Battery tender question
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
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Battery tender question
I keep my Sportster in my (non-heated) NJ (cold) garage with a breathable cover over it. Is it OK to keep a battery tender attached while its inside the garage with the cover on the bike. Its a pretty decent tender that shuts down when the battery is fully charged although they tell you to use in a ventilated area.
So what do you think? OK to keep my sporty on the tender in my garage with the cover on...
So what do you think? OK to keep my sporty on the tender in my garage with the cover on...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: Battery tender question
It should not be a problem but not absolute - you could have a bad or cracked battery at any time. The tender charges so slowly that it shouldn't heat the battery fluid/acid and therefore create significant fumes.
If you have any worried, pull the cover off once in a while.
I personally don't like covers. My bike is in it's NJ garage attached to the house. It at most gets dusty, but in my experience, covers scratch (and I'm talking even the best covers) on wherever the touch to go from horizontal to vertical - the end of a fender, etc. Even the slightest dust that collects gets scraped around by the slightest movement. The covers also tend to keep in moisture and fumes. My personal oppinion - keep the tender, ditch the cover.
If you have any worried, pull the cover off once in a while.
I personally don't like covers. My bike is in it's NJ garage attached to the house. It at most gets dusty, but in my experience, covers scratch (and I'm talking even the best covers) on wherever the touch to go from horizontal to vertical - the end of a fender, etc. Even the slightest dust that collects gets scraped around by the slightest movement. The covers also tend to keep in moisture and fumes. My personal oppinion - keep the tender, ditch the cover.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
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RE: Battery tender question
I would be inclined to lift the cover when you have the charger attached and working. Charging batteries create hydrogen gas which is explosive and if it is trapped to an extent, you could be looking for trouble here. Better to be safe than sorry.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 246
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From: Carlisle, Ontario
RE: Battery tender question
While I agree that you can leave the battery tender on 24/7 I never have. I keep my bikes in an attached unheated garage and have always taken the batteries into the house for the winter. I put the battery tender on about every 6 weeks just to top them up. I have about 3 or 4 batteries that I use the tender on.
As an exception I leave the battery in my ATV because I sometimes use it during the winter. Again I put the tender on about every month.
I see no reason to leave the tender on a battery and have been using it for about 10 years.
As an exception I leave the battery in my ATV because I sometimes use it during the winter. Again I put the tender on about every month.
I see no reason to leave the tender on a battery and have been using it for about 10 years.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 980
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From: Leesburg, Florida
RE: Battery tender question
ORIGINAL: HDNJ1200R
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So what do you think? OK to keep my sporty on the tender in my garage with the cover on...
<snip>
So what do you think? OK to keep my sporty on the tender in my garage with the cover on...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: Battery tender question
man i hope so. I have my bike under a sleeping bag that i unzipped and then it has a cover over it. Battery tender's been on there for 3 months now and the house hasnt caught fire yet. I do unplug my battery tender once in a while, let the bike sit for a week with no tender then plug it back in again for a week or two. Every time i leave it unplugged for a week and plug it back in the charger light is red meaning it needs a charge, i have an attached garage with Zero insulation so it gets below 30 degrees in there for long periods of time.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 651
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From: South Plainfield, NJ
RE: Battery tender question
i keep my sporty "chillin" literally in my nj garage as well, battery tender is on 24/7 but no cover. I figured why put a cover on in the garage it doesnt rain in there and dust can always be wiped off, plus cleaning the bike in the winter gives you something to do until sping.