Battery Question

[the Ferret]

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....!

Yes I'm thinking I should but the darn thing just seems so strong. There have been zero signs of age. When I go to put a trickle charge on it it shows over 80% every time. My other two bikes have brand new batteries and don't always show that. I just dislike replacing something that's working fine.

As Charlie Bravo suggested, a load test would essentially demonstrate just "how strong" the battery is.

Alternatively, hook up a voltmeter across the battery and note the droop when the starter is asserted. If it drops below 10V, it is definitely time and the battery is not strong. Some argue 10.8V is the minimum it should droop. Strong batteries will droop in the 11.x voltage range.

As Charlie Bravo suggested, a load test would essentially demonstrate just "how strong" the battery is.

Alternatively, hook up a voltmeter across the battery and note the droop when the starter is asserted. If it drops below 10V, it is definitely time and the battery is not strong. Some argue 10.8V is the minimum it should droop. Strong batteries will droop in the 11.x voltage range.
My new 2021 NC (6 mo old 8,000 miles) has a battery voltage meter in the dash. When I turn the key on it registers 12.4 to 12.5. It will drop to 10.6 to 11.3 (sometimes a little lower if its cold out, like today at 31 degrees F) when the starter is hit and jumps to between 14.3 and 14.6 when running.