No I won't start -Battery for my Harley

[Omega1]

Hi Guys,

Bike let me down this morning, I was allset to ride in unfortunately when I hit the start button there was only enough juice to turn her over breifly then the starter did the clicking thing after a few more tries,question is what type, brand of battery should i get next if I decide to replace it?and normally she starts fine however cold morning's like today and she's a bit reluctant I'll give it a good session on the charger and see how that does,also whats the average cost of a battery these days?

Gutted as I had to bring in the bloody cage

Cheers
O1

[scumdog]

Try the charger first - they do get drained a bit in th ewinter especially if you only ride short distances.
How old is the batteyr? I get 8 to 10 years out of mine.

If you DO need one get the best you can as it will last longer, a cheaper one will be OK for a few years though.

Prices? find out what size/model your bike battery is and then let your fingers do the walking (phone a few places).

I guess just over $120 for a HD one.

[popelli]

buy a gel battery forget about the acid ones

buy an optimate trickle charger and have your bike plugged in all the time, makes life a lot easier

[Omega1]

Hi Scumdog, Popelli

Thanks for the replies, The current battery was in the bike when I brought her and thats about three years ago, I only really use the bike on the weekends and the occasional commute so with the crap weather we have been having I haven't used her that often, I gave the battery a good eight hours on the charger yesterday so once I have it reinstalled hopefully it will be ok (cleaned the plugs as well) I must say its been a good lesson in how to remove a battery from a wideglide what a pain of a job.Anyway if all else fails I get a new battery though its weird how the cold weather affects batteries? this has never happened during Summer? and Yes a battery tender is now on the Xmas present list.

Safe riding Guys, Harley's rock

Cheers again
O1

[Flyingpony]

How old is the batteyr? I get 8 to 10 years out of mine.

Swallows deeply ,.,.,. try 1.5-2.5yrs
I'm happy I've got kick start for moments when she lets me down.

[Sparky Bills]

Yuasa is the brand you want.

Dont even think about a cheap alternative! you need all the cranking amps as possible to winde that thing over.

[peasea]

Hi Scumdog, Popelli

Thanks for the replies, The current battery was in the bike when I brought her and thats about three years ago, I only really use the bike on the weekends and the occasional commute so with the crap weather we have been having I haven't used her that often, I gave the battery a good eight hours on the charger yesterday so once I have it reinstalled hopefully it will be ok (cleaned the plugs as well) I must say its been a good lesson in how to remove a battery from a wideglide what a pain of a job.Anyway if all else fails I get a new battery though its weird how the cold weather affects batteries? this has never happened during Summer? and Yes a battery tender is now on the Xmas present list.

Safe riding Guys, Harley's rock

Cheers again
O1

Those battery tenders are definitely the go. I always keep an eye on the fluid level as fluid does tend to dry up a bit. I've had this battery since Feb '03 and she's rocking along fine.

I have heard through the grapevine that Century are about to release a new range especially for HD's, they may already be out there, but as has been mentioned; get the best you can. I'd say that for any starting battery actually, bike, car, boat, tractor, anything. There's no worse sound in the world than "errrr-click-click".

[dmouse]

what are the advantages of gel pacs over acid wet batteries not including the leaking problem, can gel pacs give more grunt for longer ? if so i might be interested in one.
i allways use a battery conditioner whenever the bike is not in use, they are exellent.

[buellbabe]

Yuasa is the brand you want.

Dont even think about a cheap alternative! you need all the cranking amps as possible to winde that thing over.

You are soooooooo right.

I 2nd that.

Get a Yuasa... last time I replaced a HD battery the Yuasa was actually cheaper!

[scumdog]

You are soooooooo right.

I 2nd that.

Get a Yuasa... last time I replaced a HD battery the Yuasa was actually cheaper!

I agree - got one in the Sporty, t'was cheaper than the HD one and you can't see it anyway..

[cynna]

i find on my softail if i dont ride it often during winter it just drains the battery when i try to start it

now i just make sure i charge the battery before i plan on taking it out

[popelli]

Yuasa is the brand you want.

check out the price of genuine hd batteries

made by yuasa and quite often cheaper

[cynna]

i brought one of those portable jumpstarters like the aa use the other week. came in handy when the bike wouldnt start today.....

was on sale at repco for $60. i think i will get my moneys worth out of it