If one would bother to read the instructions that comes with the tender the highest and best use of a tender to maximize battery life is to leave it plugged in and unplug for a ride then replace when returning. It only takes 2 to 3 seconds.

I have 18 bikes and two vehicles on tenders. My typical motorcycle battery life is 8 years.

Over the years I had one battery issue. The 13 Street Bob HD battery went bad at 18 months. you could see one of the cells expanded. HD replaced under warranty. 13 was the last year of the two year warranty on the stock battery and 1 year on the replacement. It is now 1 year on the battery and 6 months on the replacement.

 

If you don't ride your bike(sss) much, put them on a tender. Otherwise, normal use should be fine to hope for average life expectancy, 2-9 years.

 

I plug my tenders in if I don't expect to ride for a couple of weeks or more. If I have forgot to plug it in and the bike has sat for a few weeks I will plug it in over night and top it off.

 

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WOW,YOU MUST HAVE A MONEY TREE OR MONEY PRESS STASHED AWAY SOME PLACE!/LOL!

Stop wasting your $$$$!

Lets see,HD's replacement AGM maint free factory activated battery is $180 + tax so approx $190+ with tax.

Heres the same type design maint free factory activated AGM battery with a healthy 400CCA to your door for a total cost of $98 saving you approx $100.

And for quite a while now word on the street is Deka battery mfg thats located in PA where HD mfg is also located actually mfg's HD's AGM batteries to look a bit diff with the HD's name on it.

See below for details.

Scott

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121805859078

Deka ETX30L Battery

The Deka ETX30L Battery was designed for more than performance, it was designed for the enthusiast. Completely spill-proof and leakproof, frequent replacement and high maintenance are over! The ETX30L Batteries absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology increases power while improving rider and environmental safety. The key to this technology is the highly porous microfiber separators which completely absorb and trap the electrolyte. Molded top and side connection terminals on the ETX30L provide versatility, increased strength and durability. The Deka ETX30L Battery provides the most advanced power and value in the industry, so you can enjoy your leisure time, worry free.


The Deka ETX30L Battery Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volt
• CCA: 400
• Chemistry: AGM
• Length: 6 5/8"
• Width: 5 3/16"
• Height: 6 7/8"
• Weight: 23 Lbs
• One Year Free Replacement Warranty

 

Another thing to keep in mind short bar hop rides are not good for batteries. They like to be charged after starting. Battery tenders are a must in order to keep batteries longevity.

 

I have the HD Smart Charger that I use on all my batteries, if they don't get run for more than a few days. That way, I confirm that all my batteries stay "Topped Off", and ready to roll. Most vehicles now days have monitored systems that are "Voltage Parasites" that over time, will pull the charge down.
Some folks probably need to research "Battery Chargers" vs "Battery Maintainers". Not all "Trickle Chargers" perform the same functions.
Ride safe!