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I use 2 of these units: Battery Tender 022-0165-DL-WH 12-Volt 2-Bank Battery Management System
(Check Amazon)
I connect 2 bikes a generator a Chevy Suburban and/or my MINI Cooper S at any given time. I prefer these over the 4 bank because if a single bank goes out it's just one unit. You can pick this unit up for ~$80. This is the OEM manufacturer for the Harley branded part.
My batteries tend to last a long time . . . My Fatboy battery was last replaced in 6/15/2008. My MINI is still on its factory original battery (2003 year model) and my generator is still using its original battery (generator was purchased in 1999).
Last edited by davessworks; Jan 26, 2013 at 10:07 PM.
I plug my bike in every time it's back in the garage. It only takes a sec to do and certainly can't hurt! I did the same with my previous bike (Dyna Wide Glide) and the battery stayed strong for over four years before i traded the bike in.
Always plug mine in when it's in the garage. Put the pig tails on the bike and it only takes seconds to plug the tender in.
This.
Also,
I installed a marine grade cigarette lighter behind my license plate to charge the cell phone on trips... modified the battery tender plug with a matching plug, and plug it in that way.
The bikes with a lighter should be able to plug in that way without having the pigtail hanging off your scoot.
I ride a Shovel, so I don't have to worry about electronics, but it should work for the new bikes too.
I use a tender in winter for the bike. Use a tender year round on my quad becausei dont always get up to our land. So it sits for long periods before its ridden. Never had any roblems starting either
I use two Battery Tender Jrs on our two bikes. Got them from Jafrum for $17.50 each.
Yup, I bought 4 of them, two for my two bikes and two for my classic cars. They are a small expense to prolong battery life.
I always plug them in after use and never worry.
If bike is parked for a week or more, then I'll use a tender and of course all winter. Other than that I don't worry about it. My battery in my bike is now 5 years old and running strong doing it this way.
+1 on hooking up the battery if the bike sits a week or more. The original battery in my '02 RKC lasted 7 years. I attribute that to using a battery tender.
All my toys get hooked up if they sit more than a week. If I go on vacation, I even hook up my truck just the keep the battery in good condition.
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