Once a month or so crank it just enough to turn the lights on but not start it (or if it does, shut it back off). Walk away for 15 -20 minutes with the lights on. It it starts after that, you are good. If not replace it.

Had to break down and replace mine last year. Lasted 5 years.

With temps to -40 or lower in the winter I always use a trickle charger. If the temps warm up enough, I'll start the bike in March with a box fan in front of it for air flow over the engine so there's no condensation problems.

Battery tenders - only way to go - Battery should last ya about 4 years depending on how ya ride.

had my 1st battery for 4 yrs,in winter every week just start her up,let her run ya,she's my bitch, for 3o minutes while listen to born to be wild! sometimes forget to open garage door,bummer, good buzz though,then shut her down till next week!

I would recommend about three years. Four is just pushing it a little too much depending on your bike and riding habits. Most of the emergency calls we get for batteries are right around four years old, so why chance it. Heck, that's only about $3.50 a month!

2006 Buell w/ factory original battery - No problem excepting the time I left it in the "acc" pos. w/ the light on..

What bad things happen if you stretch a battery until failure? Have always done that but might have been dumb.

Every year. That 113" is hell on batteries. No compression releases.

One bad thing that could happen is you could be somewhere with no one around when the battery decides it just ain't gonna start the bike any more.  Other than that, it's all good.