How long has your battery lasted?

[MikeLightnin]

I, for one, find battery technology somewhat intriguing. That is largely in part to the fact my father was an engineer in the battery division of GM and I worked at one of the battery plants in California for a short stint.

I also work in an industry where I have to change out batteries of all shapes and sizes. It's interesting to see the surrounding environment and how taxed some batteries get and also how it effects their longevity.

I have a 2003 sporty that I bought new in late 2002. To this day, it has the stock battery in it. It's never seen a trickle charger in all it's life. I don't leave the accessory switch on for long durations. The battery itself isn't exceptionally dirty or clean (I do run with a battery cover). I know these newer batteries are not cheap (pushing the $200 envelope) so I'm glad that I've received 8+ years of service out of my battery (and hopefully more). I think my bike appreciates that I ride it often enough to not deplete it's battery. I feel I should knock on some wood and not jinx myself.

So question is: How long have you run the same battery? Do you use a trickle charger/tender at any point to maintain it?

[Calvin]

The guy replaced the battery in mine the day before I bought it. So I guess it lasted right at three years. I keep the new one on a Battery Tender, so I guess I'll see if it helps.

[biknut]

My last one lasted about 7 years.

[grampadac]

Mine has 6yrs on it and I have to use a tender if I leave it for more than 4 days which isn't often.

[KevinJ]

Mine lasted 2 years. Guess the voltage dropped to low when the bike was being converted. Bought a new one, and always put it on a trickle charger now. (rode about 200km the last 3 years, so it's mostly charging)

[tich]

8 years on one 2002 sporty No problems HD origanal. the 2003, I carnt vouch for but it looks like the origanal,that one has a trickle charger plug atached and gives no problems either. The 2002 has been used reguarly the 03 had just over 4,000 miles on it last november. I ges thats why it has the trickle plug.

[Desert Bueller]

I bought a battery last night. I've had the 883 for a year now and called the previous owner, he said it's the original battery so 9 years for mine. The battery on my Ulysses is also done for, that's a 2006 model.

[blunt]

Just an FYI, if you have a battery Plus store near you, they sell battery's for everything. They have 3 options for sportster batteries. They have a chinese made one, then they have an american made one, from the same manufacture as the harley branded one. and a premium one with more CCAs. even the premium one is less then getting one at the stealership. At least in the local store they will check your battery and charging system for you free of charge. I went thier to get a battery for a Suzuki Tempter years ago, and now get all my batteries their. Four wheeler, cars and recently my sporty. I see them giving better customer service to someone buying a $5 watch battery then you will get spending thousands at my local harley dealer.

[hrg]

battery on my bike is still good-7 years and 60000 km, last year i bought battery tender and it's plugged when i'm not driving

[wrongpaw]

Just had to replace the Battery on the wifes bike. Original since
2001. Got 9 years out of it, cant complain!