How to tell when it is time to replace your battery

[tibadoe]

To avoid being stranded someplace, how can one tell when it is time to replace a battery? Thanks in advance.
Jim

Slow starting, occasional clicking, poor load-test results, low voltage check, erratic electrical issues/codes. Every battery I have is hooked up to a smart tender - keeps them topped off/desulfated and ready at all times. At the five year mark I usually replace a battery. I do carry a jump pack in each vehicle but not on the bike - maybe I should rethink that.

 

[ARtraveler]

I am another one that says to replace the battery every three to four years. When the battery crashes, usually without warning, you can be left stranded in the worst places. Think "Murphy's Law."

I lived in AK for almost twenty years. Two big population centers, three hundred miles apart. One repair place for Spyders. Nothing on the road for almost 1000 miles. I was never stranded, but the thought crossed my mind a couple times.

Now, in the lower 48 and dealers and other shops all around, I feel a bit more confident. Our Spyders get enough daily use, that we no longer put them on tenders during the off season. There is no "off season" for us here.

For the cost of around $100...that is good insurance for me every third year or so.

 

[irvin48]

still have original yuasa in my 15. load tester shows way over factory cca. have another one waiting.

 

[teninospyder]

IMO, the best protection against getting stranded by a dead battery is to purchase a portable jump starter like a Rugged Geek or something of that ilk. They are small, getting smaller, and easily incorporated into one's on-road tool kit. Not only has it bailed me out on my Spyder but also my wife and her Toyota highlander. Wouldn't leave home without it.

:agree: I have one I take and haven't needed on the Spyder yet,,,,,,,but it started my Dodge Ram Cummings Diesel last year in cold weather.

 

[Motorcycledave]

When it dies!

View attachment 189102

I was going to say that and you beat me... When I was riding my Harley or my GoldWing I always installed a new battery every spring...
maybe that's over kill but I never had a dead battery. I usually replace the Spyder battery every other year. mainly because I know they are
very fussy about batteries....... AND I put the date I installed it on top of the battery with a paint stick.

 

[pidjones]

Apparently waiting nine years to change out the second Yuasa in my '06 GoldWing was not the right way.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Apparently waiting nine years to change out the second Yuasa in my '06 GoldWing was not the right way.

Don't compare a battery dying in a Goldwing (at least pre-2018) with one dying in a Spyder. As the battery loses its oomph in a Goldwing you get plenty of warning with slow cranking, dimming headlights, etc. In the Spyder you don't get such a good warning as it is voltage sensitive. As soon as the voltage drops to below 10.5 when you hit the starter, you're done for. And that can happen without the usual signs of the battery dying, like slow cranking. And since the headlights don't turn on until the engine starts you don't have them for a warning factor. I got five years, or was it six, out of my Yuasa in my 2005 Goldwing. I got 5 years out of the one in my current Spyder, but I sure kept a close eye on it during the last year.

 

[JoshHefnerX]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QYS4KRM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So far has worked pretty well for me and my herd.

 

[trong]

Batteries are the one item you rely on the most on your vehicles but yet they are the most unpredictable items. I don't remember any cars or motorcycles I have had for more than two years and not having to replace the battery. Yes, the AGM batteries seems to last longer than the old style flooded ones, but they still die a certain dead sometimes. If a battery is more than 4 years old then I would replace it just to be safe (I did on my RT-L) because you know it will give you problem at the most inconvenient time. I agree with few posts here that nowadays you should have a portable battery jumper with your Spyder, I have one and don't have to use it just yet (knock on wood.)
Cheers!

 

[larryd]

Well yesterday I went to the "Battery Warehouse" I regularly deal with to purchase a Deka ETX18L AGM battery...Owner says NONE available...Called his supplier and said they don't know when...Now we have a powersport battery shortage???

I like Deka's battery cable attaching system better than any of the others...Plus they never corrode...

I have one coming from another source but it will take a couple of days...And they only had one...

larryd

 

[chromehorse]

I know this an old post but has anyone tried renegadebattery.com ? I switched to them in my ATV n snowmobile's n Harley and have been extremely happy and mine in the sleds are 6 yrs old n going strong. I ordered one for my 2012 rt. They usually arrive in 3 days.