Finding out the ideal size of battery for a Harley bike can give you a challenge. For the best outcome for your bike, it is necessary to figure out the perfect model and size of the battery.
So, how can you use the Harley Davidson battery size chart? The battery size chart provides information like bike models and years. Besides, it also contains recommended specs with OEM numbers for easier battery selection.
Here in this article, we will provide the size chart for the battery. In addition, we will also provide types of batteries and several considerations while choosing batteries. Hence, keep reading if you are a Harley owner.
Why Is The Harley Davidson Battery Size Chart Important?
The wrong choice of the battery may result in a low voltage supply in your bike. This will affect actuators, sensors, and solenoids. Hence, Harley Davidson’s electronic throttle control problems may come out. But finding the perfect battery for your vehicle will cost you a lot of time.
So, having a clear concept of a bike’s battery is fundamental. This battery size chart provides a clear vision of the batteries. In other words, it acts as a resource for you to choose and buy the right battery for your bike when needed.
The use of this Harley sizechart for the battery is too easy. Also, you can save significant time by using the chart.
Harley Davidson Battery Size Chart
The HD battery size chart shows you all the batteries the company has used for the past few decades. The company has maintained an upper level of battery performance for all the years. Here we providing the battery Size chart:
| Bike Model | Model Years of Bikes | Battery Specification | Number of OEM in Battery | Battery Size L x W x H (inch×inch×inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL, FLH, FLT Series Touring | 1965-1984 | CCA*: 200; Ah*:29,5 | 66007-84 | 8.03 x 6.61 x 5.96 |
| FL, FLH, FLT Series Touring | 1985-1996 | CCA: 400; Ah:31,6 | 66010-97 | 6.54 x 4.96 x 6.89 |
| LH, FLT, FLR Series Touring | 1998-2021 | CCA: 400; Ah:31,6 | 66010-97 | 6.54 x 4.96 x 6.89 |
| FX Series (Electric Start) | 1971-1978 | CCA: 310; Ah:18,9 | 65991-82 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| FX/FXR Series | 1979-1994 | CCA: 310; Ah:18,9 | 65991-75 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| FXR Series | 1999-2000 | CCA: 310; Ah:18,9 | 65991-82 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| FX, FL Softail Series | 1984-1990 | CCA: 310; Ah:18,9 | 65991-82 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| FX, FL Softail Series | 1991-2021 | CCA: 310; Ah:18,9 | 65989-97 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| VRSC V-Rod | 2002-2006 | CCA: 240; Ah:12,6 | 65948-00 | 5.87 x 3.43 x 5.69 |
| VRSCR | 2007 | CCA: 240; Ah:12,6 | 65948-00 | 5.87 x 3.43 x 5.69 |
| XL, XLH Sportster | 1997-2003 | CCA: 270; Ah:18,9 | 65989-97 | 6.88 x 3.43 x 6.12 |
| XLCH Series (Sportster KickStart | 1970-1978 | CCA: 105; Ah:8,4 | 66006-70 | 5.35 x 2.99 x 5.2 |
| XLH (Sportster Electric Start) | 1967-1978 | CCA: 200; Ah:29,5 | 66007-84 | 8.03 x 6.61 x 5.96 |
| Street | 2014-2021 | CCA: 200; Ah:12,6 | 65958-04 | 6.00 x 3.44 x 5.80 |
CCA*= Cold Cranking Amps
Ah*= Ampere hours
This size chart will help you to choose a specific battery for your older and newer Harley Davidson. Figuring out the best option is difficult, especially for old HD models. You can easily find out which will give the best output with this chart.
Harley Davidson Battery Types
The primary function of the battery is to provide adequate power for the engine to run. However, if the battery is not perfect for the specific model of Harley Davidson, it may not function well.
You may be curious about the types of battery suits Harley. All the Harley Davidson models run on either a 12V battery or a 6V battery. In the first periods of Harley, they ran on a 6V battery. After that, Harleys run on 12 Volts till now. At higher voltage, Harley voltage regulator symptoms show up.
However, HD mainly depends on Lithium or AGM types of batteries.
Lead Acid Battery
Lead acid battery is one kind of rechargeable battery which has excellent charge retention ability. It’s one of the earliest battery types of Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Pros
- This is an easily recyclable battery
- Has less risk of leakage
- It has a high power density
- Pretty cost-effective
Cons
- Leakage may cause lead exposure which can be toxic for humans and the environment
- It has a short life cycle
- Will show a poor performance in cold weather
Gel Battery
It is one type of lead battery that contains electrolytes in gel form. This type of battery is pretty familiar for Harley users as it has excellent versatility.
Pros
- Slow power discharge
- It will need minimal maintenance
- This battery has excellent vibration resistance
- Low maintenance cost
Cons
- High initial cost
- At hot temperatures, the electrolyte gel can become hard. Hence, there will be a reduction in their performance
Lithium Battery
There are many Harley bikes in the market where you may see Lithium Batteries. Having a Lithium battery is more advantageous though it also has disadvantages.
Pros
- Batteries are much lighter than others. Compared to lead acid batteries, lithium batteries are 4 times lighter
- No use of acid; that’s why they are leakage free
- They are fast charging. Usually takes 1 to 2 hours for full charging
- It lasts a minimum of 5 years up to 10 years
- Have higher Cranking power
Cons
- Poor performance near or under freezing temperatures
- Expensive than others
- Need a specific battery charger
AGM Batteries
AGM is the best option for Harley-Davidson. Absorbent Glass Mat batteries win in every aspect, both in cold and hot weather.
Pros
- It can power up the engine in cold weather. Even if they can’t function in frozen conditions, they remain damage-free
- Low self-discharge rate
- Great workable ability under high pressure and heavy load
- Best to deal with vibration
- Maintenance free
- Shock resistance
- No specific orientation for the installment
Cons
- Capacity reduces with time
- Production cost is high
- Sensitive to overcharging and higher voltages
Here is a YouTube video for lithium and AGM battery comparison.
Considerations While Choosing Battery For Your Harley Davidson
Before picking up a battery for your Harley motorcycle, you need to consider a few things. Some factors like the suitability of the battery, performance, and your preferences will matter in the selection process.
Here are several factors that are crucial:
- Check for the battery size chart: You need to check from the Harley Davidson battery size chart which battery is recommended for your bike model
- Installing new battery: You should never install a battery that has lower specs than recommended by bike manufacturers. It won’t serve enough power for your bike to run
- Choosing low maintenance battery: Some batteries will require frequent maintenance. If you can’t do so, the battery performance will reduce over time. In this case, you need to choose any low-maintenance battery like Gel or AGM battery
- Choosing the right size: Choosing the wrong size battery as will cause severe damage to your bike. If you pick a battery of a larger size, you will face difficulty mounting the battery inside your vehicle. On the other hand, if you choose a smaller-size battery, it will cause the issue of rattling noises
- Choosing a high-performance battery: If you are more into long-distance riding, you must pick high ability battery
- Choosing a battery for extreme temperature: Some batteries aren’t suitable for extreme temperatures conditions. For example, the performance of lithium and gel batteries will become poor at cold and hot temperatures, respectively.
So, picking up an AGM battery will be the best choice for driving in extreme temperature conditions.
FAQs
In this FAQs section, we will discuss and answer common questions about Harley Davidson batteries.
HOW LONG DOES A HARLEY DAVIDSON BATTERY USUALLY LAST?
An HD battery usually lasts for 5 years on average. However, the duration may vary with mileage, travel conditions, and care. Proper maintenance in the off-season can increase the lifespan of Harley batteries.
CAN YOU OVERCHARGE A HARLEY BATTERY?
No, overcharging Harley’s batteries will lead to many issues. Overcharging the battery and boiling of electrolytes will occur with overcharging. In some cases, the battery may blow up and end in a severe accident.
HOW LONG SHOULD I CHARGE MY HARLEY BATTERY?
In general, the Harley battery takes 6 to 24 hours for full charging on average. The batteries are charged non-linearly, even with a constant current supply. It may take 8 to 10 hours for the last 30% charging.
Conclusion
Harley Davidson has provided a variety of batteries with different models for many years. Besides considering the size, you have to consider the types also. At present, Harley prefers the use of AGM batteries.
Throughout the article, we provided a Harley Davidson battery size chart. It will cover up all the Harley. Order your perfect size and type of battery with the Model name & OEM number using the chart, and you should be good to go.