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Winter Battery Care

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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 01:27 PM
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Yes, it does seem the wisest way to go. That's what I'll do.

Thanks!

Alan
 
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 03:44 PM
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A charging battery gives of hydrogen gas which is explosive. It will be at a minimum if on a tender but you may want to just be aware of that. Its why battery manufacturers tell you to only charge in a well ventilated area.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 03:45 PM
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Fair warning. Thanks!

Alan
 
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 06:57 PM
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I'm about 2 hours north of you and have left my 2012 plugged into a tender in my unheated garage since new with no problems. Gel batteries are more cold tolerant and any fully charged battery won't freeze. I lived in the far north for several years. We had to use block heaters and/or battery blankets because of reduced cranking efficiency but never had a good battery freeze. Even if you decide to bring it in, put it on a tender not a charger, your battery will thank you and saves you having to remember anything.
 
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 08:24 PM
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I'd store that battery in the house for sure. Everything else can survive sub zero, holy crap!!!

Good luck from sunny Southern California, soon to be the target of EL NINO!!!! Or not.

John
 
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Old Oct 7, 2015 | 08:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Lenaitch
I'm about 2 hours north of you and have left my 2012 plugged into a tender in my unheated garage since new with no problems. Gel batteries are more cold tolerant and any fully charged battery won't freeze. I lived in the far north for several years. We had to use block heaters and/or battery blankets because of reduced cranking efficiency but never had a good battery freeze. Even if you decide to bring it in, put it on a tender not a charger, your battery will thank you and saves you having to remember anything.
+1 on the tender, it's too easy to forget a charger and it will ruin your battery if you do and no your battery will not freeze, leave it on the bike and you are ready to go if you happen to get a decent day.
 
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 05:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Lenaitch
I'm about 2 hours north of you and have left my 2012 plugged into a tender in my unheated garage since new with no problems. Gel batteries are more cold tolerant and any fully charged battery won't freeze.
Ah, someone who understands winter! I constantly marvel at forum posters for whom winter means "I had to put on a jacket," whereas, on my rides during the past week or so, I've worn full leathers, long underwear, and a beanie under my helmet.

Originally Posted by Lenaitch
I lived in the far north for several years. We had to use block heaters and/or battery blankets because of reduced cranking efficiency but never had a good battery freeze.
I've owned two vehicles (a '64 BMW 1800T sedan and a '51 Fargo pickup) where I had to remove the battery each night, take it inside, and put it back in the the vehicle the next morning. That sucked.

Originally Posted by Lenaitch
Even if you decide to bring it in, put it on a tender not a charger, your battery will thank you and saves you having to remember anything.
Thanks!

Alan
 
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 05:56 AM
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Originally Posted by John Harper
Good luck from sunny Southern California, soon to be the target of EL NINO!!!! Or not.
If El Nino happens, it may make for a milder winter here. I live in hope.

Alan
 
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Old Oct 8, 2015 | 05:58 AM
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Originally Posted by misput
... and you are ready to go if you happen to get a decent day.
"A decent day"? Such as when the snow only comes up to my knees?

Alan
 
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Old Oct 9, 2015 | 02:12 PM
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My harley came with the harley "charger" that lights up and such. Is it ok to keep that thing plugged all winter because the lights indicate weather the battery is charged or not. What if i keep it plugged even though it says charge complete?
 
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