Last couple of winters the weather was not as cold for this long of a spell and I was able to ride more. Anyway after taking a New Years day ride and noticing my bike, although it did crank, was a bit slow and I had my fingers crossed that it would start. I did of course but prompted me to buy the tender. Got a Deltran junior with a five year warranty shipped for $26.60. Checked the battery before I installed it and was reading 12.6 volts. No wonder it was starting slow.... As soon as I hooked up the tender it immediately started to rise to 14.4. As I got the bike used and do not know if the battery had been replaced I guess I will find out the hard way when I really do need a new battery. With the same delivery the Ol' lady had a couple packages from friggin HSN. I wish that place would blow up!!!!

 

Actually, 12.6-12.7 is correct for a battery that is sitting with no drain on it. If you unhook the tender, you will see the same reading after a short amount of time.

But, good idea to add the tender. It really helps take care of that battery.

 

Voltage readings can be very misleading. A battery can read 12.6 volts but as soon as you put a load on it it drops rapidly. If you are unsure of when the battery was replaced do yourself a favor and go buy a new one. It will leave you stranded with no warning whatsoever.

 

Good point. I will look through the receipts again I got with the bike and check but I don't recall one for the battery. Sure would hate to try to push start that sucker.... What is the life expectancy of a battery?

Also wanted to add that I gave it a false start (did not let it turn over) and it wanted to fire right up, unlike before.

 

The battery in my last bike lasted 3 years. It left me stranded at Kansas City International Airport during a Patriot Guard Mission. Like I said, no warning whatsoever. I probably started the bike 3 or 4 times that day before it died.

 

In my opinion, Battery tenders should be an accessory that comes with the bike just like the accessories that come with an electric car. I realize our Harley's aren't electric YET, but I as well as a lot of bike riders in general, have found a Battery Tender a voluble necessity to keep the battery in good condition.

 

BITE YOUR TONGUE!!!!

 

I agree battery tender is the 1st thing u should purchase for your bike. And for the last 3 years my dealers has been installing the battery pig tail connection on every bike he sells no extra charge.

 

I am in the process of moving and will be storing my bike the rest of the winter in a self storage unit. Is it ok to just remove the battery(no power in storage unit)and keep it in the condo on a battery tender?

Joe

 

No problem there, although you really shouldn't need to hook it up if you have it in a climate controlled environment. That's how they are stored before you buy them, fwiw.