Harley-Davidson is one of the most highly respected names in motorcycles. You could say that it’s considered the “king” with its commanding V-twin engine roaring through the highways and byways of America. It’s the kind of motorcycle you ride for a Sunday ride or a regular commute. Like any other motorcycle, it relies on a battery to get that engine started so you can ride to wherever you need to go.
The last thing Harley riders like you need to deal with is handling those dead battery blues. We’ll be taking a look at a list of selections from Battery Tender so you can decide which one is perfect for your bike. Let’s go over some of the details as to why a battery charger makes sense and find the best option for your motorcycle batteries.
Choosing the Right Charger for Your Harley-Davidson
A Harley-Davidson’s battery requires the right charger to ensure the legendary motor starts up and makes that thunderous noise that is music to the ears of any motorcyclist. How can you find the right one? It starts with finding the right features and how they benefit you. They include:
- Battery Type: Motorcycles can be powered by different types of batteries. They include GEL, Lithium, AGM, or Lead Acid batteries.
- Usage: You may use your motorcycle year-round or seasonally. This matters a lot since a battery still discharges, even if you’ve stored it for the winter. Extending the battery life is important when it comes to long-term storage. That's why investing in a motorcycle battery charger system is key.
- Number of Bikes You Own: You could have more than one Harley-Davidson. The number of bikes you might have could determine the type of charger you’re looking for.
- Safety Features: Are you worried about losing track of time charging your battery? No worries, there are safety features to look for, like a “float mode” to help prevent overcharging. With something like a standard trickle charger, you won't find features like that.
While these are just sample considerations, they are important in helping you find the right battery charger for your Harley. If you’re looking for one that is easy to use and the perfect fit for your engine, Battery Tender might have what you need.
Best Battery Chargers for a Harley-Davidson: Our Best Picks
Below are five of the best battery chargers for a Harley-Davidson. Be sure to carefully look through the details of each option so you can decide if it will be the best fit for your Harley and budget.
Battery Tender Junior 800mA 12V Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger
First on the list is the Battery Tender Junior 800mA 12V Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger. This might be one of the best budget-friendly options for those who want to keep their Harley battery charged. It’s an excellent fit for 12V batteries that will deliver an output of 800mA. Its low-maintenance design makes this a must-have for Harley riders to take on the go, whether it’s a road trip on the weekends or the usual commute.
Another thing to point out is that it boasts versatility in terms of battery compatibility. If you have a lithium, GEL, or standard battery, this can be the best fit for your battery needs. Finally, it has alligator clips that you can easily connect to the battery. If they are disconnected incorrectly, no charge is delivered thanks to the reverse polarity protections installed.
Key features:
- Features an output of 12V @ 800mA
- Low-maintenance design for easy storage
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries
Weather Resistant 800mA, 12V Battery Charger
Up next is one of the best battery chargers for a Harley-Davidson if storing it during the winter months is the normal procedure. This battery charger boasts an output of 800mA and has a current range from 0 to 2 AMPs. It has excellent weather-resistant features, so if you are charging your battery outdoors on a rainy day in the summer, it won’t be affected in the slightest. Plus, you can store your bike in a cold garage all winter long, and this charger will continue to work.
It will maintain a battery once it's fully charged. That way, you won’t have to worry about overcharging it. It’s connect and forget, so your battery is in good hands even if you don’t touch your bike for months while it’s being stored. Finally, it’s small enough for easy transportation, so you can store it in a compartment and bring it with you. For the seasonal Harley riders, this charger could be the go-to option for maintaining your motorcycle's battery life.
Key features:
- Output of 800mA
- Over 12 feet of total reach
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries
2-Bank, 1.25 AMP 12V Battery Charger
If you have two motorcycles that need their batteries charged, this is one of the best options. That’s because it has two battery charging banks that deliver an output of 1.25 AMP each.
It’s an excellent fit for 12V batteries that power your Harley and the other bike you might have. Even better, it’s versatile in terms of battery compatibility. You’ll also have safety features like reverse polarity protection, spark-proof protection, and a 25-hour safety timer shutoff. Your batteries hit their full charge, and they switch to float mode, ensuring the battery health is stable and good enough for you to start up your Harley without issue.
Key features:
- 2 bank charger at 1.25 AMPs each
- Can charge 2 12V batteries at once
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries
Battery Tender Plus 1.25 AMP 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer
This may or may not be the best all-around charger for Harley owners. Nevertheless, we won’t be surprised if this ends up being your most preferred choice over a standard trickle charger. With 1.25 AMPs of charging power, it could be the best option since it may be faster than 800mA units. It features the usual multi-stage charging to ensure your battery health is in good condition for the long term.
This charger is mighty in its job. Best of all, it is a good option if you are looking for the best functioning battery charger for your Harley that fits your budget. Why sacrifice quality and performance to save a few bucks when you can spend the same amount of money on something that goes above and beyond a standard battery maintainer and charger?
Key features:
- 1.25 AMP of charging power for a 12V battery
- Multi-stage charging (bulk, absorption, and float modes)
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries
Charge N Start 1100 1 AMP Battery Charger & 1000 AMP Jump Starter
The ultimate in convenience. Yes, it is a battery charger, but it doubles as a jump starter. It can be the perfect riding buddy for when you see a stranded biker who needs a jump. When you’re not riding your Harley, you can give the battery a 1-AMP charge that will keep it charged and ready to operate whenever you’re up for a ride. If the battery is dead because you forgot to charge it for a long time, you can give it 1000 peak AMPs of power to get it going again.
Let’s not forget its versatility as it is compatible with numerous battery types. No need for guesswork on what kind of battery you’re jumping. Also, Charge N Start 1100 is automatic in switching between modes; therefore, it will switch between maintenance and jump-start modes without needing manual mode selection, but user connection, like connecting the clamps and turning it on for jump-starting, is still required.
Key features:
- Automatic switch between a battery maintainer and an internal jump starter for motorcycle batteries
- 1 AMP charging and 1000 AMP jump starting for 12V batteries
- Compatible with AGM, GEL, Lithium, and Standard (Sealed or Flooded Lead Acid) batteries
See What Battery Tender Has for You
Battery Tender has these five battery chargers for your Harley that will keep the battery functioning and able to power your bike for as long as necessary. It’s the kind of charger that will be useful for seasonal storage or whenever you need to charge the battery after riding it constantly. Either way, one of these five might be the best fit for you. Grab one and make it your reliable charger for the long term.
