How long does a battery last

Discussion in 'General Harley Davidson Topic' started by trikerman, Nov 22, 2007.

  1. trikerman

    trikerman Member

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    The battery on my 2000 Road king Classic is 7 years 9 months old, when bike is parked up in the garage it is plugged into a optimate that looks after the battery. On average how long does a battery last.

    John.
     
  2. Stomper

    Stomper New Member

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    Seven years is almost unheard of here in Florida. Those tenders do wonders for making batteries last, However I think I'd replace it before it goes at a bad time.....
     
  3. glider

    glider Veteran Member

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    Seven + years and you got your monies worth for sure.:D

    Usually 3-4 years and they start to act up and need replacement.
     
  4. T wrecks

    T wrecks Junior Member

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    Here in OZ, 3 years, tops!! :wall
     
  5. glider

    glider Veteran Member

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    That's because you ride on the wrong side of the road. :D
     
  6. glider

    glider Veteran Member

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    A sulfated battery can be rejuvenated by slow trickle charging that bubbles the electrolyte in the battery and causes motion within and will indeed remove sulfate buildup on the plates. In more extreme cases you can connect two batteries in parallel and that will accomplish the desulfation of the sulfated battery.

    A battery tender (something like a chicken tender:D) will go into float mode and not peak a battery that is starting to sulfate. I needs to be a triclkle charger running at about 1 amp to get the best results.
     
    Last edited: Jan 28, 2008
  7. Iron Legend

    Iron Legend Member

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    I think I remember reading a post some time ago on another forum that average is 4-5 yrs. I believe the battery in my '02 is original which would make it 5 yrs. old.

    In the spring when I go to pick the RK up at my indie's shop where it is being stored for the winter I'll have him check it out and if there is any doubts I'll have it changed.
     
  8. Not Very PC

    Not Very PC R.I.P

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    Duracell's aren't even rated for 7 years!! :D
     
  9. trikerman

    trikerman Member

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    When the battery finally gives up I will let you all know, it would be interesting to see how long it will last.

    John.
     
  10. rayhdavidson

    rayhdavidson Member

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    Well" How long is a String? It depends on a number of factors. What type of battery has been purchased. In general AGM Battery, Gell Battery or the usual wet Battery.
    Agm and Gell Batteries are of superior design without going in too much detail. AGM and Gell Batteries withstand vibrations better and are sealed doing away with the spills.
    Trickle charge amperage is important. 1 to 1.5 Amps is pretty good for the Motorcycle Batteries.
    It is also recommended to make sure if you are using a charger that it does not exceed the charge rate of 16.4 volts based on average temperatures. This is the charge rate usualy delivered by your bike when it charges your battery after having started the engine.
    Any charge rate above that from a Charger Unit can reduce the Batteries life. If a Batterie has been left shelved for too long may also reduce it's life span to some degree. A Battery not used 3 to 4 month is ok and it is recommended to re charge it before leaving it too long.

    An AGM or Gell Battery if looked after ok should last a few years. 4 to 5 years is not uncommon in Australia given the harsh hot temperatures. Riding left in OZZ is riding on the wild side" Hee!