Whether you have an older or new Harley-Davidson, you know that having a reliable battery is crucial to getting your bike started and keeping it running. Nothing is worse than being stranded with a dead battery, especially if you’re out on a long ride.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Harley-Davidson batteries, including what cold-cranking amps are, why they matter, and how to choose the right battery for your Harley.
What are Cold Cranking Amps?
Cold-cranking amps (CCA) is a measure of a battery’s ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. Simply put, it’s the amount of power that a particular battery can produce when you start the motor. The higher the CCA rating, the more power the battery can produce and sustain.
Why Do Cold Cranking Amps Matter?
If you have an older Harley-Davidson motorcycle then critical electrical components such as the alternator, starter, and electrical wiring are guaranteed to deteriorate as your bike ages. This means that your Harley will need a lot more power to start the motor or to even turn on the headlights. Installing a battery with a higher CCA rating will make life significantly easier for you.
Similarly, if you’ve installed aftermarket accessories on your motorcycle, such as radios, lighting kits, or other high-power devices, you may not notice it, but these accessories will put more strain on your Harley-Davidson battery. Utilizing a battery with a higher CCA rating will ensure your Harley maintains proper function even with the increased power demands of added accessories.
How to Choose the Right Harley-Davidson Battery
When it comes to choosing the right battery for your Harley-Davidson motorcycle, there are a few factors to consider. First, you’ll want to look for a battery that has the correct voltage and size for your bike. You can usually find this information in your owner’s manual or by checking the current battery on your bike.
Next, you’ll want to consider the CCA rating. As we’ve already discussed, the CCA rating is especially important if you have an older Harley, or if you’ve installed aftermarket accessories on your bike.
If you’re looking for a battery that is lightweight to shed some pounds for performance, but still performs, you might consider the Harley-Davidson Lithium LiFe Battery. This battery is designed to provide more power and longer life than traditional lead-acid batteries, while also being significantly lighter and more compact.
Another option is the Harley-Davidson AGM Original Equipment Battery. This battery is designed to be a direct replacement for the original battery on your Harley and is engineered to provide the reliable starting power and long life you are looking for.
Finally, if you’re looking for a battery that can handle extreme conditions and heavy use, you might consider the Harley-Davidson Extreme Battery. As the name implies, this battery is designed to provide reliable starting power in even the harshest conditions and is vibration resistant.
Regardless of which Harley-Davidson battery you choose, it’s important to choose a battery that is designed specifically for your bike. While there are many aftermarket batteries available, choosing a battery that is designed and tested by Harley-Davidson ensures that you’re getting a product that is built to the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Once you have your battery here are 4 ways of making your Harley-Davidson battery last.
- Don’t start your motorcycle unless you are going to ride it. In other words, don’t start it to listen to the pipes or move it 10 feet. Every time you start your motorcycle, the battery takes a punch and it can only recover when it is ridden down the road for 20 minutes or on a quality battery tender.
- Battery Tend your motorcycle. This is the most overlooked item of battery maintenance. Some folks remove the battery and put it in their basement. Some people just start their motorcycle in the middle of the winter and let it run for 10 minutes (please don’t). Plug in a quality battery tender and let it do its job.
- Avoid starting your motorcycle while in gear. Yes, we know you can, however, it makes your battery work that much harder than it should.
- If you have to jump-start your battery with a jumper cable, just touch the battery long enough to press start. In other words, don’t leave the jumper cables on the battery while you go inside to grab a coffee.
In conclusion, a Harley-Davidson battery is an essential component of your motorcycle, and it is important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Factors such as the CCA rating, the age of your bike, and any aftermarket accessories you have installed should all be considered when selecting a battery.
If you have any questions or concerns about Harley-Davidson batteries, don't hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable Parts and Accessories team at Wilkins Harley-Davidson. They can provide expert guidance and advice on which battery is right for your bike, as well as other parts and accessories to enhance your riding experience. With their help, you can keep your Harley-Davidson running smoothly and reliably for years to come. So, contact Wilkins Harley-Davidson today and get the support you need to keep your Harley-Davidson in top condition!