during the winter, I keep the bike on the tender, even if I'm riding it weekly.
I'm putting more of a load on the battery when I do ride - the 50 watt driving lights as well as the heated gear, so I'm figuring the tender keeps the battery topped off

 

I agree. Even though the Tender shuts down when the battery is charged, it's not necessary to keep one connected all of the time, except during prolonged downtime like winter storage.

 

Live in Texas as well and we ride pretty much all year. I plug mine in two or three times a week, b/c I have a power amp for the stereo system.

Over time, twice now, I've been able to detect problems with charging system just by noticing that it was taking longer for the charger to fully charge.... Once on my dyna, it started taking longer than about 20 minutes to get full charge on the battery. My Indy diagnosed a stator going south. Second time, on my Ultra, started taking longer than 20 or thirty minutes to get the green light for the battery to charge fully, my battery was taking a dump.

Never been stranded or had difficulties with charging system on the road.

ther worth the effort in my book daily rider or not.

99%r

 

When parked for the winter, usually put a 3 day charge in the battery near end of December and again mid February.....and for a couple of days before riding in the spring. Use a 1/2 amp trickle charger and never a problem. Oh, factory battery always lasts at least 5 years and some longer.

But, to each their own and whatever makes them comfortable with sucking up electricity for a battery charge.

 

I use the one from the dealer it sure is nice with the security system as said. I also use the pigtail for the small slime air pump. Mine does sit for more than two weeks in winter

 

I listen to the stereo when I am working in my man cave. So mine gets plugged in every time I park it. It so easy to do.
I was talking to a parts guy at the dealer & he said people are getting 8 years out of batteries that are put on tenders regularly.

 

LOL...uh huh!

 

I only use mine when it's parked for an extended time period(2 weeks or longer) and my Oe battery lasted 6 years.

 

Have had one on my 2 previous bikes and keep this one plugged up when she is in the garage and never had an issue.