Battery Tender

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Oct 30, 2008 | 08:55 AM

#11

HawgriderPa

Road Captain

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 612

Likes: 0

From: Phila

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

Oct 30, 2008 | 09:03 AM

#12

Geoff

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 10,946

Likes: 818

From: Nevada

Quote:

Originally Posted by petemac

I think using the battery tender when not riding for a week or two is overkill. I use mine in the winter when I don't ride more than once or twice a month at most, but not during the riding season if I'm away for a week or two.

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.

Oct 30, 2008 | 09:35 AM

#13

99_percenter

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 1,316

Likes: 0

From: Watauga TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richpend

In your opinion are battery tenders necessary if you bike does not move in 1 to 2 weeks? We have pretty mild winters here in West Texas and I will be riding pretty much this winter, there might be a week or 2 that the bike may not move, so I just wanted to get some of your opinions!

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

Oct 30, 2008 | 02:47 PM

#14

007 ultra

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 349

Likes: 0

From: United States of America :-)

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.

Oct 30, 2008 | 04:33 PM

#15

jimsuver

Supporter

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 433

Likes: 5

From: Columbus, Indiana

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

Oct 30, 2008 | 08:53 PM

#16

Potato_Potato

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 2,600

Likes: 7

From: Minnesota

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.