Prepping a pre-charged battery

[1BigDog]

I just ordered the Deka EXT20L AGM battery which comes pre-charged. I dont trust pre-charging. What is the proper procedure to "season" this battery. I know it was posted in the past but I cant find it.

Thanks, Jeff

[LilBeaver]

In my opinion, your best bet is to follow the directions posted on the battery or with the battery. Most batteries will give you a suggested charge amperage range and time for each setting. Also they ought to say how to charge it at various measured voltages.

 

For example, I believe that my Interstate battery came with a tag that said 'check voltage if above 12.6V, no charge necessary; if between 10.4v and 12.6v then...' etc.

 

I don't have mine with me and I am out of town, but the instructions that come with it ought to outline the procedures in such a fashion.

 

Some folks in here will say to not use a trickle charger and use a 'regular' battery charger some will say that it doesn't matter; In my opinion, the manufacture is the one that knows the most about their own batteries (at least the reputable brands) so they ought to know and if they say to charge at 1A for 6-10 hours, then that is what I'll do. etc.

 

Anyways, hope this helps...

[Riderduke]

I just ordered the Deka EXT20L AGM battery which comes pre-charged. I dont trust pre-charging. What is the proper procedure to "season" this battery. I know it was posted in the past but I cant find it.

Thanks, Jeff

I'm getting one also. So i gonna watch this thread. My current battery seems to be fine but its over 5 years old and I'm thinking before i start running heated gear i should replace it.

[hunter 1500]

It wont hurt the battery to charge it on a trickle charge 1 or 2 amp for 6 to 8 hours. The charger I have tells you when there is a full charge in the battery. Depending on how long the battery has been sitting on a shelf they all lose a little of thier charge. Most batteries are made over seas now and are shipped here.

[RossKean]

A motorcycle battery should never be charged at a fast rate. I think the best bet (as stated above) would be to put it on a constant voltage charger and charge it at a rate that DOES NOT EXCEED 2 amps - this will taper to a few milliamps as the charge approaches completion. Maybe 10 hours; depending on initial charge state. I ususally use a one ampere charger to top off batteries and they seem to last me a very long time. Fast charging (i.e 5 amp rate) and complete discharging are the kiss of death for any type of lead-acid battery. A few complete discharges (i.e. leaving the ignition on overnight or over-winter storage without occasional top-up) can kill a battery completely after just a few cycles. I never use a battery tender but make sure that the battery is disconnected if I'm not riding regularly. I will do a top-up charge about once per month during the winter.

 

Ross