Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom

Batteries for Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom 56 CV

Harley-Davidson · Softail

Which battery does a Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom need?

Vehicle details

Brand
Harley-Davidson
Model
Softail
Built
1987 - 1998
Fuel
Petrol
Cylinders
2
Drive
Belts
🔧 Battery Expert Advisor

Battery analysis for your Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom

Quick answer Depending on the equipment, your car uses one of these two main batteries: AGM 18 Ah (175×87×154 mm), for which we recommend VARTA 518918032, or PLOMO/ACIDO 19 Ah (176×101×156 mm): VARTA 519012024. Before buying, check the Ah on your current battery's label or measure its length.

Batteries in your Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom

MainDepends on equipmentSee all in the list →

Measure the width of yours: 87 or 101 mm

Our recommendation
VARTA 518918032
VARTA 518918032
AGM18 Ah320 A
175 × 87 × 154 mm
€83.19Buy
Alternative
VARTA 519012024
VARTA 519012024
PLOMO/ACIDO19 Ah240 A
176 × 101 × 156 mm
€148.50Buy

Prices and availability updated on 26/09/2026

Based on the batteries we found for your vehicle, our experts help you pick the right one.

📋 What we found

For your Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom we found 10 compatible batteries. This list includes 8 Start-Stop batteries and 2 conventional batteries (non Start-Stop).

📏 Battery size

The list contains batteries in different sizes or capacities (Ah). In many cases both variants fit, but it's worth checking your compartment dimensions and the Ah of your original battery before buying. Choose the one with the same dimensions as your current battery: a bigger one may not fit the compartment or the hold-down. If several match your size, the higher capacity gives more headroom for cold starts.

⚡ Battery type for your vehicle

Does your Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom have a Start-Stop system? It shuts the engine off at short stops (traffic lights, jams) and restarts it automatically when you release the brake/clutch. If your dashboard has an "A-OFF" button or an engine icon with a circular arrow, it has it.

How do I know if my car has Start-Stop?
Start the engine, let it idle with the brake pressed: if at a stop the engine shuts down by itself and restarts when you release the brake, it has it. You can also look for an "A-OFF" button on the dashboard or a circular-arrow engine icon.
What happens if I fit a conventional battery in a Start-Stop car?
The battery will drain within months because it cannot sustain continuous start-stop cycles. The alternator also works harder compensating and may be damaged. We do not recommend it.

🔋 Technology (AGM / EFB)

📊 View AGM vs EFB vs Conventional — full comparison

Here are the key differences between the three starter battery technologies. AGM is the most advanced technology (and the priciest); EFB is the middle ground for basic Start-Stop; conventional (also called flooded lead-acid) is the classic choice for non-Start-Stop cars.

 AGMEFBConventional
Charge cyclesUp to 3× more Start-Stop cycles than a conventional (cycle endurance certified to VDA standard)~2× more Start-Stop cycles than a conventional (cycle endurance certified to VDA standard)Designed for start + alternator, not for repeated cycles
Expected life5-7 years under average use4-5 years under average use3-4 years under average use
Start-Stop compatible✓ Yes, even advanced systems (regenerative braking)✓ Yes, basic and mid-range Start-Stop✗ No — degrades within months
Cold startExcellent (higher CCA)Very goodAdequate
Relative price€€€ (highest)€€ (mid)€ (lowest)
Recommended forPremium cars with advanced Start-Stop, many electrical accessories, heavy urban useMid-range Start-Stop cars, mixed city/motorway useNon-Start-Stop cars, standard use, tight budget
Replacement ruleReplaces AGM and EFB; NEVER use EFB where AGM was originalReplaces EFB and conventional; does NOT replace AGMOnly conventional; not suitable for Start-Stop

Rule of thumb: when in doubt, a higher technology (AGM) always replaces a lower one (EFB or conventional); never the other way round.

⭐ Our recommendation

Our recommendation

For your Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom we recommend the VARTA 518918032 (AGM, 18 Ah). It also offers the highest capacity (Ah) and the highest cranking power (CCA) on the list — more headroom in cold starts and with many consumers. Varta is the world's leading manufacturer of starter batteries and supplies first-equipment (OEM) batteries to the major European car makers.

  • Rated 4.8/5 by 30 verified customers.
  • Next-day delivery if you order before 5 PM.
  • 26% cheaper than the most expensive option in the list.
See this battery →
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Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries

AGM or EFB battery for start-stop vehicles and for cars with high energy demand (many electrical consumers, frequent starts). More charge cycles, better charge recovery and longer service life.

8 products AGM or EFB battery for start-stop vehicles and for cars with high energy demand (many electrical consumers, frequent starts). More charge cycles, better charge recovery and longer service life.

Does your car have Start-Stop?

Start-Stop switches the engine off at traffic lights. If your car has it, it needs an AGM or EFB battery.

Categoría Make Referencia Capacidad Arranque en frío Medidas Tecnología Price
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries VARTA 518918032 18 Ah 320 A 175×87×154 mm AGM €83.19 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries VARTA 518901025 18 Ah 250 A 177×88×156 mm AGM €53.60 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries EXIDE ETX20HL-BS 18 Ah 270 A 175×90×155 mm AGM €49.30 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries MOTOBATT MBTX20UHD 21 Ah 310 A 175×87×155 mm Quadflex €149.20 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries MOTOBATT MBTX20U 21 Ah 310 A 175×87×155 mm Quadflex €149.20 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries VARTA 518902025 18 Ah 250 A 177×88×156 mm AGM €112.60 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries EXIDE AGM12-19 18 Ah 270 A 175×90×155 mm AGM €79.10 Más info
Start-Stop & high energy demand batteries VARTA 518909027 18 Ah 270 A 175×87×154 mm AGM €93.20 Más info

Conventional Battery

This is a standard or conventional battery for vehicles without a start-stop system

2 products This is a standard or conventional battery for vehicles without a start-stop system
Categoría Make Referencia Capacidad Arranque en frío Medidas Tecnología Price
Conventional Battery VARTA 519012024 19 Ah 240 A 176×101×156 mm — €148.50 Más info
Conventional Battery EXIDE EB16-B 19 Ah 190 A 175×100×155 mm PLOMO/ACIDO €72.40 Más info

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Frequently asked questions

The Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom may use different batteries depending on engine and equipment. We found 10 compatible batteries priced between 49,30€ — 149,20€. Check dimensions and positive terminal position before purchasing.
Motorcycles can use GEL, AGM, or conventional batteries. GEL batteries are ideal for occasional use. AGM batteries are the best option for heavy use or high-power motorcycles. Always check the polarity before installation.
Polarity indicates which side has the positive (+) terminal. This is critical for motorcycles because some models have the positive terminal on the left and others on the right. Check the label on your current battery or the manufacturer's manual.
Yes. First disconnect the negative (−) wire and then the positive (+) wire. When installing the new one, connect the positive (+) wire first and then the negative (−) wire. Always respect the correct polarity.
Use the search tool by selecting your vehicle's make and model. Our system automatically filters compatible part numbers verified by our technicians. If you have any questions, contact us via WhatsApp.
As they are consumable items, car batteries have a 2-year warranty, truck batteries a 1-year warranty, and all others (motorcycle batteries, cyclic batteries, etc.) a 6-month warranty. If a battery has a manufacturing defect, it will be replaced at no cost to the user.
Under normal circumstances, batteries usually arrive within 1 to 2 days of ordering. However, there are some cases where delivery may take a little longer: peak seasons (Black Friday, Christmas, etc.), palletized shipments, occasional stock shortages, etc.
⚠ Then you need a battery designed for Start-Stop (EFB or AGM). We have hidden the conventional batteries from the list: fitting them in your car would ruin the battery within months and could damage the alternator. The batteries below are built for the frequent charge/discharge cycles of Start-Stop. 💡 Great. You can buy either a conventional or a Start-Stop (EFB or AGM) battery: a Start-Stop battery is perfectly valid in a non-Start-Stop car and is actually more robust (longer life, better cold-start performance). It is just a bit pricier. On vehicles older than year 2000, an EFB is preferable to an AGM: legacy alternators charge at a fixed voltage without temperature compensation, and an AGM needs a more precise charging profile to avoid losing life quickly — an EFB tolerates the classic alternator profile better. 💡 If in doubt, play it safe: buy a Start-Stop battery (EFB or AGM). It works in Start-Stop cars and non-Start-Stop cars alike, lasts longer and avoids any risk. You only pay a few euros more than a conventional one.

Guías

Guide to safely replace the battery of the Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom. Estimated time: 10-20 minutes. Tools: 8-10 mm wrenches, 4-6 mm Allen keys or Torx depending on the model. Many bikes require removing the seat or a side panel to reach the battery. Check the manual for fully faired models or those with reverse polarity.

  1. Prepare the motorcycle Put the bike on the centre stand — or, failing that, the side stand — on flat, firm ground. Switch off the ignition, remove the key and wait a few minutes for the engine to cool.
  2. Locate the battery On most motorcycles the battery sits under the seat, behind a side panel or near the fuel tank. On cruisers and adventure bikes it may be under the tank or in a frame compartment. Check the owner's manual if you can't find it.
  3. Remove the seat or access panel Release the seat (usually unlocked with the ignition key) or undo the side-panel screws (4-6 mm Allen keys or Torx are common). Keep the fasteners in order so you don't lose any.
  4. Identify polarity and hold-down Find the positive terminal («+», red cable) and the negative («−», black cable). Warning: some motorcycles — especially classic Japanese models — use reverse polarity; always confirm the exact orientation before removing the battery. Check whether it is held by a strap, clamp or plate.
  5. Disconnect the negative terminal first Using an 8-10 mm wrench, loosen and disconnect the negative terminal. Move it far enough from the chassis and secure it so it can't touch accidentally while you work.
  6. Disconnect the positive terminal Remove the positive protective cap if present and disconnect that terminal. Move the cable aside carefully and shield the area to avoid short circuits.
  7. Remove the old battery Undo the strap or hold-down. Lift the battery out keeping it upright; it weighs 2-8 kg depending on type. If it is an old flooded battery, be extra careful not to spill acid.
  8. Install the new battery and connect the terminals Fit the new battery matching the original polarity. If it is an AGM delivered dry, follow the manufacturer's instructions to activate it with electrolyte before installing. Connect positive first, then negative, and tighten gently — don't overtorque, the screws can break.
  9. Refit panels and verify Reattach the panel and seat. Without holding the starter button for more than 5 seconds at a time, start the bike and check lights, indicators, horn and instrument cluster. Reset the clock and any lost settings.

General reference guide: always consult your vehicle manufacturer's manual before following these steps, as procedures may vary or not be suitable depending on model, year and equipment. If in doubt, consult a professional. baterias.com accepts no liability for damage resulting from an incorrect procedure.

Knowing your battery polarity (positive on the right or on the left) is the most important step before buying a replacement: connecting it the wrong way can damage the electronics. Estimated time: 2 minutes. Tools: eyes only — no tools required.

  1. Locate the battery Open the bonnet of the Harley-Davidson Softail 1340 Softail Custom and find the battery. It is usually a rectangular block with two metal terminals (large screw heads) on top — one red or "+" and one black or "−".
  2. Identify the positive terminal The positive terminal (+) typically has a red cap, red sticker or cover, a raised "+" symbol on the casing, and/or a slightly larger diameter (19 mm vs 17 mm of the negative, in standard European batteries).
  3. Face the battery Look at the battery from the label side with the terminals near you — the edge with the terminals should face you, not the back.
  4. Determine polarity If the positive pole is on the RIGHT → choose a battery marked as "positive right". If it is on the LEFT → choose one marked as "positive left". (If the label of your current or new battery shows codes like 0, 1, 3 or 4: 0 and 4 are positive right; 1 and 3, positive left — 3 and 4 correspond to batteries with terminals on the narrow side.)
  5. Note the reference The label on top shows the reference (e.g. "A9", "TK960", "EA900"). Search for the exact model with that reference and the identified polarity — never change polarity without consulting the vehicle manufacturer.

General reference guide: always consult your vehicle manufacturer's manual before following these steps, as procedures may vary or not be suitable depending on model, year and equipment. If in doubt, consult a professional. baterias.com accepts no liability for damage resulting from an incorrect procedure.