Battery Tenders: Do You Use One During Riding Season?
#41
08-15-2011, 07:34 PM
OK. When I owned my Honda Shadow Spirit VT1100, Honda Valkyrie Tourer and Road Star Midnight Silverado, I NEVER used a battery tender during the riding season. The only time I would use a battery tender was over the Winter, when I would pull the battery and hook it up to a battery tender in my workshop.
I picked up my new 2011 SG a few months ago. Up until now, it has always started right up, like it should on a full charge. Last Saturday, it took several seconds before starting - long enough to be a concern to me. We rode 125 miles, stopping briefly 3 times along the way, and it started right up, as normal.
Is something going on here? Do you guys use a tender between rides? Do you pull the battery over the Winter?
Thanks for the help, guys.
I picked up my new 2011 SG a few months ago. Up until now, it has always started right up, like it should on a full charge. Last Saturday, it took several seconds before starting - long enough to be a concern to me. We rode 125 miles, stopping briefly 3 times along the way, and it started right up, as normal.
Is something going on here? Do you guys use a tender between rides? Do you pull the battery over the Winter?
Thanks for the help, guys.
Last edited by checkers; 08-15-2011 at 07:38 PM.
#42
08-15-2011, 07:34 PM
Now I only ride on Saturday. I know, I should be ashamed. I plan on riding much, much more after retirement. Coming soon.
I put the battery tender on Friday night and boost the battery over night. When I’m able to ride more, I don’t need the battery tender.
My last Harley battery was 5 year old when I replaced it because I didn’t want future troubles. It would have lasted longer.
I put the battery tender on Friday night and boost the battery over night. When I’m able to ride more, I don’t need the battery tender.
My last Harley battery was 5 year old when I replaced it because I didn’t want future troubles. It would have lasted longer.
#43
08-15-2011, 07:49 PM
#45
08-15-2011, 08:29 PM
3rd Gear
#46
08-15-2011, 08:47 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
#47
08-15-2011, 09:22 PM
I bought my 06 in October of 05. It's had a BT on ever since. I'm still on the original battery and it starts on the second revolution. We get occasional days during the winter where the roads are clear enough to ride, and I can't stand being inside any longer, where I'll go out for a couple of hours. So, other than giving her a good wash and wax and changing all the fluids I don't really do any winterizing. On a 20* day, when she's been sitting for a couple of weeks, she'll fire up on 3-4 revolution.
Next spring I'm going to replace the battery as a preventative measure. I'd hate to break down somewhere because I didn't want to spend the $ for a battery.
Next spring I'm going to replace the battery as a preventative measure. I'd hate to break down somewhere because I didn't want to spend the $ for a battery.
#48
08-15-2011, 09:30 PM
The same here, works great on my tractors and snowmobiles too, battery minders get rid of and keeps sulfur from building.
#49
08-15-2011, 09:39 PM
I think I got 6 years out of my last stock battery and always kept it on a tender while at home. Last year I spent a few months working with my bike in Florida and my battery started being slow to start. I put an Odyssey in it and even though I always have my GPS hooked up it never blinks. I also ride in the winter as long as the roads are clear but not as much. I will see how this winter goes.
#50
08-15-2011, 11:06 PM
