The voltage of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle battery could be either 6 volts or 12 volts. This depends largely on the make and model of your Harley. Intriguingly, bikes manufactured until the early 1960s typically used 6-volt batteries, whereas those made post the 1960s have predominantly shifted to 12-volt batteries. Thus, if you’re riding a Harley that’s about 40 to 50 years old, it’s likely powered by a 12-volt battery.
The roar of a Harley-Davidson is unmistakable. Yet, beneath that formidable exterior lies a subtle aspect that determines its performance — the motorcycle battery. The voltage of this battery, an integral part of a Harley-Davidson’s operations, has an interesting historical evolution. Here, we trace the voltage lineage of Harley-Davidson batteries, delineating the shift from 6 volts to 12 volts, and impart crucial insights on maintaining its health for an unparalleled biking experience. So what’re you waiting for? Let’s get to it!
What’s The Correct Harley Davidson Battery Voltage?
The battery voltage for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle depends significantly on its type. A Harley-Davidson utilizing a 12-volt battery is deemed fully charged when it displays 12.6 to 13.2 volts. Conversely, if it uses a 6-volt battery, it’s considered fully charged at readings between 6.3 to 6.6 volts.
An interesting aspect to note here is that even a 6-volt Harley can operate efficiently on lower-voltage batteries. However, the headlights may go dimmer as you increase your speed.
A 6-volt battery might be classified as dead or fully discharged at 5.25 volts, while a 12-volt battery is considered fully-discharged at 10.5 volts.
| Battery Voltage | State of Charge |
|---|---|
| 12.7 V | 100% |
| 12.6 V | 75% |
| 12.3 V | 50% |
| 12.0 V | 25% |
| 11.8 V | 0% |
Interestingly, when the motorcycle starts, the battery voltage tends to drop. A 12-volt battery can decrease to around 11.20 volts. This is quite normal as the motorcycle requires current from the battery to start. Once the motorcycle is running, the voltage should be in the range of 13.6 to 14.5 volts.
Is All Harley Battery Voltage The Same?
The motorcycle industry, similar to the automotive industry, began gradually transitioning to 12-volt systems during the early 1960s. Consequently, if your Harley was made before 1964, it likely uses a 6-volt battery. If it was manufactured during the 1960s, you might need additional research. On the other hand, if your Harley was made in the last 40 to 50 years, it’s likely running on a 12-volt battery.
While all modern motorcycles manufactured in the last 30 to 50 years use 12-volt batteries, older motorcycles, including Harleys made during and before the 1960s, majorly use a 6-volt battery.
How Long Do Harley Davidson Batteries Last?
The lifespan of a Harley-Davidson battery primarily depends on the type of battery, its usage, and maintenance. Generally, a well-maintained battery should last anywhere between 3 to 5 years. However, this could vary, and some batteries may require replacement earlier due to factors such as frequent short rides, extreme weather conditions, or the motorcycle’s electrical demands. For this reason, it’s easily summed up as: the lifespan of your Harley Davidson depends entirely on which battery you chose.
Related: How Long Do Harley Batteries Last Actually? (Surprising)
Will Harley Davidson Battery Voltage Change Over Time?
Yes, the voltage of a Harley Davidson Battery can change over time due to several factors such as age, usage, and maintenance. Typically, a battery’s voltage may decrease due to aging and frequent use. Regular maintenance and proper charging habits can help prolong the battery’s life and maintain its voltage.
Recap of Main Points
To summarize, understanding the voltage of your Harley-Davidson motorcycle battery is critical to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. While older Harley models (pre-1964) commonly use a 6-volt battery, the newer ones (post-1960s) have switched to a 12-volt battery system. The average lifespan of a well-maintained Harley-Davidson battery is between 3 to 5 years, though this might vary based on several factors. Regular maintenance and proper charging habits can go a long way in boosting your Harley battery’s lifespan and maintaining its voltage.