Gel Cell battery
Harley Ignition & Harley ElectricsDiscuss Gel Cell battery in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have a 96 FLHT done up with the add-ons to make it look like an FLHTC (radio, spot lights, rotor covers with amber running lights etc) and im starting ...
I have a 96 FLHT done up with the add-ons to make it look like an FLHTC (radio, spot lights, rotor covers with amber running lights etc) and im starting to think that this wacky new england winter (65 degree days, 20's in the night time, 20 degree days and colder nights ect.) may have finally put the hurting on the scoot's battery. I bought the bike last year with 28k on the clock and put roughly 2k during the remainder of the season that i had it. I know it was well maintained prior, and i assume that the previous owner had a standard battery installed on her (i have not checked, but seeing as how he ran conventional oil its a fair assumption). Im hopping to get her to the shop this week (hopefully under her own power and not on a hook) for some pre-season loving.
I was wondering what people's opinions are on gel batteries? are they worth the extra $$? Will the extra $$ i dish out now save me $$ and aggrivation in the end? if its worth it, i will prolly have one added to the service bill when i get it to the shop.
thanx in advance for your help
__________________ AMERICAN by BIRTH, UNION by CHOICE
I have a diff reason for dying batts--- this very hot Phoenix Valley summer heat that we ride in accelerates electronic failure.. When I moved here I was told to expect that and it seems to be true at least for me..
I have used a couple diff AGM (absorbed glass mat), I don't remember if they're considered Gel or not.. And also the Odessy dry batt, none of them lasted very long..
My best luck, and I mean VERY good luck has been with the Deka battery, they have lasted remarkably well..
The only advantage i have found with a gel cell is the ability to mount in any position. Other than that i have found they dont last like they advertise. Do a load test on you batt. You can buy a tester at the local auto parts store for about 30-50 bucks. Well worth it to have in your garage.
frisco.. i have an issue with deka, as good of a battery they may be they are no longer manufactured in america, as a result the local shop stopped carrying them..
__________________ AMERICAN by BIRTH, UNION by CHOICE
Very interesting you should say that cuz I just looked at the box my last one came in only about a month ago and bigger than poop it says Made in USA..
In fact, they state on their website that it's all done at one facility in Lyon Station Penn.. Hmmm..
Now, I would want to ask that shop again where they got that info..
Well,, that's just me..!!
__________________ "Fill your hands you son of a bitch"
Rooster Cogburn
Very interesting you should say that cuz I just looked at the box my last one came in only about a month ago and bigger than poop it says Made in USA..
In fact, they state on their website that it's all done at one facility in Lyon Station Penn.. Hmmm..
Now, I would want to ask that shop again where they got that info..
Well,, that's just me..!!
frisco.. thanks for that I will look into that.. I just know that a reputable battery/alternator/generator shop in my area told me that a few years ago.. it is possible that either things were wrong or have changed back since then. but if what you say is true I apologize.
__________________ AMERICAN by BIRTH, UNION by CHOICE
I talked to Deka a few months back. I had a hell of a time finding a store to get one. They sent me an email on the closest places to me to buy. Good folks. Customer service A#1.
However... I am hearing Deka makes the HD batteries. I have yet to get a solid yeah or nay if this is true.
Gel Cell battery 
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