Does OPTIMA Make a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Battery?

We have an 800 number (1-888-8-OPTIMA) that you can call during your business hours and an e-mail address (info@optimabatteries.com) but some folks prefer to have their questions answered here and we're happy to oblige. Today, our first question comes from Alan, who asks:

I am looking for a system to power a 1980's vintage stereo system at tailgates where generators are not allowed. For the past 7 years I used a Xantrex Power 600 – which is a marine battery and inverter all in one package (with wheels – wheels not necessary). Until recently it could power the stereo for ~5 hours or so. That product no longer exists and I thought perhaps OPTIMA would have a solution. Yellow top battery with a special battery to 120 VAC adapter?

Hi Alan, while you didn't specifically mention how much current your system draws over a five-hour period, we have talked with quite a few folks who use OPTIMA YELLOWTOP batteries in similar applications with the help of an inverter. The larger the battery, the more capacity is available to use. A good starting point might be to find out what the Reserve Capacity or amp-hour rating of your previous unit was, to help you understand how much capacity you might need from a battery (or bank of batteries). 

From there, keep in mind that the more deeply a battery is discharged, the fewer cycles you are likely to get out of it. While a Group D34 YELLOWTOP and a larger D31A may both be able to power your radio for five hours, the smaller capacity of the D34 (55Ah) when compared to the D31A(75Ah) will result in the D34 getting cycled more deeply and probably not lasting as long as the D31A in the same application. The other important thing to remember is to make sure you fully-recharge any battery you are using in such an application with a battery charger as soon as possible. 

Fully-charged, YELLOWTOPs will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts. Whenever any battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and is left sitting in that state, sulfation begins to form in the plates, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintenance device, like the OPTIMA Digital 400 or Digital 1200 an excellent investment, that can pay for itself. 

Our second question comes from Frank G, who asks,

Do you make a powersports battery that would fit my 2006 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic?

We now offer an ORANGETOP powersports battery that will fit more than 95% of the powersports market, including nearly all Harley-Davidson motorcycles! The one notable exception is the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, for which we do not offer a recommended fitment.