Smart Charger/Tender Use
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Arrow Creek
Smart Charger/Tender Use
Looking for experience and thoughts on smart charger use on Harley's with security systems. I personally test the voltage on all my batteries that are not regularly in use and charge around 12.5/12.6 volts and seem to get life out of all the batteries. However, my two Harley's have the security systems that run continuously so i tend to keep the smart chargers on them all the time since recently replacing them both within the last year and wondering if running the chargers all the time may be doing more harm than good? I am reluctant to test them periodically as with the other batteries because the alarms are drawing all the time...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Arkansas
The alarm system doesn't use that much power, if you aren't going to ride it for a couple of weeks then you should be using a battery tender but if you are riding it regularly then you should have nothing to worry about. I run security with siren on my 05 Softail Deluxe that auto arms and the only battery problems I've had is when I had a 5+ year old battery that the PO had put in. I replaced it last year and have not had any incident.If you have a power drain you may want to check out for a parasitic drain caused by the VR. The best method for installation of the battery tender cable is red wire to positive and black to a ground and not on the battery.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Arrow Creek
Thanks for the feedback. And you hit the nail on the head with respect to time the bike is sitting. I forgot to mention that I work a fly in, fly out schedule where i am away for two weeks at a time. In addition to being at work for two weeks straight, if i don't get out riding right away then the bikes can sit for three weeks easily at a time. I also had the tender cables direct to the battery so will look into this closer as well.
Cheers
Cheers
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Lake County, IL
Looking for experience and thoughts on smart charger use on Harley's with security systems. I personally test the voltage on all my batteries that are not regularly in use and charge around 12.5/12.6 volts and seem to get life out of all the batteries. However, my two Harley's have the security systems that run continuously so i tend to keep the smart chargers on them all the time since recently replacing them both within the last year and wondering if running the chargers all the time may be doing more harm than good? I am reluctant to test them periodically as with the other batteries because the alarms are drawing all the time...
Tenders are designed to handle being connected for a while, unlike a straight charger, without hurting the battery.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: SW Ohio
As pointed out in a post above, the proximity security system is low draw UNTIL it senses a fob, any fob. You'll get less battery life parking in parking garage where proximity fobs pass by the bike all day.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 42
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From: Georgia
Dont know about the alarm but Ive forgotten to turn off my ignition for extended periods of time with a lithium battery and have had no issues. The only time the lithium has failed is after sitting for several weeks. Quick charge from the aux charger and the bike fires right up. Another perk is the lithium plus charger is still substantially lighter than the factory battery. When Im going on long trips I often pack the charger just in case.
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wideglideCVO
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May 30, 2017 07:40 PM
