Best Battery for my HOG ?

skyhorse · Dec 4, 2016

Time to replace the OEM battery in my old Harley and I'm wondering if there are better aftermarket units that will not only fit exactly like the Harley OEM and accept my battery tender as well ?
I've read that the USA-Made Big Crank ETX30L Battery is good ?
Thanks for any suggestions. to damn old to push a HOG .

16VGTIDave · Dec 5, 2016

I can't comment on specific batteries, but I will suggest the type of battery: Absorbed Glass Mat or AGM. Once filled they are leak proof. By design they are highly resistant to vibration. The better ones have gold plated terminals that don't corrode. Completely maintenance free and last many years. I don't bother with a tender if my bike is stored for less than 2 months, but I don't have >any< drains on my battery when off, unlike modern bikes. I have 3.5 years of commuting on my battery and it shows no signs of quitting.

OldNavy · Dec 5, 2016

I've been running ODYSSEY PC680 in my 84 FXST for years. I swapped out the 80" engine for a S&S 107"
long block, was running a Spyke Hi-Torque reduction gear starter & the OEM batt would not turn the engine over.

the PC680 is smaller than oem, but I cut some pieces of hi-density foam, under & on all four sides. Snug fit
works great.

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00ChevyScott · Dec 5, 2016

I'd recommend an AGM battery for sure.

skyhorse · Dec 6, 2016

Checked out the AGM battery and it's highly rated. Are the posts the same as an OEM Harley battery ?

16VGTIDave · Dec 13, 2016

If you order the right model battery, it should be a direct replacement.

Alberta Ed · Dec 13, 2016

My last one lasted 7 years -- I kept it on a tender -- picked up a new one at NAPA last spring when the old, original battery died. A Harley mechanic I talked to said use a traditional lead/acid sealed battery, not the new lithium batteries. Yeah, pushing that HOG is no fun.

skyhorse · Dec 13, 2016

Thanks Ed, appreciate the info. I've been so busy still haven't bought one yet.

bigmark408 · Dec 23, 2016

Harley Davidson is the best battery, Deka makes Harley's batteries.

You can buy The same Deka non Harley labeled battery for half the price. They're the best I have found and been running them in big inch Harleys for years.

bravodelta · Dec 23, 2016

OldNavy said:
I've been running ODYSSEY PC680 in my 84 FXST for years. I swapped out the 80" engine for a S&S 107"
long block, was running a Spyke Hi-Torque reduction gear starter & the OEM batt would not turn the engine over.

the PC680 is smaller than oem, but I cut some pieces of hi-density foam, under & on all four sides. Snug fit
works great.

^^^^^^This!!! I have Odyssey Extreme in all of my vehicles ( on road and off road) and have had wonderful results. I had one last 8+ years in a daily driver!!!! Also, the price has come down a bunch in the past several years.