I was told be a friend to change the battery on my HD Dyna about every two years, even if it still seemed to be in good shape.  He said that they don't usually last much longer than that and when they go, they just go.

What does everyone else here do?

I usually change it out every four years. It should definetly last more than 2 years.

had my bike for just over 2 yrs now ,never had a problem with it .if u keep the bike running over the winter months ,or any other time, then u should not have to change the battery ,just dont leave the bike for to long without turning it over .

smart as....

The old liquid filled batteries would commonly fail after 2 or 3 years, especially on the old shakers. The newer gel-cells are better.  I personnaly got 5 years out of Rex's first battery and many friends have gotten 4 years out of theirs. That 5 year battery was an oversight and I definately would not recommend waiting that long. One other thing, I and many other riders keep a tender on the battery during the winter.
 

I change mine right about 4 years. Small investment for peace of mind.

We agree as well, some like myself went 6 years on the same battery, We recommend that you keep a battery tender on the bike especially during any extended periods that you are not riding. Normally when they go they just go. The Battery Tender is a relatively inexpensive way around $20.00 to keep your battery strong.

I trade in for a new bike before I need a new battery or tires. Nothing like a new bike smell.

Steven you are so full of ..##@$....you maintane both our bikes like they are your babies...you would not trade these in... you would buy top of the line new batteries, tires and what ever they needed ...sheesh we did not ride for weeks this summer so we would not go over our miles on an oil change during our vacation this year....I am surprised both batteries are not out of our bikes now that it cold here...but maybe we will get another ride in together before the year is up....BTW....Crazy about you Steven

I'm a big fan of the trickle charge (as recommended by Baltimore Harley) - works like a charm in the winter when not riding alot -really prolongs the life of the battery

Roger on the Battery "Tender". The Indian is pretty hard on batteries, especially in the winter! Since I've been running the "tender" on it in the winter, I've had no problems!

5 years on the battery is the safe bet ( the new gel cells may go longer, Battery tender in the slow months to keep it peeked. Ride it - best way to keep it charged to its max !

new battery every 2 yrs seems to make the bike run better and get better gas mileage(might be just in my head) as for tires some yrs 3 sets but mostly 2

tyre every 2000 miles or so ,i go throw about 4 rear tyres a year .

Batteries are relatively cheap compared to a charging system failure. Bad batteries are the reason we end up with bad stators, starters and charging systems. The rule I go by is EVERY year I buy a new battery, why take a chance? More of that Peace of Mind I like to preach:-)

I'll buy a new one one when the one I've got stops working. Battery tender and regular use is the best way to keep one up, though. Leave it sit for a few months and you might just ruin a brand new battery. I ride every time there's no ice on the road, and if there is ice out there, I still go out to the garage, fire up, and let her run for a little while in the garage; that keeps the battery in good shape and fresh gas in the carbs.

Every four years, or slightly less if I am getting ready for a long haul with like 3-1/2 years on the battery. The last thing I want is to find out I pushed it a little to far when I stop on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere to stretch my legs. Them Road Kings are hard to push start!

Service my bike myself, but once a year i get it re-tuned and carbs balanced in a mechanic shop...change the battery then as well. Battery is pretty cheap so I just keep it in top shape

I had the same gel battery in the dyna for eight years, but it was plugged in every night on a battery charger/maintainer when it was at home.
I have had to replace the battery on my sporty every three years.
PrimalLeathers that is a lurvly bike, I like that alot.

Gel cells on my Victory's. Every 5 years. So far havent had one fail. I keep the cheap Harbor Freight battery float chargers on them in the winter months.

Thanx,

jb