Battery Opinions/Experiences

Energy One
We keep coming up with these threads about batteries. I'm not going to say anything about the lithium batteries cuz I have no experience with them. But I will say, why fight or argue about what we know works. I have a bike in my shop right now that had an off-brand battery in it. I don't know if the battery sorted out the voltage regulator, or the voltage regulator shorted out the battery. But it cost him dearly, new EHC, and of course a new Deka battery, speedometer speed sensor, tack ring, front brake light switch, and we'll find out soon enough what other component that that'll go bad in the near future, that were weakened, by pumping ac voltage to the system. This is the third time I've run into this.
If you are still running your original charging system, I highly recommend you change it out before it cost you thousands of dollars like this guy.
I have been telling customers this for years and folks still buy EHCs from me without changing the charging system.
Many have then been back on the phone with me in a few weeks or months complaining that the new EHC died.
No, the OEM VRs are not bad across the board but there have been so many of them that it is just not worth it.
At least not if you want a ride that doesn't have electrical issues.
If you're selling the bike and just don't want to put the money into it that is all well and good, but you should be honest with the new buyer and let them know they need to change it asap.
 

Mr. Wright

Knows some things
Supporting Member
Harley factory batteries are supplied by Deka.
John
Yes, we know that. And it has been explained 100 times on here, how the inside of a battery is built, and how much better Deka builds their name brand batteries. And just because the numbers cross reference, doesn't mean your getting the same thing inside. And if that battery fails, how much more money they are going to spend. :oldbang::oldbang::oldbang:
You know how it is, people have their minds made up before they even ask the question.
 

john sachs

Well-Known Member
Yes, we know that. And it has been explained 100 times on here, how the inside of a battery is built, and how much better Deka builds their name brand batteries. And just because the numbers cross reference, doesn't mean your getting the same thing inside. And if that battery fails, how much more money they are going to spend. :oldbang::oldbang::oldbang:
You know how it is, people have their minds made up before they even ask the question.
And what's your point ? I don't surf back on this forum, to know or see what subjects were previously posted . Actually, I don't own a Big Dog MC. I post to try to help members with their problems, etc.:sorry:
John
 

chubs

Guru
If it matters, Super Start batteries come out of the same factory that makes the Dekka batteries that everyone on here recommends. Batteries are kinda like washing machines or furnaces, in that there aren't really that many companies making them. A few companies make products that are marketed under multiple "name brands "and sold through several different outlets. I just bought a Duracell battery for my truck and it was made by East Penn batteries and marketed by a few different stores Just sayin !
 
If it matters, Super Start batteries come out of the same factory that makes the Dekka batteries that everyone on here recommends. Batteries are kinda like washing machines or furnaces, in that there aren't really that many companies making them. A few companies make products that are marketed under multiple "name brands "and sold through several different outlets. I just bought a Duracell battery for my truck and it was made by East Penn batteries and marketed by a few different stores Just sayin !
Absolutely correct and in addition it is important to not get an Asian battery.
For whatever reason the Asian batteries just do not have the umph to last in the BDs.
 

SuperNova

Member
I have been telling customers this for years and folks still buy EHCs from me without changing the charging system.
Many have then been back on the phone with me in a few weeks or months complaining that the new EHC died.
No, the OEM VRs are not bad across the board but there have been so many of them that it is just not worth it.
At least not if you want a ride that doesn't have electrical issues.
If you're selling the bike and just don't want to put the money into it that is all well and good, but you should be honest with the new buyer and let them know they need to change it asap.
What all is involved in changing out the charging system?
 

SCC007

Active Member
What all is involved in changing out the charging system?
Changing the stator is a little bit of a pain since you have to take primary apart to get to it...There are some step by step instructions on youtube. The voltage regulator is easy and sits under the oil filter (simple bolts and a plug). I have always changed them both at the same time since they are 2 parts to the system and one faulty can take out the other.
If you are getting the parts and doing the work might be a good time to check the tensioner/pad. Be careful and make sure you know how to set the tension on the chain.
 

airborne2201

Learning every day!
I've tried the original big dog batteries ten years ago, they were crap in cold weather and wouldn't hold a charge. Went to standard interstate batteries the regular lead ones and AGM, lasted about three and two years respectively. Then I tried a lightning gel battery, 550CCA, worked great for about two years, requires a special charger and can sometimes mess up the electronics if it was placed on a maintainer over the winter.

Now they have created this little guy in Germany and my maintenance place said they were powerful and don't lose the charge. I will say I was hesitant to put a lithium ion battery in there, but so far for this half of the riding season it has been great. Over 500 CCA and turns the bike over even with a cold start. It's a really small battery, I can pull it out even when it's still connected. The pads they come with are awesome with getting the right height and keeping it secure.

Now that I've posted about this, I'm sure the problems will start. I'll have to follow up in the spring and see how it went over the winter rides! I checked it after the second time I rode it in the rain, still doing alright.
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Mickmorris

Well Known Member
Supporting Member
I've tried the original big dog batteries ten years ago, they were crap in cold weather and wouldn't hold a charge. Went to standard interstate batteries the regular lead ones and AGM, lasted about three and two years respectively. Then I tried a lightning gel battery, 550CCA, worked great for about two years, requires a special charger and can sometimes mess up the electronics if it was placed on a maintainer over the winter.

Now they have created this little guy in Germany and my maintenance place said they were powerful and don't lose the charge. I will say I was hesitant to put a lithium ion battery in there, but so far for this half of the riding season it has been great. Over 500 CCA and turns the bike over even with a cold start. It's a really small battery, I can pull it out even when it's still connected. The pads they come with are awesome with getting the right height and keeping it secure.

Now that I've posted about this, I'm sure the problems will start. I'll have to follow up in the spring and see how it went over the winter rides! I checked it after the second time I rode it in the rain, still doing alright.
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Pretty neat! I would always remove that when not riding for the winter and store in a warm environment. Lithium ion batteries do not like cold. And they have lit up due to the way they interact with cold temperatures. Having lived in Ulm Germany for 3 years I know it gets cold!
:cheers: :chopper:
 
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