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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | So I've owned my Vision for a year now and have put 15k on it in that time. It was a left over 2011 and a demo bike so it had about 1200 miles on it when I got it. Came out this morning all ready to head to work and the bike was completely dead. Meter showed about 3 volts in it. I tried to charge it up a bit but it wouldn't go over 11.4 volts. When I pulled it off the charger and put my meter back on it dropped to 6.8 and I could see it steadily discharging.
So that pretty much means bad battery. Funny I've never had one just quit like that. I have trickled charged it once before so I guess I was expecting it but still surprised to see it just up and quit. Anyone else have that happen? Florida does tend to eat batteries with all the heat we get and they never seem to last me more than 2 years anyway on my big bikes (even my Wing).
So dealer sells those drag specialties batteries, anyone use those? Any recommendations as to a better battery? This is the one my local dealer is recommending. I've got a weekend trip coming up next weekend so I want it all good to go!
Thanks! |
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Lots of battery replacement discussions, so will leave that for the other guys.
I bought my 2009 in 2010. Was a demo as well. And I put about 12-15k per year, so all very similar. I don't have any electrical mods. The biggest difference between us is I use the elect seat/handgrips everyday during the winter.
The only two minor battery issues I have had are: 1) I left my trunk ajar and the light stayed on all night. Recharged, and no problems since. and 2) When the temp gets down into the teens the battery is no longer strong enough to crank the bike. If I can wait until the outside temp warms up, or have it garaged (approx. 40deg) I have no issues.
So, all that to say what you experienced wasn't 'normal', and I would guess you have either loose/dirty battery connections, a weak/defective battery, or a problem with your electrical system
Edited by Boots 2013-02-28 8:53 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | Yes, batteries can just up and die all at once. I've had it happen on my cars and pickup trucks too over the years. My 2008 Vision was also a demo and the original battery that was in it died all of a sudden , just a couple of months after I got it, just like you described. It would not take a charge even from a heavy duty battery charger. The replacement I put in it is still going.
There is lots of discussion about batteries on this forum. There are lots of brands to choose from. It is hard to beat the OEM Yuasa. Two points have emerged from all the discussions. Visions don't seem to like the new, small, lightweight Lithium Ion batteries, and owners have reported running, and surging issues with them. The other point is that there is a real difference in quality and starting power among batteries using the same nomenclature. There are some less expensive batteries available from parts stores and big box retailers that don't advertise the CCA rating and are usually only around 270CCA, and offer only a 90 day warranty. The better batteries do list the CCA rating and are 300CCA or higher and have a 1 year or longer warranty. Your OEM Yuasa is a 310CCA rating.
I would choose an AGM battery rated at 310CCA or better. If the Drag Specialties battery meets those specifications, it would be fine.
Ronnie |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| go to your harley dealer and buy a battery for softail model. Chrck the post to see there right. Harley has great batterys with lots of cold cranking amps |
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Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | johnnyvision - 2013-02-28 6:49 PM
go to your harley dealer and buy a battery for softail model. Chrck the post to see there right. Harley has great batterys with lots of cold cranking amps
True. Another shopping option is a Honda dealer. The GL1800 Goldwing uses the same battery.
Ronnie |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | Yea got the drag specialties. Apparently it's made by Yuasa. 310 CC and so far Vision seems to like it! All told $100 and done. |
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Dead Battery at 16k miles.