I was wondering how long a stock type battery usually lasts? At first I did not use a battery tender, and after several batteries put the tender on it hopefully to increase life. I have never gotten more than say 18 months, even when hooked up to the battery tender when I didnt or couldnt ride for more than two weeks. I rode the bike yesterday, with no signs of trouble. Suited up this morning went to start the bike, waited for the fuel pump to kick off, and only got two turns of the starter before everything went dead. I hooked it up to the battery tender anyways, when I got home, the tender led was green. tried to start it didn't even blink the headlights. I am assuming that the battery has lost the ability to hold enough amps. are there better longer lasting batteries than stock from the dealer? I'm not too concerned with the weight of it, it is just getting lame replacing batteries since they are so easy to get to.

Thanks Chris

3-5 years is normal. Every time your battery is completely dead, it's life decreases. Without putting my bike on the battery tender, it will start even after months. Sounds like you might have a short draining your battery, and maybe even a defective tender. Also make sure the battery connections are clean and tight.

* Last updated by: alg8er on 9/12/2012 @ 10:51 PM *

You might want to go with the Shorai....mine has held up VERY nicely in the time it's been in there(since last December).....She fires everytime....strong...not the slightest peep of hesitation so far..haven't had to boost her once yet.All my OEM batteries have over time gotten weaker...but haven't had one fail completely yet.(course,I'm not using them anymore either...)I did keep those on a tender throughout the Winter...and some during riding season.So far...this Shorai hasn't needed one tending yet.Sometimes sitting for over a week without starting.The factory batteries couldn't boast that...having full power after sitting for a time.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/12/2012 @ 11:03 PM *

I was wondering how long a stock type battery usually lasts?

Get a Shorai.

might as well even if you do not have use for weight savings much.

http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=F1CFFB29-D56B-84E2-1DCBA2E132C9C0D9

* Last updated by: Rook on 9/13/2012 @ 5:41 PM *

I can't remember the last time a battery went bad on me on a bike.... probably back in the dark ages of lead/acid batteries.

I just keep mine on the float charger when not using the bike for a few weeks.

I'm at 3 years and counting with no signs of problems, I have a tender but only use it for the winter. Sounds like you may have a bad regulator/rectifier or possibly a problem with the alternator that might be frying the batteries.

I haven't personally read the service manual cover to cover but I would expect it to have a thorough write up on how to test each of the circuits.

^ After you fix the regulator or alternator, drop a 12-cell Li-ion battery in there...shouldn't have to worry again, haha.

Always put my bike on a battery tender 800 when I am not on the road. I picked up the silver 08 on 11/17/07 and the battery that came with the bike is still in it 50,000 miles later.

Have never replaced a battery on any of my bikes due to dieing. Only one I have replaced is on my R6 needed the room under the seat to install my PCV & AT200. Didn't want it in the tail incase I wiped out on the track! Gave that battery to my buddy still going in his bike.

I'm running a Bikemaster Tru-Gel. It's in it's 2nd motorcycle. Been in this one for over a year and was in the one I wrecked for about 1 1/2 years. They are warranteed to last 3 times as long as a lead-acid battery. I read the Shorais (and other lithium-ion batteries, too) require a special charger that runs about $100. I want to be sure I have enough amperage to run my Gerbings heated gear.

3 years.

I'm still running the stock battery in my 06! I just don't let it sit long...

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-battery/li-ion-motorcycle-battery/shorai-vs-ballistic-li-ion-motorcycle-battery.htm heres a compare between shorai and ballistic

I'd expect around 5 years + from a well maintained decent battery. The OE Yuasa lasted just over 5 years on my '04 R1 and wasn't completely dead when I changed it. Just wouldn't hold enough charge to start the bike if left for more than a week or so. The replacement lasted 18 months. The bike was laid up for around 2 months with the alarm on and this killed the battery. Residual voltage was down to 4 volts. One of the easiest ways I know to kill a lead-acid battery. Managed to recover it with one of the so called 'intelligent' chargers but the capacity was way down after that and wouldn't hold charge for more than a few days. Lesson learnt.

mine just died lasted 3 years, started once, and then it only put 9.2 volts Auto Zone said it was shot

I only would get 2 years tops if not maintained.