Harley Davidson Pan America with a Drag Specialties Performance Battery

[@MinnowMoto]

Thanks all for watching. The battery seems to have more power and charges up faster then the stock. The Low voltage is still an issue. Not as low yet. May have to make some more changes.

[@Chase_N]

I guess we both get to be test monkeys. I installed the DS Premium battery 10/27/24. I came out after an overnight stay at a friend's house (there was frost on my Pan Am) to see the battery read 11.8V before start up. I've occasionally heard some racket from the VVT and I'd had a stall at one point too so it was time. The DS is approved by my local H-D dealer/service dept, they sell the DS themselves for install so there's no pesky warranty concerns. So far so good, my start ups have been much easier. I'll have to check how old my battery was, but it had been replaced in June of 2023 and only made it to Oct 2024. I probably could've warrantied it but I'd end up in the same spot next year. I decided to cut bait. Great vid, with a backlog, I'm a month or more away from releasing mine.

[@MinnowMoto]

So far so good. I'll keep an eye out for you're review. Thanks for watching.

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I added the NOCO jumper extension. Needed it one time in Alaska on a cold day. Battery placement on the PA is a PITA. One thing i found as well over time the cable bolts would loosen up every 4-5K miles.

[@MinnowMoto]

Thanks Pete. I've kept a close eye on the battery bolt and had no issues. Now that I moved somethings around I'll keep a closer eye on it. My grab one of those boosters.

[@BlackphoenixEntertainment]

interesting place for a battery. hopefully this one works longer for you.

[@MinnowMoto]

Thanks and I hope so. I've seen some crazy battery placement, but no issues with that so far. Thanks for watching.

[@Ucmpigs]

Great install Jerry! I run a Die Hard from Auto Zone.

[@MinnowMoto]

I was worried about it being an odd size. A long time ago I had a buddy that worked for interstate. He could get anything. Thanks for watching.

[@GlidingOnTwos]

My last battery on the SG lasted 7 years. And it still had juice left, but didn't want to keep rolling that dice, 😂.

[@MinnowMoto]

Yup! So not worth getting stranded. Especially for a few extra months. Thanks for watching.

[@RoadReality]

Yes! New-ark, you got it right! The locals really hate it when you pronounce it New-erk :D

[@MinnowMoto]

Haha. Yeah. I use to be a local :)

[@PurpleOnThree]

That skid plate looks like it's had some good use!!

[@MinnowMoto]

Yeah, its beat up a little. Still works lol. Thanks for watching.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

those voltage drops are indicative that your charging system is on it's way out. Unfortunately I think a new stator / rotor assembly is in your future. My 21 only dips to 13 when I have heated gear turned on high. Otherwise I never drop below 13.6.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

with heated jacket and gloves on high, high beam and aux lights on high, grips on high, and my carplay screen on, I will drop to 12.8 at idle. As soon as I start moving it pops back up in the mid 13s. With heated gear at about midway up and aux lights on but not on high, I hover around 13.6 to 13.8 at idle.

[@MinnowMoto]

@@MikesMotorbikeChannel Yeah. I'm still at about 12.3 dipping to 12. Nothing turned on. I think I read there is a service bulletin with the 24 upgraded parts. Not sure If I should try to replace with stock parts or look into that kit.

[@MikesMotorbikeChannel]

@ charging system parts for 21 - 23 are no longer being made. The service bulletin stated dealers could order them as long as they had stock.

[@dabishop9060]

Jerry,Your Just Giving Yourself An Excuse to Buy A Road Glide...🤔😅🤠👍

[@PurpleOnThree]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MinnowMoto]

I've considered it, just not sure if that my style.

[@PurpleOnThree]

Harley, Harley, Harley....Yeah, Dale is right...an excuse to buy a Road Glide, lol...I mean you can still keep it. That is crazy...two years...Tommy had a 5 year battery on his Ultra Limited and I had a 5 year batter on my 2018 Can-Am...we only bought new to go to Alaska...other batteries seemed fine.

[@MinnowMoto]

Better safe than sorry. I don't think I'm a road glide guy. They are fun to ride, but I don't know about that seating position. Thanks for watching.

[@derricktyc888]

As others have said, your issue could be more serious. The charging system - stator, rotor, starter clutch may need to change. I had the same issues. The voltage will drop lower and lower. Mine dropped to around 11-12. The normal range should be around 14 idle and moving. My bike is also out of warranty. I replaced the charging system with 21-23 parts (which are obselete now) costs around 1k including installation. The 24 parts will costs arounf 3-4k including installation. Keep us updated how it goes.

[@MinnowMoto]

The new battery has been great, but I'm pretty sure you are right. Voltage is dropping at low RPMs again. Pretty sure I have to pay a fee to get it looked at and hope they can I get the 23 parts. Fingers crossed. I have gotten some feedback from other owners who are saying they have the same issue and just keep riding. Just changed the style a little. I'll post an update when I figure it out.

[@derricktyc888]

@MinnowMoto really hope that you will still be able to get the 23 parts. The huge cost difference between 23 and 24 parts is ridiculous from HD. Many Pan Am have charging system issues and HD should lower the cost for upgrade. Not set an exorbitant prices! This is not the way to keep your customera.

[@MinnowMoto]

@@derricktyc888 I've been totally happy with the bike and you are totally right. This could be the dealbreaker on if I buy an HD again..

[@BobbyMiller3]

Low speed riding or at idle speed doesn't output enough voltage to run the bike + accessories. It might use the battery to surge power. Once you get to higher speeds, the stator spins faster with motor RPM and puts out more voltage. Awesome battery replacement disassembly video!

[@MinnowMoto]

Thanks for watching. Its not dropped below 12v yet. But my aux lights are off, no heater gear or grips. Let see how this wither goes.

[@RoadReality]

Good luck with your new battery :D I love AGM batteries! I've been running Yuasa AGM batteries in my Kawasakis for 15 years, love 'em! My Street Glide's battery is 6 years old now... could go at any minute, I guess! I keep mine on a tender whenever not ridden, that probably helps.

[@MinnowMoto]

I'm always on a tender. Some say that's not good either. I have no idea. :)

[@RoadReality]

@@MinnowMoto Harley specifically says in the Touring bike owner's manual to leave your bike on a tender when it's not being ridden. No time table on what "not being ridden" means, either.

[@larry68hd11]

Good luck Jerry

[@MinnowMoto]

Thanks Larry. Finger Crossed.

[@MotoNoggin]

Great video Jerry! I leave my bike on the tender or it won’t start after two days.

[@MinnowMoto]

My bike is almost always on a tender. This battery will fit in your bike too.

[@n8ivelum]

I'm lucky. I rarely put mine on the tender and can not start it for 2 weeks and it'll fire right up.

[@MinnowMoto]

@@n8ivelum Nice. I keep my in the tendar to keep the battery charged. I've never had a no start. Hope thats not messing things up.

[@wombatt6669]

I think the noise you were hearing is the magnets coming loose in your rotor. Youre not charging at 12.5v. you should really be mid to upper 13v at idle.

[@MinnowMoto]

But the magnets would be on the shifter ride right? The noise is on the brake side. But I agree. I think the magnets are an issue. Thanks for watching.

[@HarleyGurl114]

Good idea to change the battery, every 5 years NO matter, who wants to be stuck!!!

[@MinnowMoto]

Well said. Its worth it for a little piece of mind. Thanks for watching.

[@adventuresofkeyfob9849]

Them tires dont last long at all.... first problem for me. Only reason i steered away from em. Love the look tho.

[@MinnowMoto]

I got 15k miles out of the 1st set. Bought a second set. Lol

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

Drag Specialties seems to make really solid stuff but seem to fly under the radar. I feel like the battery that low on an ADV bike that is meant to go through water and mud is just a poorly though out design though

[@MinnowMoto]

Agreed. Its going to get wet and dirty. I'm hoping those engineers know what they were doing. lol

[@BobbyMiller3]

Lithium batteries are not approved by Harley for revolution max and new touring models good that you went AGM

[@MinnowMoto]

Yeah, thats what I was told. If I get 5 years out of a battery I'm happy.

[@theladwiththebeard]

NOCO GB20 is what I've used and it can start the bike no issues.

[@MinnowMoto]

Going to add that to my Amazon cart right now. Thanks for watching and the info.