Battery Life

[KW]

I'm still using my ORIGINAL battery on my Valk. It's a 99 Standard, so it's been about 10 years now. What's everyone's average battery life on thier Valk? My last bike was a Yamaha and she ate up batteries about every other year. So, 9 + years seems pretty good to me  I just started her last week and rode about 200 miles. She fired right up. I live in the cold, but ALWAYs take my battery inside every fall and I have NEVER used a battery tender. (I'm not trying to start an argument about using tenders!!) Thanks Guys!

PS - I haven't posted anything is a number of years. In fact, I had to re-sign up. I like the changes

[MP]

Taking inside is probably what kept it alive so long. It really helps when it gt sreal cold.

[blkvlk777]

Have a 98 standard / 99 tourer - both with the original batteries.  I did purchase 2 new batteries this year for the bikes - went with the same brand.  I use a harbor freight battery tender.  I read that lots of times the battery gives no warning signs and just will die (actually happened to a buddy of mine with his Valk).  Both batteries still turn the bikes over like they are brand new however I consider it preventative maintenance and at 10 / 11 years it owes me nothing.  I myself am still amazed/impressed at how long the batteries have lasted.

[Black Dog]

Quite a few of us have had good luck with the OEM battery.  I got 6 years on mine, and only changed on the advice of those on the Tech Board that I trust to have taught me a lot of good stuff to keep my Valk runnin' fine 

The main arguement against keeping a battery over 5 years, is that it really stresses your charging system, keeping an older battery up to snuff...  Don't know 'bout you, but I find it much easier, and less expensive, to change a battery every 5 years or so, compaired to swapping out an alternator 

Another reason, is things usually give ya their final effort, and go belly up, when yer in a place that is not very condusive to gettin' it fixed.  Get a new battery every 4 or 5 years or so, save yer charging system, and give yer worrier a break.  Use the old battery as a 'bench tool', and ride it like ya stole it!

Black Dog

[fudgie]

My 98 battery lasted till 03. Always on the bike and no tender. Thinking about changing mine again. When mine went, it went fast. No warning what so ever. 

[Gary]

My first lasted about 4.5 years, my replacement, another Yuasa, has been in there since 8.5 years. The first died on the spot, as others have mentioned, but in my garage thank goodness.

Guess this is a great reminder to get one ordered.

Never used a tender, always just went in religiously once a week during the snow seasons of NW Illinois, western OK, Southern Colorado and NW New Mexico and fired her up. So far so good.

[Wildman]

I have a 2000 Std. with 64 K the originall battery is still going strong. I leave it in all winter In Vermont with a battery tender and start it once a month and run untill the colling fan has cycled on and off a few times ( taht takes a while when its 10 degrees out.

My question is; When the batterie dies suddenly and completely can the bike still be push started?
If si I migth wait for the batter to give up the ghost.
If not it's already past time to replace it.

Thanks for any responces.

[rmrc51]

Good topic.   

And related to it, are there any opinions positive or negative regarding the use of a Battery Tender? I've always used one on my old cars and now plan to do the same with the Valk.

I'd also like to hear if these Valk's can be push started.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

The original battery lasted me 7 years,a new world's record.
The power max I've replaced it with has lasted 4 so far.
I always bring my batteries indoors for winter,but never had many batteries last 2 seasons before the Valk.
 

[Wildman]

I have push started my Valk several times in 2005 due to a wiring issue that dragged the battery charge down, and eventually killed the alternator. I Fixed the wiring, replaced the alternator, and I'm still running the same battery.

What I don't know is, does a suddenly dead old battery create a short in the system ? Or maybe is the battery finally shorting out and causing sudden death?
I am assuming that this type of problem would prevent a jump start

[Black Dog]

On the subject of 'Push Starting', the answer is yes...  Really works quite well. 

To underscore the point I made above, running an older battery (one 5 plus years old), you are taking a big chance of over working the alternator.  As a battery ages, it does not hold a full charge as well as a newer battery does.  This means your alternator works harder, and as many here on the board can attest, replacing an alternator is big work, and big bucks.  $75 every 5 years is pretty cheap insurance.

When the Valk battery starts to go, it still cranks like crazy, but our beasts need all the juice the battery can muster.  You can crank away, but the voltage may be just a bit below the required to fire the beast up, and we're choking it, givin' it a bit of throttle, and gettin' frustrated.  I've seen guys crank a Valk, until the battery is dead, then get a 'jump' from a cage, and spring to life in an instant.

On battery 'Tenders'...  I've used a unit called 'BatteryMinderPlus' for years, on the Valk, our three 4Wheelers, and my boat batteries.  The unit not only keeps the battery charged, but 'desulfates' the battery, once it reaches optimal charge.  Cool thing about it, is that one unit can charge up to 4 batteries at one time.  I made a special three port harness, and keep three 4Wheelers hooked up when not in use.  Over the long Wisconsin winter, I use a second unit, and alternate every other week, between the Valk, and my boat battery.

$50 at Northern Tool ( http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332201_200332201 )

I'm no expert, but when it comes to the Valk, I'll be a bit more cautious...  Half way across Kansas, on the way to InZane, is the wrong time to find out ya need a new battery.  Some folks seem to get a special kick, outta saying they have an OEM battery in a '99 Valk.  I'd rather part with 50 bucks, after 5 years than fork out $250 plus labor and down time when the alternator pukes.

Just my .02, and wort what ya paid for it.

Ride safe, ride hard 

Black Dog

[KW]

I wasn't "getting a kick" out of saying I had my OEM battery in my 99 Black Dog.  I was just curious about how long batteries lasted in Valks. I honestly didn't know. . .  I don't get your answer. My question was a fair, honest topic and you take a shot at me? It's my first post in 3 years. You don't know me. 

Oh well. I remember now why I stopped coming here. Nothing much has changed, other than the graphics, only I have to say, the Tech board didn't have it as much. . . 

[Black Dog]

KW, I didn't mean to diss you in any way...  Ask anyone here, I'm not one to pick fights.  I'd rather just kick tires and talk bikes 

Sorry you took my post the wrong way.  When I made the comment about folks bragging about how long their OEM batteries have lasted, I was only pointing out the possible ramifications...  Never meant that to be pointed at you.  I'm sorry if I offended you.

Don't let the fact that my post struck you as an attack keep you away.  We need all the members we can get, and I never want to scare one away.

Meet me at InZane, and a beverage of your choice is on me 

Black Dog

[fudgie]

I saw no disrespect in the post. He's a good guy. He was just pointing out potential problems that could go wrong with a older battery. Don't take it to heart. I'm on my second battery and will put in another here shortly. I had my alt looked over last month by a alt guy and mine was good. He just repacked the bearings. 47,000 miles on my 98 CT. As stated in my previous post. My battery failed without warning while I was out shopping. That was 03 with less then 20,000 on her. No way I can push start this hogg by myself! Make sure the new battery is fully charged before putting it in the bike. 

[John U.]

Plus one on the Battery Tender Plus. I'm using a single unit to swap between three bikes, it even rejuvenated a battery on a Yamaha that eats batteries. Sulphation kills a lot of batteries, especially if they are allowed to sit in a discharged condition.

Regarding previous posts, it's often impossible to tell who is responding to what on any board. Around here if you stay off the car tire topic you wiil avoid a lot of stress. 

[fordmano]

I put my first new battery in my 99 I/S  just a couple of months ago if I remember correctly.

Paid toooooo much for it but I love GELL batteries so I wanted to try one out on the bike.
I will be happy if the new one lasts for anything more than 5-6 years.

[Wildman]

The Valkyrie is very smooth running. No Vibration.
This may be one of the reasons that the batteries last so loong.
I have friends with Honda V-twins that are repacing their batteries every year or two.

[Anthony]

1998 Standard,
i replaced the OEM in 2008, after reading some good advice on this board about how long they normally last...


it had been on a tender only the last winter during that period.

the bike did have an easier start with the new one :
it did have more energy to turn over the starter engine AND ignite the sparks.

Anthony

[N0tac0p]

ANY LINKS TO A GOOD CHEAP BATTERY FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE

[Jack]

Mine lasted 6 years and died the first winter I lived in Arkansas.  I'm really not happy with Arkansas weather after living on the Gulf for several years.  I'm putting many less miles on my Valk here.

[John U.]

I'm not sure you can get good and cheap at the same time. Considering that many of us have gone 10 years on the OEM Yuasa, I think on a bucks per year basis, that makes the Yuasa a good choice. http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/YTX14-BS.html

[John U.]

By the way, if you have an IS or a lot of added accessories you may want to consider this one
http://www.batterystuff.com/batteries/motorcycle/YTX14H-BS.html

[Rocketman]

I'd also like to hear if these Valk's can be push started.

The deader the battery, the harder the push.  Can be done, though.  Easily, if the batt. is just barely gone.  She'll leave you panting next to a cold engine if she's really dead, though.

[Tundra]

Typicaly 6-8 years on my batteries. Never use a battery tender, what's that winter thing you all keep speaking of?

[Slyk Willy]

It seems like folks are anti-Battery Tender. I've used this on my bikes and wife's forever with no adverse effects, What's the concern about them?

[rmrc51]

It seems like folks are anti-Battery Tender. I've used this on my bikes and wife's forever with no adverse effects, What's the concern about them?

I'm also curious about hearing any negative experiences. I've been using the Battery Tenders for years with no problems at all on my old car, garden tractor and motorcycle.

[vanagon40]

It seems like folks are anti-Battery Tender.

I just reread the entire thread twice did not see a single negative comment about a battery tender.  Did I miss something?

[Slyk Willy]

I read
{--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Typicaly 6-8 years on my batteries. Never use a battery tender, what's that winter thing you all keep speaking of? }

as a directive NOT to used the battery Tender. On re-reading i believe the point is that he has never used it on his battery. Sorry.

[Airetime]

I'm still using my ORIGINAL battery on my Valk. It's a 99 Standard, so it's been about 10 years now. What's everyone's average battery life on thier Valk? My last bike was a Yamaha and she ate up batteries about every other year. So, 9 + years seems pretty good to me  I just started her last week and rode about 200 miles. She fired right up. I live in the cold, but ALWAYs take my battery inside every fall and I have NEVER used a battery tender. (I'm not trying to start an argument about using tenders!!) Thanks Guys!

PS - I haven't posted anything is a number of years. In fact, I had to re-sign up. I like the changes

I have had mine for 8 years BUT I use a Battery Tender every winter for about 3-4 months (gotta Love them) I get about 5-6  years on th eaverage, so this is an exception. If it lasts this season, I am going to replace it, not going to gamble with Lady Luck 

[vanagon40]

On re-reading i believe the point is that he has never used it on his battery. Sorry.

No need to apologize, I see your point.  I have not used a battery tender, but I try to keep the temperature in my garage above freezing.  Maybe that helps.

[Grandude]

ANY LINKS TO A GOOD CHEAP BATTERY FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE

I just bought one from the local Batteries Plus for $75. I can't remark on how good it is, just the price and source.

[nors]

Is there a stronger battery for Interstate models?

My battery charge only lasts 2 days now, so I'm going to install a EverStart from Wally World as a temporary fix.   The previous owner did very little maintenance on the 00' never even changed the coolant  so I'm sure this Yuasa is the original.  Shame, shame, such a beautiful muscle bike not to maintain well and frequently.

[Chrisj CMA]

I solved the problem of guessing how good my battery is (I think so anyway)  I installed a Volt meter and I have a switch so I can turn on the volt meter while the bike is off to see what the battery is holding, then watch it climb as the bike is running to see what the altenator is puting out.  Last year I noticed the battery was only holding 11.5 volts or so....still started the bike fine, but it usually holds 13 or a smidge under 13volts.  So I replaced the battery and it holds 13 again.  I have  anew alternator ready to go in, but the old one is still putting out at or near 14Volts.  I guess amps is another story and I dont have an ammeter, but this volt meter seems to be serving well so far

[Tundra]

Hey KW, 7.5 years from my stock battery. Never been on a tender, never taken indoors,(Florida)
  I was impressed too. I was lucky, gave it up in the garage

[Cliff]

Don't let the fact that my post struck you as an attack keep you away.  We need all the members we can get, and I never want to scare one away.

Meet me at InZane, and a beverage of your choice is on me 

Black Dog

   +1 

[Ricky-D]

I solved the problem of guessing how good my battery is (I think so anyway)  I installed a Volt meter and I have a switch so I can turn on the volt meter while the bike is off to see what the battery is holding, then watch it climb as the bike is running to see what the altenator is puting out.  Last year I noticed the battery was only holding 11.5 volts or so....still started the bike fine, but it usually holds 13 or a smidge under 13volts.  So I replaced the battery and it holds 13 again.  I have  anew alternator ready to go in, but the old one is still putting out at or near 14Volts.  I guess amps is another story and I dont have an ammeter, but this volt meter seems to be serving well so far

I think the voltmeter is very adequate. Don't see where an ammeter would do you any better.

***

[Tailgate Tommy]

6 years on the original battery in my '03 (bought the bike new in '04). I do use a battery tender.

[vmb]

Speaking of sulfation, what effect, if any, does draining a battery have on its ability to be recharged?
 

[Mr. Nuts]

ANY LINKS TO A GOOD CHEAP BATTERY FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE

Free shipping, and a $59.95 Valkyire battery from:

http://www.tristatebattery.com/product_info.php?products_id=732

It is a motocross brand manufactured by Yuasa they say. Looks just like my oem. Got it fast.

Had a harley guy brag about paying $148 for his battery while my wife and I were on a ride last weekend. I asked "why so much?" He said "they put it through grueling tests in a paint shaker for days on end and it didn't loose its charge". I looked kind puzzled and said "I guess that WOULD be an important test on a Harley battery.." and started up the Valk. Made my getaway before my wife broke out laughing. I was feeling kind that day and resisted a strong urge to show him the nickle trick.