270 CCA AGM Battery at AutoZone?

[Moespeeds]

I took a BDM battery into AutoZone to test it, and noticed they sold a 270 CCA AGM battery for $100. I opened it up and found it's an exact match of the BDM battery, same numbers stamped on it and all. I called the local dealer and they are claiming for $125 they have a newer bettery that shows 320 CCA on the case, but actually tests at 500 CCA. Any thoughts on all this?

 

[twowheel99]

The battery that is supplied to BDM is made by a company called East-Penn and the company sell it's product by the Deka brand name. It is true some companies use different methods to sell there batteries ie CCA (cold cranking amps). What I will tell you is to buy the freshest, highest cranking cap that you can afford. Then make sure the battery is fully charged before putting it into service (batteries tend to have a memory so to speak). Do yourself a favor and buy a battery tender if you don't already own one, it's the best thing in the world for a battery because of the Gas-Mat construction. Also do yourself a favor and peel off the cushion thats attached to your original battery and reuse it on you new battery, it helps absorb the road shock and will prolong the life of the battery.
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[bohemianbiker]

Wow! Good stuff, twowheel99... I knew I was gonna like it here...

From a fellow H-D rider too!

Thanks

BTW - I like it down in your neck of the woods...especially the outback!

 

[barhopper]

If it really has 500 CCA, why not advertise it. Sounds funny to me. I have the Big Boar battery.

 

[TheDeadOne]

Moe,
Twowheel is right on with what he's saying. :2thumbs:

But the claim of "320 CCA on the case, but actually tests at 500 CCA" that's BS! Nobody jumps up that much in difference.
If they did, that's what they would stamp on it.

I'd say get something around 310CCA to 320CCA or higher. BDM is standardly supplying 310CCA presently. They are looking for less voltage drop/fall off during and after starting. You'll be GTG with that.:2thumbs:

 

[twowheel99]

BTW - I like it down in your neck of the woods...especially the outback![/QUOTE]

What part of Delaware? My fathers family was from the Wilmington area.
As fall bike week gets closer give me a PM and I'll give you my cell #, we can hook up for a cold beer.........
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[stlmikie]

Moe,
I have heard the same thing from my parts guy. Not that he is right or wrong but he by no means is a bullshitter.

 

[TheDeadOne]

Yea, Yea, but remember, some of these battery manufactures Load Test "Heavier for a shorter amount of time" to gain higher CCA ratings!

The sales pitch is "the higher the CCA of a battery the MORE it sells" no matter what the test is! (It's kind of like dyno results from different dynos! They really don't compare!)

So if you want Apples(one Test), don't buy Oranges(Another Test)!

 

[Moespeeds]

So how about the starter? I'm getting weak cranking, and I'm way overdue for a battery and starter. My battery has been holding just 12.2v for a year now, but everything has been good. After I change this battery, if it's still slow to turn over I want to get a bigger starter, I'm not messing with another Big Dog BS rebuilt. What's the stock starter for the 04? 1.4KW??

 

[woodbutcher]

don't make sense they wouldn't brag about the 500 cca and just claim they have 320cca. my experience is the opposite, bought 2 different interstate batteries badged as 320cca when before i found out they were nothing more than a re-badged 270cca some thing else. both of them pieces of shit.

 

[Raywood]

Moe, don't know what the 04 and ealier LSD starters were rated at but I do know that up until about 03 or so Spyke made them. You may want to contact them. They don't have nice things to say about BDM anymore from what I've learned.

You might just take your starter down and have it rebuilt. Would be a lot cheaper too.

 

[Moespeeds]

Ray I asked a friend about rebuilding one and he said it wouldn't be worth it. I can get an Ultima 1.75 or 2.0 for about $150, and I've put both in other bikes with no problems. What's it cost to rebuild one and who does it?

 

[Raywood]

Ray I asked a friend about rebuilding one and he said it wouldn't be worth it. I can get an Ultima 1.75 or 2.0 for about $150, and I've put both in other bikes with no problems. What's it cost to rebuild one and who does it?

I haven't had one done but several on here (maybe MARV) have had them rebuilt. BD still covers mind so far. I have a starter rebuild place just down the street from me. But it's just an electric motor so a rebuild should be just as good as a new one if the cost justifies it. We re-build electric motors on Submarines all the time.