BatteryTender??

[BigBear]

OK...maybe I just don't get it!

 

What exactly is the purpose of a BatteryTender? Does it keep the battery fully charged/conditioned when you are storing the bike for long periods (weeks or months)?

 

It almost seems like folks go out for a ride, and when they get home, they plug in the batterytender.

 

I ride most every day (live in FL)...doesn't the battery charge while riding? Should I be considering a batteryTender? Or will I recognize the value of the BatteryTender the first time I hear the rrrr...rrr...rr...click...?

[royalstarjac]

OK...maybe I just don't get it!

 

What exactly is the purpose of a BatteryTender? Does it keep the battery fully charged/conditioned when you are storing the bike for long periods (weeks or months)?

 

 

Yes. If you are riding just about every day, you don't need one.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I'm assuming this is not 'bait'.

 

Yes, the bike's battery is charged while riding it, but its the hours, days, and weeks or more of the bike being parked that takes its toll on a motorcycle battery. First, you have what is called 'self-discharge' which is what these batteries DO while sitting unattended, at a rate of 1%-5% per month. Added to that, you have parasitic loads, which can vary from bike to bike, but its the small amount of current being pulled from the battery to keep things alive in the bikes 'brain'...things like radio memories, clock settings, trip odometer, and on some bikes, factory alarms can drain a battery in a matter of weeks.

 

If you diligently put your battery on 'life-support' every time you wont be riding the bike for more than a couple of days, you can extend the life of the battery by several YEARS.

 

My last battery in my Harley Electraglide lasted 8 years. The battery just doesnt 'age' when its on a good maintainer.

 

ADDED: I should also say, that I dont believe the Battery Tender is the best choice in battery maintainers. They seem to have a higher than normal failure rate.

 

I prefer commercial quality Samlex units. Not readily available, and pricey, but they work WELL.

Edited April 20, 2009 by tx2sturgis