2014 Low Rider
HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: New Hampsha
I don't think it's a matter of overcharging, but a very high percentage of the batteries I've had over the last 20 or so years that were left on a tender during long periods of inactivity have not lasted nearly as long as I would expect, whereas the ones I have charged periodically (~monthly) during periods of inactivity have given good service. It seems as though they loose capacity; I think they need a little exercise every now and then...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,092
Likes: 7,614
From: Poolville
I don't think it's a matter of overcharging, but a very high percentage of the batteries I've had over the last 20 or so years that were left on a tender during long periods of inactivity have not lasted nearly as long as I would expect, whereas the ones I have charged periodically (~monthly) during periods of inactivity have given good service. It seems as though they loose capacity; I think they need a little exercise every now and then...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,092
Likes: 7,614
From: Poolville
Tenders don't overcharge.
Battery Tender FAQ
Battery Tender FAQ
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 1,967
From: PA
You're going to have to prove that to me because I've never ever used a tender and I don't think I ever got anything less than 5 to 7 years out of a battery.. But I will say I take it out of the real cold temperatures cuz I live in the Northeast and I bring it inside and I put it on a piece of wood so it doesn't get drained.. I think most of you people are sold on the idea that you need to put it on a tender I think people are just taking your money to make more sales... I've been a mechanic since the late '70s and I've never seen anything fail if you take care of it properly..
Experiences people have posted on here are all over the map. It sounds like you and I are getting similar results from our batteries, with & without tenders.
I think a lot of people misunderstand what tenders do.
I'm in northeast PA so I'm familiar with cold winters, but I don't usually ride below about 38°. My batteries are on tenders any time they're in my garage, all year long. At the present time my 2 bike batteries are both 5 years old. I replaced one on a previous bIke at 7 years, only because I didn't feel like pushing it. It seemed to have plenty of life left in it.
Experiences people have posted on here are all over the map. It sounds like you and I are getting similar results from our batteries, with & without tenders.
I think a lot of people misunderstand what tenders do.
Experiences people have posted on here are all over the map. It sounds like you and I are getting similar results from our batteries, with & without tenders.
I think a lot of people misunderstand what tenders do.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15,460
Likes: 14,353
From: Illinois
Tenders don't overcharge.
Battery Tender FAQ
Battery Tender FAQ
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 15,460
Likes: 14,353
From: Illinois
The whole point of my post is that you shouldn't buy a cheap battery. What's an extra $50 in the grand scheme of things? We spend a fortune buying and maintaining these bikes, and we shouldn't skimp on anything. I use top of the line fluids, and follow maintenance schedules religiously. My bikes are in excellent mechanical condition, and I usually get 4-5 years out of a battery, and I keep them on tenders. I don't believe a trickle charge is going to hurt anything. When I bought my Bagger, which was essentially a brand new bike, as it only had 206 miles on it because the previous owner never rode it, or had it on a tender, I had to replace the battery in the 1st year.