

.......

 

Why would a battery tender will help if you have a dead battery that has a internal short or fails to hold charge. If you really worry about this, buy a spare battery and bring it with you.

Don't forget about replacement belts and chains, fix-a-flat, motor, tranny, brake hose, brake caliber (front and rear), starter and alternator. It is all about risk management. If it is mission critical, I would rent a HD and have your wife tow the rental behind you.

 

I'd say if you're going on a big trip just go ahead and replace it for peace of mind. You've gotten good service out of this one so you can't complain.

 

Your battery life apparently depends on how you take care of your bike, and battery, and where you live (because of both high and low temperatures).. My 04 still has the original battery in it. I think it just sort of depends on how far you want to push things... I am sure that my battery will do for this year. But over this next winter, be sure that I will be replacing it. I think five years is a long time for a battery. I will drive my truck until the battery is well gone, and lets me sit. But I'd much rather be proactive with my bike. Getting stuck somewhere on a bike is a TON different than getting stuck in a car or truck.
Just me
NTGirl

 

I just replaced the battery in my RK, it was two years old, but had an internally shorted cell. (according my my smart charger). The new battery had a chart I thought was handy. Basically is says to charge the battery fully then read the voltage after the battery has been off the charger for 24 hours. 12.8 volts or greater= 100%, 12.6 volts=75%, 12.3 volts=50%, 12 volts= 25%, and 11.8 volts=0.

 

Thanks all for your input. One thing I can't understand...why are you all reading this stuff and not riding????

Thanks again...be safe & happy.

 

Two reasons,when they start to sulfate real bad,or will not hold a charge.