When to change battery?

[North of 49]

I am still running my original Yuasa battery in my 1997 Valk trike. It has never been out of the bike or re-charged, despite being stored every winter in unheated shop for 5 months or so. Temps as low as -40f. Never have seen any corrosion, just slight discoloration on the terminals.

While riding the other day, I got the long awaited clicking sound, no start. Cleaned terminals and away it went and continues to work well. Had battery tested and they say it is in great shape. This may be like the "what is the best oil" question, but do you think I should change it, in view of the good test result, or keep on going for an endurance record?

 

[katfish16]

I guess I kinda do a little overkill. I change mine out every 3 years. Figure that is cheaper than getting caught somewhere with it going dead. Like I said I know it is overkill.

 

[ben721364]

I am still running my original Yuasa battery in my 1997 Valk trike. It has never been out of the bike or re-charged, despite being stored every winter in unheated shop for 5 months or so. Temps as low as -40f. Never have seen any corrosion, just slight discoloration on the terminals.

While riding the other day, I got the long awaited clicking sound, no start. Cleaned terminals and away it went and continues to work well. Had battery tested and they say it is in great shape. This may be like the "what is the best oil" question, but do you think I should change it, in view of the good test result, or keep on going for an endurance record?

I think it's high time you spring for a new battery. You're definitely on borrowed time and if it were me, I would prefer replacing it before becoming stranded 15 miles outside East Awfulgosh and have to buy the only one available for mega bucks and my youngest child.

 

[Trikerjim]

I put them in the same league as a lawnmower battery, 3-4 years and I go ahead and change it. You know technology has come a long way, but motorcycle batteries are still pretty much the same as 20 yrs ago. I do use a battery tender and it seems to help.....

 

[ben721364]

I put them in the same league as a lawnmower battery, 3-4 years and I go ahead and change it. You know technology has come a long way, but motorcycle batteries are still pretty much the same as 20 yrs ago. I do use a battery tender and it seems to help.....

I agree generally. There are lots of variables including the condition of the charging system, heat, miles traveled, length of trips, etc., etc. Four years is a good benchmark. Anything more than five years is a major bonus.

Battery prices have increased dramatically in the past year, along with lots of other things.

 

[John Luciano]

I write the date on the side of the battery when I buy it . Normally I only get 3 years out of one. This battery From Wally World ($45.00) is starting on its 4th year and still very hot. ????? don't know why.

 

[North of 49]

John, I wonder if it is heating from your system over-charging, a bad battery, or just heat coming off the motor? Maybe you could have a quick check done on the charging system?
Back to the original question, I have never even come close to 11 years on a bike type battery before. Have had as little as 2 years on Wally/Canadian Tire type batteries (may have been the bikes fault?)
My first thought on this was that if I didn't know how old the battery was and it tested good, I would likely just run it. But, knowing its age,and heading for Sturgis, I now have a new Yuasa sitting in the garage. PS...no I don't work for them!

 

[katfish16]

John, I think U got ur trike used. Do U know if it has a after market alternator on it??? If so the after market ones require a sealed batter, because they will boil the water out of a normal battery. Just a thought.