How do I check the to see if the correct AMP amount is be sent to starter. 1. How does an owner check that? 2. Does the battery of a Harley with a 1450ci engine and one with a 1650ci engine with high compression require the same crank amp battery?
Via Email
Harley batteries last 4 years; 5 if your lucky.
If you are testing your charging system at the battery:
Test battery voltage with the bike off. This is also known as static.
Then test running. When running, you should have at least 1 VDC more output.
For instance, if your static voltage is 12.20 – Running (DC voltage at battery) should be, at least 13.20 with a healthy charging system. You can test triggered voltage to your starter by unplugging the trigger wire and testing voltage delivery with the start switch depressed. This reading will typically be 1 to 2 volts less than static voltage.
You should always purchase the correct HD battery for your specific make and model. If an engine is built with a lot of compression, it should have electronic compression releases. If you need more specific info for your bikes electrical system, you should consider buying the electrical manual for your make and model. It covers absolutely everything.
Related Fix My Hog Videos:
Harley Davidson Battery Posts and Videos
Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
Already a member? Sign in
3 Responses to “Battery Question for High Compression”
The way I understand it, if a starter motor is rated at 1.4kw, That means it should draw roughly 116.7 amps at 12 volts. Amps x Volts = Watts. So watts divided by Volts = Amps. You can check it with an induction clamp on multi-meter wrapped around a battery cable while cranking. If it draws way more, I would think the starter is either weak from age or not powerfull enough. But first I would check my connections for cleanliness & tightness.
You say a harley battery lasts around 4 years... I just got my third this week. 2011 fatboy purchased from the dealer in 2017 with 7 miles on it. Replaced the battery in April 2020, warped and cracked and just replaced June 2021 and they had no answer other than $130 please. I keep it on a tender all year round and have done this for 20 years. Any thoughts?
My original Harley battery lasted 14 years! Always kept it on a battery tender. (Just an observation: in your response, "Harley batteries last 4 years; 5 if your lucky" "your" should be "you're," the contraction of "you are."