I keep thinking I need to change my battery. I've got a 2014 Standard bought as a leftover in May of 2018 and I'm assuming they put a new battery in at that time, but who knows? If they did it's at least almost 4 years old. But every time I go to put the charger on it it's fine, over an 80% charge. Plus I don't try to charge it much, I try to remember to do it within a month if I haven't ridden it.
So should I replace it this spring when it turns at least 4 or am I paranoid and let it go until I see signs of age/failure?
Very simple : Get a new one !
If it holds charge and has power to start your bike then keep it and keep riding. Bikes are easy to roll start providing there is enough battery to power the fuel pump ... don't keep cranking the motor if it doesn't easily start, save the battery for the fuel pump.
P.s. My battery failed at 6 years.
Why take the risk and bother , just get a new one .
Mine took a dump at 4 years , always on a tender. My choice is to replace it. They can leave you stranded .
(01-02-2022, 10:02 PM)Houtman_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Why take the risk and bother , just get a new one .
I couldn't agree more. At the first hint of a battery problem I get a new one.
Up here we don't have to contend with the very hot temps of our southern neighbours so batteries tend to have an easier and longer life. 6-7 years is common for my batteries.
A couple of years ago I was about 70 miles from home on my Bonneville. After lunch the engine barely turned over, but it fired and I rode straight home without stopping.
I was thankful I at least had a warning
I'm on the "just get a new one bandwagon". I had a similar quandry just before last summer's "Three Amigos Ride Again" trip. I pulled the weak battery, went to Advance Auto Parts, and for about $130-$150, I bought myself peace of mind that will last for several more years. Plus, they offered Die Hard Batteries, which I've always had a great deal of confidence in.
BTW - I previously tried an very expensive L-ion battery and only got about 2 years out of that piece of crap. So, I'm hooked on "old school" wet batteries, based on cost and longevity.
Buy the battery, buy the battery, buy the....!
Technically for AGMs, after three years time is borrowed. I managed five years on my 2014 OEM battery and had a few warnings - maybe one too many, but it worked out for me.
You could give it a load test, but buying a new one is relatively cheap peace of mind.