Normally a battery gives some warning before it completely goes bad. Slow cranking, solenoid kickout... some indication that it is weak.

Last week my bike started fine after sitting for 2 weeks (work issues). I rode it 12 miles on back roads and stopped for gas. Turned on the ignition, flipped the kill switch, hit the starter button and absolutely nothing... not even a click. The battery gage never moved off the peg.

Did a quick check of the grounds and the positive cable... good.

Waited for another bike to stop and push started it. Battery gage still does not move... not charging. Check engine and battery lights are lit in speedo.

Drove the 12 miles home. About 2 miles from home the clock on the radio went out, then the odometer went out. When I pulled into the driveway and pulled in the clutch it idled @ 2K rpms. I figure I had another 1/2 mile before the computer turned off too.

New battery and all is well. Good thing I wasn't 13 miles from home!

Oh yeah.... 2005 Ultra, 48K miles, EFI, original battery, no tender.

 

better have the voltage regulator checked...Sounds alot like mine did when the V/R failed...
FFT
Paul

 

Original battery? Yeah, its seen its days.

 

for a battery to have a coronary without notice, especially one that old.

 

My battery died all of a sudden after 3 yrs (battery tender always) on my 04 flhtc with no warnong sign,got stuck in next state.Since I do a lot of distance riding ,I change it out every 3 yrs.Not worth the gamble.

 

My buddies 03' RK still has the original battery with 60K mi. He says his secret is his heated garage and starting it every week in the winter, go figure.

 

You were due! Especially without a tender. I have found over the years the smaller 12v batteries usually don't give you much warning if any when they fail.

 

I keep mine on a tender year round in my garage that is not heated.
That's the secret. When you're home plug it in, no matter what the temp.

 

The dealer where we bought the new bikes this year include a tender with every bike. Always used one no matter the garage temp and was told by one of the techs that using a tender all the time will double the life of the battery to about 5 years...

I figure at 5 years I've got my moneys worth and will just change it out as a precautionary measure.

 

Pretty much same here with heated garage and always on a tender. My 01 still has original battery but I need to get it replaced soon as it will sometimes seem a bit weak to start. Good thing OP was close to home and had help getting it push started. Matter of fact I think I will order an Odyssey now and have it sent home so it will be there when I get back from Florida.