Batt. Tender- to use or not to use, that is the question.
#21
12-03-2009, 02:06 PM
Join Date: Jun 2009
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I'd prefer NOT to if I don't have to, but I COULD take the battery to the power, instead of vice versa. That was the point of the original post.
But thanks for the advice.
Last edited by dlnp22; 12-03-2009 at 02:09 PM.
#22
12-03-2009, 02:07 PM
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Provided you manage to find a connection, definitely buy one.
One thing, though: not all batteries are equal.
Lead calcium batteries, lead-gel batteries and AGM batteries require different reload and float cycles.
The wrong battery tender can spoil your high performance battery.
If you have one of the high end AGM batteries like Spark or Odyssey, definitely buy a tender specifically designed for such batteries.
One thing, though: not all batteries are equal.
Lead calcium batteries, lead-gel batteries and AGM batteries require different reload and float cycles.
The wrong battery tender can spoil your high performance battery.
If you have one of the high end AGM batteries like Spark or Odyssey, definitely buy a tender specifically designed for such batteries.
edit: assuming they're ALL sealed/gel
Last edited by dlnp22; 12-03-2009 at 03:06 PM.
when ever bikes not in use!
#24
12-03-2009, 03:37 PM
Been using them since they first came out.Will double the life of your batteries.
#25
12-03-2009, 04:36 PM
Use it. They are great. One little thing though. Even though they don't overcharge the battery like a trickle charger, if you don't have a sealed battery, keep an eye on the electrolyte level.
#27
12-03-2009, 08:34 PM
Use the tender. Bad things happen in batteries that sit for a long time without getting a charge....and they actually happen faster in warm weather than cold...though the first cold weather start (with oil thickened by the cold) is when the trouble is first discovered.
I have battery tenders on all my bikes....with the harness you can even rotate the charger from bike to bike. I've got a 99 Honda Valkyrie (with a big 6 cyclinder engine) and a 2002 battery that is still going strong.....and I've had other batteries of similar quality that crapped out in a year....because of no charging.
Of course, if you store your bike outside in the weather (even under a cover that traps water) battery health will eventually be the least of your problems. I cover my bikes in the garage, but only with cotton sheets to keep the dust off...you don't want moisture to accumulate.
I have battery tenders on all my bikes....with the harness you can even rotate the charger from bike to bike. I've got a 99 Honda Valkyrie (with a big 6 cyclinder engine) and a 2002 battery that is still going strong.....and I've had other batteries of similar quality that crapped out in a year....because of no charging.
Of course, if you store your bike outside in the weather (even under a cover that traps water) battery health will eventually be the least of your problems. I cover my bikes in the garage, but only with cotton sheets to keep the dust off...you don't want moisture to accumulate.
#28
12-03-2009, 08:43 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Northwest of Los Angeles
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I use battery tenders year around on my bikes..
They keep your battery in peak condition during the summer, as well as the cold winter months.
For what it's worth, the batteries in my bikes last anywhere between 5 to 7 years.
Does the battery tender help to extend the life of your battery? Some say yes, some say no, but I'll continue to use them during all weather conditions.
Plus with the battery harness available it's a snap to 'plug and unplug' the bettery tender, take all of 5 seconds. Not like back in the old days where you had to remove the seat every time you wanted to hook up a charger/tender.
They keep your battery in peak condition during the summer, as well as the cold winter months.
For what it's worth, the batteries in my bikes last anywhere between 5 to 7 years.
Does the battery tender help to extend the life of your battery? Some say yes, some say no, but I'll continue to use them during all weather conditions.
Plus with the battery harness available it's a snap to 'plug and unplug' the bettery tender, take all of 5 seconds. Not like back in the old days where you had to remove the seat every time you wanted to hook up a charger/tender.
#29
12-03-2009, 09:25 PM
Extreme HDF Member
I don't care if you live in Florida. If you want a motor cycle battery to last eight years or more here is how. Get the $20 Schumaker 1.5 amp tender at Wal-Mart. Install the lead and plug it in. When you leave unplug. When you return plug it back in.
I had a VTX1800 with a 01 build date that had the original battery. It was at full power when I sold the bike earlier this year.
I collect cars and bikes. Currently I have five vehicles on tenders and three motorcycles. I have had many that aren't driven for 5-6 months. I have never had a battery problem period.
Tenders are the most useful when used every day not just when stored.
A mc battery should never be charged more than 1.5 amps to get the maximum life. Any battery will last longer when it is slow charged over fast charging.
I had a VTX1800 with a 01 build date that had the original battery. It was at full power when I sold the bike earlier this year.
I collect cars and bikes. Currently I have five vehicles on tenders and three motorcycles. I have had many that aren't driven for 5-6 months. I have never had a battery problem period.
Tenders are the most useful when used every day not just when stored.
A mc battery should never be charged more than 1.5 amps to get the maximum life. Any battery will last longer when it is slow charged over fast charging.
#30
12-03-2009, 11:33 PM
I used to plug in my battery tender every couple of weeks, or so, but I noticed that it would only charge for a few minutes and then shut off, fully charged. now I plug it in about twice a winter, and it only charges about 8 minutes before it shuts off. I don't think it is as necessary as most people think, and my batteries last about 7-8 years too.