tender killed batterys?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Hampton Roads, VA
I have two tenders (two bikes) One is a Yuasa and the other a Battery Tender. I have the Yuasa for over 12 years and it's going strong. I just had to replace the Battery Tender because it died after about 4-5 years
I have a 08 ultra that I bought new I have used a harley tender on at all times and it has went through a battery every 9 to 12 months, the dealer always installed new battery and checked out charging system, so I just thought that was how long they last, but then I hooked up that tender to my dirt bike and in a short time that battery went out. So now I am wondering if that tender may have caused those other batteries it go out. Is there any way to check out a tender to see if it is working ok?
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Isn't that what a "smart" tender does, stop charging without having to physically remove it from the battery?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
Some in this thread are using some old school thinking and confusing a "Smart Battery Tender" with a charger.
I think everyone will agree that a battery should never be left on a charger any longer than needed to charge the battery.
A battery tender (brand name) or similar "smart charger" can be plugged in for very long periods of time.
However, it sounds like there is something wrong with the OP's battery tender.
He listed it as the Harley brand tender, and they are supposed to be a smart tender.
I would ditch that one and get a new one as someone else mentioned.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 53
From: Gladys, VA
I use the BatteryMINDer:
"The BatteryMINDer has full-time battery monitoring that automatically tests the battery every microsecond, supplying only the current needed to maintain battery at full charge. It does not overcharge, regardless of time connected."
Last edited by tibadoe; Apr 12, 2012 at 01:30 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I don't know of any way to test it, but I'd ditch that particular tender and get one of these.
http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Ba...-PTBATTEND12JR
http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Ba...-PTBATTEND12JR
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: new york
Sounds like you have a defective charger. I have my 05 on a harley smart charger for 3 years with no problems and always charged. I have 2 bikes and cold winters here in NY so it may go 2 months in the winter without riding it but starts right up with the tender.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
I use my battery tender for about 20 minutes every two or three weeks during the winter. My vintage bikes always show a full charge in minutes. No micro-amp drain as one finds on new bikes. My Road King will take 5-10 minutes if I do it in 2-3 weeks. If I am traveling and it is more than a month that I have been away, the tender will take several hours to turn green.
I have just never trusted leaving electronics on full time all winter. Besides an occassional ride in rare but dry weather, it sits unattended. Yet I find that the few minutes I attach the battery tender and check the tires gives me solace from shoveling snow or listening to the 38F rain pound the roof.
I know of too many fires started by unattended electronics left plugged in. I am not saying battery tenders specifically. Anything from mice chewing the wire, a bad Chinese diode that fries the battery, somebodies foot catches the wire and pulls it away or stretches the cable.
I have just never trusted leaving electronics on full time all winter. Besides an occassional ride in rare but dry weather, it sits unattended. Yet I find that the few minutes I attach the battery tender and check the tires gives me solace from shoveling snow or listening to the 38F rain pound the roof.
I know of too many fires started by unattended electronics left plugged in. I am not saying battery tenders specifically. Anything from mice chewing the wire, a bad Chinese diode that fries the battery, somebodies foot catches the wire and pulls it away or stretches the cable.