How's this for Battery Life on our 2014 Spyder RTL!

[teninospyder]

Just info.... nothing else.
Just replaced the Spyder's battery after 5 years and 40,000 miles on the old one.
On battery tender when I thought about it.... like over winter rest.

[spyderdave]

[Bfromla]

Did you add STAR washers to new one?

[BajaRon]

I went 7 years on my original 2008 battery. Have not been able to duplicate that since though.

[canamjhb]

I think I might have the shortest battery life. Replaced an old bike battery with a new one. Dealer installed and charging system tested. Rode bike home.... about a 45 minute ride. Less than a week later battery was dead. Put it on a charger. Battery would not hold a charge. Got bike started and back to the dealer for a replacement. Batteries can be fickle.....

[ARtraveler]

Nine years is very good for battery life. I always changed mine out every three years or so. The problem with batteries...they usually crash without warning. I was always afraid of getting stranded out in Nowhere when we lived in Alaska. Happily, the gloom and doom did not happen to me in Alaska.

[bigbadbrucie]

I got 5 years out of the original OEM battery on my '14 RTS, and felt very fortunate. Prior to that I always replaced every year or two on my other bikes be they Honda’s, Yamaha’s or .......

[BamaJohn]

How would one know how long a battery lasts unless finding oneself suddenly unable to start the vehicle? Anything short of that means replacing the battery before it's completely dead, right?
So, I reckon we're discussing how much of a gambler each of us are. Call me "too quick to pull the trigger", but I just replaced the battery in my 2020 Spyder RT because I live alone and would be walking if my battery died suddenly. Everyone is right in doing when they choose....

[teninospyder]

Did you add star washers to new one?

yes !!!! doesn't everyone ???

[BajaRon]

Batteries, like people, go in various ways. Sometimes it's a slow fade over a period of time that you can see coming. Sometimes it's sudden and unexpected. I think quality control has been deteriorating on just about everything, batteries included, over the years. It is getting more common to have a 'Factory Fresh' battery go dead quickly. That's why I always get 'BS' batteries. (Bottle Supplied, not the other BS). A factory charged battery must be maintained or it can go bad sitting on the shelf. They sell it to you as 'New'. But it won't last.

A a 'Dry Stored' battery will function as brand new when finally filled and charged regardless of how long it has been sitting.

Here are some interesting Lead Acid battery facts. This does not necessarily apply to other battery types. (These are general averages)

* The warmer the temperature, the faster the rate of self-discharge. A battery at 80℉ will discharge at a rate of 4% per week. A battery stored at 65℉ will discharge at a rate of 3% per month. A Huge Difference! And why a tender is actually more important during the summer than it is over the long winter. (In most environments)

* Allowing your battery to fall below 80% of full charge will begin to shorten its life. The lower the stored charge, the greater the life lost. A battery allowed to fall below 10% of full charge can reduce life expectancy by as much as 25% of its remaining lifespan for each incident.

* Sulfating is a buildup of lead sulfate crystals which occurs when a battery is left sitting without a full charge. You can get battery chargers which can remove this sulfate. However the more effective ones tend to be more expensive. There are different ways to remove sulfate from lead acid batteries. Cheaper chargers claiming to remove sulfate may not be very effective.

* Dust and dirt accumulation on a battery, (mostly the top or between +&- terminals) will also increase self-discharge.

* The 3-C's for extended battery life. Keep them Clean, Cool and fully Charged.

After getting a 'New' battery. And baring factory defects or storage issues before you received it. You are the largest factor in how long it will last. I highly recommend always getting a (BS) battery whenever possible. A bit more hassle. But a great advantage in the long run. If your battery leaves you stranded just one time, you'll realize it is well worth the extra effort at the beginning.

[azprince]

i got 7 years and 60,000 miles before mine failed to start in Cottonwood AZ a few months ago.

[WRCLVR]

Are the 2019-2023 Spyder batteries AGM style? If not they should be as there is quite a bit of vibration in the frunk. Had issues with my MY 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3 TD with batteries not lasting 'cos they werent AGM ones.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

The first Yuasa YTX14 battery in my Honda ATV lasted 9 years. The second one died last year after 7 years.

[BajaRon]

Are the 2019-2023 Spyder batteries AGM style? If not they should be as there is quite a bit of vibration in the frunk. Had issues with my MY 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3 TD with batteries not lasting 'cos they werent AGM ones.

All OEM Spyder/Ryker batteries are AGM.