Battery question

Ok, so here is the deal....I THINK I know the answer, but want confirmation (I am not going to tell you what "I" think!!).

Got home from deployment. Don't have battery tender, so bike sat for 5 months (give or take a day or so). Had stabilizer in the tank, so gas should be "ok". Hit the starter and it was dragging a bit....ended up with clicking. Battery is the probable cause.

Neighbor has a battery charger....we put battery on for a bit, hit the boost switch, let it warm up a few on that level, then the bike started. Put the bike on "low" trickle charge for over night. Has been off for a day or so (didn't have time to baby sit, and have not had time yet to put some miles on!). Needless to say, sitting for 5 months did NOT help the battery.

Now to the meat of the issue.... battery is stock. Bike is an 04 that I picked up in Dec 03. With a full charge, will the battery return to OK or am I on borrowed time? What is the best way to tell (short of stranding myself someplace if bad)? If I need to change battery, any suggestions? I have a buddy that mentioned something about a "gel battery", but have never heard of it..... any info welcome!!!
Thanks!
Nurse

I see you are from San Antonio so scratch what I said about waiting till the begginning of the riding season next year because Im sure your riding season doesnt end,lucky dog

That would be very correct!!! My riding is mostly never ending!!!


you are going to get a bettery tender......... right

That is on my list of things to strongly consider!!!

chris, i would invest in a new battery. the new harley batteries are all gel filled i believe, mine is....06flht. 3 yrs is good for a battery in a bike that is well maintained....altho others will say longer or shorter life span!! lol lol. a tender is a good investment. the harley battery is one of the best out there...opinions will vary here also. the "battery tender" is one of the best also. dont get it from the dealer, shop on that one as their pricing is better at other outlets. i have not had the need for one myself, altho i do have one. have fun, be carefull and again, WELCOME HOME!!!

Yep invest in the new Battery i had to in the beging of this year had my knee fixed bike sat for two month's or so bike is a 03 , no bat tender yet & welcome home

When you go to the parts counter and ask for a battery be sure to ask how much.

HD's contract ended a few months ago, Battery prices went up by 150%,

What was 100 is now about $150 so didn't want you to be shocked and fall over hitting something expensive and having to buy it....

Now look at him and say as loud as you can..


ARE YOU F'IN NUTS!

Then go to the Deka Battery web site, locate the closet see they manufacture HD batteries AGM.s for them. Your new battery will be grey in color and cheaper you'll probably save about $40

Of course the closest one to SA is 260 miles in Carrolton, so....

Charge up the battery, start the bike, put on the jacket, head out and ride to Carrolton, (call and be sure the battery is in stock and the price, take a 10 MM wrench, hand them the old one, put in the new fresh one

Ride home knowing you put it to the man....

I have an electric golf cart use it to roll around the neighborhood and stuff, it's my "Al Goremobile"

New batteries from interstate $900+
Deka $600+

the pig tails preform the same, but could have a different config. depending on mfg. normally the "tenders" will come with a matching pigtail.....very easy to change...............

Yes call Phil at Califorinia Phils in Concordia KS.

Very nice great prices, tell him Big Johnson sent you

He'll know whut you mean

California Phil's Concordia, KS (785) 243-9991

j&p cycles....most any cycle dist/dealer/aftermarket store will have them. i have seen them at auto parts stores and wally world. they are green in color......the "tenders" i mean...............