To change battery or not?

[in.malibu.next.to.you]

I bought a carb Sportster, I think 2003 or something, because it's got low mileage at only 7k. Hardware still looks sparkly so I'm not sure what's happening now. The battery is an aftermarket one with chinese markings so I'm thinking of changing it. It's only 12.5 volts and it has a battery tender to stay charged. I fixed the wiring but it's not starting anymore. What to do? Any brand you can recommend for a heavy duty battery will help too.

 

[RetroRideFan]

Sounds like that battery is toast! 12.5v with a tender screaming for help? Yeah, ditch it.you can use brand yuasa or deka for the battery @in.malibu.next.to.you

 

[IronHorse]

If that battery's only pulling 12.5V with a tender, it's likely toast. Swap it out, I'd go Yuasa YTX20L-BS if you want solid, reliable cranking or Odyssey PC680 if you're feeling fancy. Both handle vibration and cold starts like champs. Let me know what you grab

 

[Gorilla77]

I rolled the dice with an EverStart battery from Walmart, of all places. It's an AGM and it has been great for me for quite a few years. My bike sits in a cold garage all winter for about 5 months with temps well below freezing (sometimes -30C) and it still fires right up in the spring. I've charged it a couple times in the spring but even then it doesn't need much to top it up.