Batteries

[Havasu Rider]

Just wondering, does anyone have and idea how long the batteries typically last out here in the desert? I have had experience with all kind of vehicles over the last 50+ years but do not know about the Spyder. I am 50 miles from my dealer and do not want to try and change the battery myself in the middle of a ride. I know in other MC's, boats, RV's and cages you have to change them every 2-3 years. Is it the same with the Spyder?:spyder:

 

[Jeriatric]

Just wondering, does anyone have and idea how long the batteries typically last out here in the desert? I have had experience with all kind of vehicles over the last 50+ years but do not know about the Spyder. I am 50 miles from my dealer and do not want to try and change the battery myself in the middle of a ride. I know in other MC's, boats, RV's and cages you have to change them every 2-3 years. Is it the same with the Spyder?:spyder:

This will be my Spyders first summer in the desert, so I'm no help. Hope you get some response from other desert people cause battery life here is very different from the colder states, like 180 degrees worth (almost literally)

I do have a question. Do you use a battery tender?

 

[racketdave]

battery die fast.

Talked to docdoru few days ago. Batteries only can maintain 51% .I keep battery tender on it or it will die in a week sitting. He said call order new one from dealer, have them reprogram battery overnight for 100% .

 

[MMcc]

Battery life in desert

I used to keep a Honda PCH at our winter home in Desert Center. Batteries in that lasted 2 years. Tried a tender but did not make much difference. Started taking the home to Minnesota during the summer. Then they would last 5 years.

 

[Havasu Rider]

I keep a battery tender on it all the time it is setting in the garage. It seems to still be holding a good charge but think the next time I am at the dealer I will have them change it just to be safe. Like I said before, in the desert 2 years is about the max. time to change batteries.

 

[Recluze]

I just changed mine out after four and 1/2 years. Never on a charger. It was operating perfectly when I changed it. For the $100 it cost it is not worth worrying about.

I also changed out my relays. Two of them failed in five months. Perhaps these should be a time change item also, like the rear bearing. The last one I put in is a Borg Warner with a five or six year guarantee for what that is worth. Having a bad relay is almost as bad as having a bad battery. I intend to change them every four years if the situation presents itself.

BTW a new battery can occassionally go belly up in a short time. But a 4.5 YO battery is not going to last much longer.

 

[TJKBear]

I keep a battery tender on it all the time it is setting in the garage. It seems to still be holding a good charge but think the next time I am at the dealer I will have them change it just to be safe. Like I said before, in the desert 2 years is about the max. time to change batteries.

We are in Phoenix, AZ
The wife has an '08 RS SM5 with the original battery in it with no Battery Tender.
We've never had any problem... yet :2thumbs:
I know, I probably just jinxed myself, oh well, I figure we're on borrowed time anyway

 

[MrBones]

Talked to docdoru few days ago. Batteries only can maintain 51% .I keep battery tender on it or it will die in a week sitting. He said call order new one from dealer, have them reprogram battery overnight for 100% .

I'm new but I never heard of reprograming a battery. All I know of is charging. ???

 

[ARtraveler]

I have the original battery in my 2010 RT-S. I was thinking of replacing it at the end of the year. The :ani29: has been kept on a battery tender each winter (October-Feb/March). No start up problems yet--but I think 3 years is pretty good for a motorcycle battery.