How long should the Spyder's battery last?

[daveinva]

Inspired by this thread... http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...499#post574499

Just wondering how long, in general, the Spyder's battery should be expected to last.

I'm coming up on two years ownership of my 2010 RS here in May (time sure flies when having fun!) and I'm curious whether to expect the battery to be fine through at least one more winter, or even two.

Note: I plug in a battery tender probably 80% of the time I park the bike so I give the battery at least some sweet love. I've never had any big problems with turnover, although I'm thinking it's been a *wee* bit harder to start this winter than compared to last, but nothing scientific.

[ARtraveler]

I am wondering the same. My 2010 RT-S will be on season #4 when I fire it up in about 44 days or so. It's on a battery tender from October until season start up. Never had a problem with the six month or so sleep--it has always started on the first try.

The rest of the year, I drive it every day. Last year I was still making the 40 mile round trip commute to Anchorage, but that is now ended. I am guessing I will have more time for joy-riding though--so the battery will still get charged daily on its own.

[jerpinoy]

This a test, this a test........ once month I start and ride for 30 minutes then stuff my without battery tender so far no issue.

[boborgera]

Any time after 3 years get ready, That said i've seen some battery's go in a little as 6 months, And some as long as 7 years. it's a crap shoot, But there not very expensive, So i change them out at the first sign of trouble.

[asp125]

The answer depends on what climate you live in, how you treat your battery, how regularly you ride, and what accessories are drawing current both during riding and when sitting idle. On average though, batteries last around 4yrs.

[bcoulter19]

Mine died after about 3 years but alot of it was my fault for not keeping the tender on it when i neeed to etc.

[rcturner]

If they are kept on a battery tender of some sort, they should last many years. On my Goldwings and on several friends bikes (mostly Goldwings and Harleys) six or more years is not unusual. Only time will tell what reality really is but, I expext several years.

[Bob Denman]

I guess that you kind of have to start watching for signs of trouble.
Unusual error codes seem to start popping up when the juice starts getting low...
I'm coming up on three years and so far; so good!
It's chained to the Battery Tender each Winter, and gets run just about every day as soon as it can!

[eagle]

i have an 08, store in my heated work shop over winter with tender on at all times. i still have ORIGINAL battery in it, tender says it is still good, but will have it looked at this spring. during the summer i never hook up tender.

[NancysToy]

Battery life is quite variable. Climate, riding/driving habits, engine rpm, accessory use, and other factors make it unpredictable. If you are the nervous sort, replace it at periodic intervals...usually around the amount of warranty. If you don't care (like me) wait until it starts to fail or quites altogether. Nobody has ever marketed a crystal ball for batteries.

[JaymeG33]

Good information to know. Thanks for sharing!

[Spyderific]

On the other hand, I just had mine replaced as it would not hold a load test. Bought the Spyder in June 2012. No warrantee after 6 months on the battery and about $160 for the new one.

[Chupaca]

Any time after 3 years get ready, That said i've seen some battery's go in a little as 6 months, And some as long as 7 years. it's a crap shoot, But there not very expensive, So i change them out at the first sign of trouble.

To many variables to give a date...

[napper39]

alwas keep the battery on a tender when your not riding it,summer winter.spring,fall,it will last longer that way,im on my 53ed motorcycle,thats all i can say ,just do what you think,but ive tested these for 67 years of riding,and keeping them on a maintaner they lasted longer

[Spyderjockey]

I have a 2008 PE GS that I took delivery on 4/9/08 and now have over 78,000 miles on it and have never had an issue with the battery. I only have the battery tender on in the winter usually from some time in late November until late March. I will see how it goes in early spring and hopefully will get another year on it.

[dave01]

I have no idea how long they should last.....LOL

[Osros]

I just got my Spyder and will be getting the tender I just like to know when do you start using the tender? When you know your not gonna ride it for a week or more or a couple days? Or just start using the tender everyday when it's parked for the night? I just don't know what are guidelines for using it.

Thanks


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[daveinva]

I just got my Spyder and will be getting the tender I just like to know when do you start using the tender? When you know your not gonna ride it for a week or more or a couple days? Or just start using the tender everyday when it's parked for the night? I just don't know what are guidelines for using it.

Thanks


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I use mine every time I remember to use it.

But it's extra important when it's cold, or you're not going to ride it for a few days. Still, doesn't hurt to plug it in every time you park it. (FYI, this is made *exponentially* easier if you've installed an external accessory plug... I've got two Powerlet plugs in my dash, so it's super easy to just jam the battery tender plug in there every time I park the Spyder).

Anyway... to all who replied above, thanks for the info. Sounds like I've got at least another year if not two if all things are equal. Now, if only all things are equal!