New battery question : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Monstermile · 05-31-2004, 08:03 PM

I just picked up my 97 Sportster on Saturday. The bike was on consignment and was not rode very much. Only had 5200 miles. Well Yesterday I went to crank it over and the battery was dead. Pulled it out and it was the original battery dated August 96. So I figure I better get a new one. Question is do all new batteries need charging before using?? I was looking at ones in Wally World today and they say they require charging before using. Are the OEM batteries the same way?? Also is there any advantage to using an OEM battery over one bought at say Wally World or Sears???

Thanks

trooper113 · 05-31-2004, 11:38 PM

If H-D makes one of the newer, sealed AGM batteries to fit your ride, you'd be well off spending the bucks and getting it. Superb battery. I don't know if they have to be pre-use charged or not.

T113

Ed Y · 05-31-2004, 11:46 PM

As trooper said, the new AGM batteries from HD are the best thing going. And yes, if you don't make sure the battery (regardless of brand, type, etc.) is 100% charged before putting it in the bike and using it, it will NEVER be 100% again.

Monstermile · 06-01-2004, 09:19 AM

Thanks for the input. Will dealerships usually have ones charged and ready to go.

Ed Y · 06-01-2004, 09:30 AM

They are supposed to keep them charged up but I wouldn't take anyone's word for it. Put a meter on the battery. It should be up around 12.8 volts if at 100%. A Battery Tender Plus or Battery Tender Jr. is one of the best investments you can make at keeping the battery going for years. If you don't have one, get one and keep it on the battery when not riding. You can also use it to make sure the battery is 100% before installing it.

sportydave · 06-01-2004, 10:08 AM

Yeah I bought a battery from the dealer , and it was ready to go . Put it in and it was a done deal . They are charged .

Monstermile · 06-01-2004, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportydave

Yeah I bought a battery from the dealer , and it was ready to go . Put it in and it was a done deal . They are charged .

Just called my local dealership and that is what they said. Charged and ready to go. I'll have them test it before I leave to make sure. I will invest in a tender before the winter season though.

Thanks for the input everyone

trooper113 · 06-01-2004, 11:28 AM

Yup....a bettery tender (I got the Battery Tender Jr. online cheap) is the very best thing you can do for battery life aqnd performance. Great product. I use mine all year unless I know I'll be riding the next day after a ride.

T113