What he said

 

+1 on this practice. My 04, has had 2 batteries total, inclusive of the original since I've owned. I bought the bike new.

I only buy HD batteries, yes they cost 2 times as much but they have proven to hold up. At least for me.

 

Hey bigskyroadglide where you from, I'm in Billings myself, don't come across to many Montanans on these forums.

 

If I am at home the bike is plugged in, going on two years, no problems.

 

^^Same here, same results.

 

Ride it daily

 

My Sons 04 Road King went just over 9 years on the original battery, he put it on a tender after each ride.

 

I have 6 pieces of equipment that always have a Battery Tender on them when they are not running. My 2004 kubota tractor just had it's original battery replaced. My 2003 John Deer mower is still on the original battery. My 2002 fork lift is still on the original battery. 2006 FLHTCUSE battery lasted 6 years. Kaw. Mule battery lasted 12 years. 01 Rubicon lasted 10 years. Still running 2005 AGM deep cycle batteries on my Holiday trailer.

I think my Tenders have saved me a few dollars!

 

The battery (AGM style) on my ricer lasted 8 years, removed it and stored it in my basement on a tender at the end of riding season. Got 10 years out of my boat's cranking battery (non AGM), same treatment as the other battery, stored winter on a tender. Did not use the tender other than for off season storage.
For the Limited, I've been using the tender all the time, both off season storage, and daily during the season. Too early to tell on this one, but so far 3 years and still going strong.

 

All my bikes (and ATVs & RZR) are on tenders as soon as they are parked in the garage. I replace the batteries every 5 years whether or not they need to be replaced. Never had an issue and don't plan on having an issue. Ron