I dug through the forum and saw a couple of posts on solar trickle chargers, but the posts are several (4-5) years old. I live in an apartment complex and dragging a power cord across the parking lot will bring the wrath of the condo association. I live in South Florida and am looking to get a solar trickle charger for my 2012 Fat Boy Lo. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations on which solar one to buy? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

I've never seen or heard of one for a motorcycle. I know a few years ago while in the military some of the guys got solar chargers for their electronics when we had no power. They didn't work for crap. Maybe give em one bar in a day. That's something I would see walking off as well on a bike parked out in the open. Also in Miami I would imagine your bike isn't sitting for long periods of inactivity to actually necessitate one. I used to make it through long ohio winters without one.

 

Check your marine shops in the area like West Marine. Even Homedepo has them for gate openers which would work. The solar chargers are going to have pretty large solar panels however. I don't think it will be something you could even put in saddlebag when you ride.

I have to say, you are pretty brave for parking a HD in an open carport in Miami.

 

http://batterytender.com/products/solar.html

I've thought about one but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

On my bike I use a regular 4 position battery tender. My shed had no electric so I got the 5 watt battery tender for my lawn mower and it works well. You can get the same one on Delray's web site on ebay for $65 with free shipping. I dont use the aligator clip connectors. Get the ring terminal ones and tuck the cord up under the seat.

 

You should get this 12watt solar panel:


http://www.suntactics.com/shop/usb-scharger-12/

This one never let me down and i've had it for 6 mos, its a foldable solar charger about 11x7 inch and its thin as a notebook so it fits in my saddlebag. It has two ports so you can charge a tablet or a cell phone at the same time if you want, I use this to charge my phone, i get about 1% each minute which is about the same speed as plugging into a wall socket, it will also charge when its overcast or cloudy with no problems.

They also sell a 5 watt mini solar charger, i haven't tried it but I'm sure its just as good.


http://www.suntactics.com/shop/usb-scharger-5/

 

I have the Deltran 15W unit and it does the trick. It isn't portable but they also make a 5 and 10W unit. If you buy one, make sure it is designed for 12V automotive, marine or MC use since units designed to charge cell phones etc may not generate enough juice to overcome the resistance of the batterys being charged.

This place has some of the better pricing on the net for the Deltran units:
http://www.summitracing.com/search/p...r-solar-panels

 

check out this one too, specific for motorcycles : http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3...id=134&pid=199

 

I have used this one on Amazon and its been fine, no problems, battery is always good.

 

I bought one at Harbor Freight 12V with clips $12.99.