BATTERY

[BARNES]

:( hi, I have a 2005 883xl sportster. I have not riddin it much. I went to ride it over the weekend and found the the bike would not start. the bike had no power at all. I went and bought a battery recharger and It took almost 2 days to recharge. when I was able to start the bike it started up fine. I hopped on and when I got going it was struggling. It stopped struggling at 30-40 miles hr. evertime I stopped and go it did that. finally after a couple of miles It stalled on me 3x at a light. I have had the advice from others who ride to 1st to change the oil. which it looks like it needs it. 2nd to exchange the battery. please note this bike is all stock parts. I purchased this bike from Latus last year in May at a crate sale. what is your advise? thanks

[Mike]

The oil change would be good but would not address your concern. It could be water or "carmel" in your fuel after setting for an extended period. I cannot see how a battery would cause the "struggling" since the bike restarted after each event. I would advise replacing the fuel with some fresh fuel, adding some Stable to the first couple of tanks and whenever you know the bike will not be ridden for time, install a Battery Tender to keep the battery fresh when not ridden and of course the oil/filter change. If the battery still goes down when on the Tender, then it can be tested with the Optimate (at a dealership) to determine if replacement is needed.
Thanks, Mike