Is it necessary to keep it connected 24-7. Just wondering whats best for the battery and longevity of the tender.

 

i do !

 

If it's parked in the garage, it's on the tender.

 

It's going to depend on the make and quality of your tender. A decent tender will not overcharge your battery and will "float" or "maintain" the battery. A cheap tender will potentially charge until dry. I have a decent tender and essentially leave it connected from the start of winterization until the spring [with an occasional week long disconnect].

 

My daily rider rarely sees the tender, the other bikes are always on one if I am not riding one of them...

 

Correct there. Your daily rider doesn't need it. I put my other bikes on tender every couple of weeks and note how long it takes for them to go from charge to maintain. Rarely more than a couple of hours.

 

if its not being used its on the tender.