Lost The Battle New Motorcycle Battery For Me - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 10-03-2009, 07:42 PM

Having as many motorcycles as I do keeping them all in decent running condition is always a challenge. One of the things I do out of habit is to keep the batteries well maintained. That often means proper level of electrolyte and a decent charge.

Over the years I have given myself the challenge of using the same battery as long as possible. I try all sorts of tricks and gimmicks, but today I had to finally give in and admit I have to buy a new battery for my 1931 Indian 101 Scout classic motorcycle.

Now this bike can run without a battery as it is magneto fired, but I need the juice box to work the lights and horn. So after more than a week of fooling with the old NAPA 12-volt battery (yes, I converted the old Indian from 6 to 12-volt) I realized time was up for it.

Earlier today I stopped at a local WalMart and bought a replacement 12-volt motorcycle battery that was the exact same specifications and size as the NAPA one for $45.

I just filled the cells with the acid supplied with the battery and I am letting it soak in for a couple of hours before hooking up a smart charger for the night. Tomorrow morning I'll install the new battery and take the bike out for a test ride. Oh well, this old battery lasted more than 5 years so I got my value out of it. Let's see how long the new one lasts. I did scratch today's date in the black plastic on the side.

Trigger87 · #2 10-04-2009, 12:10 PM

Putting the date on the battery is a good idea. I've been doing it for a few years. Its surprising how time gets away and you can't remember when the battery originally went into the scoot...

aceharleywrench · #3 10-04-2009, 06:00 PM

Geeez,Buzz,I can't believe a media magnate such as yourself would cheap out & buy a Taiwan POS battery for your Indian.I hope you don't do the same with your Learjet.

Buzz Kanter · #4 10-04-2009, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceharleywrench

Geeez,Buzz,I can't believe a media magnate such as yourself would cheap out & buy a Taiwan POS battery for your Indian.I hope you don't do the same with your Learjet.

I don't think WalMart sells batteries for a Lear Jet, do they?

aceharleywrench · #5 10-05-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz Kanter

I don't think WalMart sells batteries for a Lear Jet, do they?

Why,yes they do,they're located on the same aisle as the titanium muffler bearings & the left handed sky hooks.

83XLX · #6 10-05-2009, 10:50 AM

I bought a new battery for my bike a couple of years ago from one of the big auto parts chains. It was a have-to buy, as I was going on a long ride the following day and my battery had just bit the dust - wouldn't take a charge. That, and Wally World, were the only places open late on a Friday night to buy one. Filled it and charged it overnight and went for the ride. It lasted a year before it wouldn't take a charge, and puked acid from the overflow tube (yes, it was filled correctly), which stained my rear brake disc and chrome kickstand. After researching the mail order choices, I went down to the local H-D dealer and bought an OEM sealed battery. It fit perfectly and had nice, beefy terminal posts. Still going strong 2-1/2 years later with no need to trickle charge it over the sporadic winter riding season. I'll never fool with those "wet" cheapo batteries again. The H-D battery is a quality part, and was only a little over $100 for my bike.

Hammerhead Pat · #7 10-05-2009, 04:24 PM

I just replaced the original battery on my 05 with the H-D battery. 4 1/2 years with no tender is acceptable to me.

Buzz Kanter · #8 10-05-2009, 04:52 PM

I bought this battery because a) I needed it for my ride the next day, and b) where ya going to buy a new battery for a 78 year old 6-volt Indian motorcycle that has been converted over to a 12-volt system?

aceharleywrench · #9 10-06-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buzz Kanter

I bought this battery because a) I needed it for my ride the next day, and b) wher ya going to buy a new battery for a 78 year old 6-volt Indian motorcycle that has been converted over to a 12-volt system?

Just trying to have a little fun with ya,Buzz.It seems all the champagne & caviar has rendered you humorless to us common folk.