Battery tender
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
Battery tender
I just bought a battery tender junior for my 09 FXD. There were no instructions on how to install (I know...not rocket science!). I am very mechanically adept so m pretty sure that I can figure it out but have learned that using th experiences of you guys I can usually save a few steps and busted knuckles! I am going to attach the pigtail to the battery so I do't have to remove the seat everytime I hook it up. Any kind words of advice out there?
Thanks
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 18
From: The GREAT State of Texas
Don't really have any advice for you that you probably don't already know. I have an '08 Fat Bob. Just installed the pigtails on the battery, looking out not to run the cord where it might be smashed or pinched. Then I ran the cord behind the engine and out the opposite side from the battery and placed it where I could get to it, but, where it wasn't openly displayed. I also enclosed the cord in some of that plastic wire wrap to help protect it from heat from the engine. Used the Battery Tender Plus last night. No problems.
I don't use the pigtail, but the instructions do say to hook up the tender before plugging it in. It also says if the battery is off the bike to hook the ground cable up to a couple of feet of wire then to the battery instead of hooking the cable directly to the battery.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 8
From: Northern New York
Battery tender
I installed the negative side of the pigtail to a ground on the frame, and the positive lead to the battery. That way I only have the one extra wire to mess with when removing the battery. The rest of the pigtail just lays under the seat.
I'd be willing to bet that the hooking up the charger before plugging it in, or using a couple feet of wire on the battery if hooking it if the battery is off the bike is to eliminate any sparking and/or getting any sparking as far from the battery as possible.
Dave
I'd be willing to bet that the hooking up the charger before plugging it in, or using a couple feet of wire on the battery if hooking it if the battery is off the bike is to eliminate any sparking and/or getting any sparking as far from the battery as possible.
Dave
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 753
Likes: 0
From: Yakima, WA
The only thing I'd add is that on my bike there is a little divot on the lower left side of the battery cover which allows the permanantly attached cord to go through without being pinched. I assume this is fairly standard.
Steve
Steve
i get the cheap 5 dollar harbor freight... cut the pigtail/ aligator clips off... solder on wire conectors (ring style)... those conect to the battery and stay there full time... i then cut the wire coming from the tender to the rings and solder in one of these:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103448
this will make it so i can plug in and unplug the tender in just seconds... tuck that up under the seat... now in the winter i just plug in all the bikes, when we want to take a cruise just unplug and go! works great! quick release tender for 8 bucks!
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103448
this will make it so i can plug in and unplug the tender in just seconds... tuck that up under the seat... now in the winter i just plug in all the bikes, when we want to take a cruise just unplug and go! works great! quick release tender for 8 bucks!
Novice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
It's best to rout the cord back away from the engine to a discreet location and secure it in place with a couple of zip ties. The idea of using one of the cord wraps you can pick up cheaply at Home Depot or Lowes is a great idea. This makes it appear like it was meant to be there.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Enfield Ct.
battery tender
Don'y know why but some 08 & 09 come with the battery hard wired with the pig tail. My fatbob came with it from the dealer. When I asked them about this they said they install them on all new bikes. It worked out good for me as I already had the battery tender jr. anyway. To all have a good holiday season.
PS do a search on battery chargers and you can read more.
PS do a search on battery chargers and you can read more.
Last edited by oldmanbob; Dec 5, 2008 at 02:35 PM.
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pretty cut and dry I leave the permanent connector on and tuck it up out of the way then come storage take the cap off plug tender in and plug into the wall keeps the battery zipped up all winter.