Sorry if this has been asked before, did a search and couldn't find a definitive answer...

It's getting colder here and I've already noticed that after a few days of sitting in a coldish garage the bike is a bit sluggish starting up. I'd like to plug a tender in to keep the battery topped up - does anyone have any experience using the battery tenders that plug into the cigarette lighter port?

I know our choices are usually either a direct hookup to the battery terminals (PITA) or installing a pigtail (kinda ugly) - I saw a B&D charger that had a cig adapter...just wondered if that would be a decent option or should I hook up the pigtail? I'm pretty sure the polarity is good on my lighter socket since it charges my phone okay. Obviously I'd check it before I plugged a charger in, but has anyone had any problems using this setup?

Thanks...

 

My 09 cigarette lighter doesn't power up with the ign off so no current would flow from the tender to the battery. So for me the answer is no, it won't work. I'm not familiar with the '13s but I imagine it's the same.

 

the cigarette lighter is switched.

so unless the ign. switch is "on" the lighter is just a hole, connected to nothing.


connecting the pigtail is easy and you then have an easy attachment point for a voltmeter if you are ever checking the battery or charging system.
and not ugly...you'd be hard pressed to spot one, they tuck in out of the way when not in use

mike

 

So, you want to charge your battery through your cigarette lighter? That's a new one for me.

Installing a pigtail on the battery takes less than 5 minutes and it just hangs there for whenever you need it. Not a big deal.

 

put battery tender cord on, can also be used for heated clothes ride year round

 

Pigtail it is. Thanks to all for the quick replies!

 

If the pig tail is too unsightly, check out this mod I did to an Ultra Classic I used to ride. The socket is made by PowerLet.

 

Ok, thats pretty trick, I like it!

I dont have my heat deflectors any more, I'll have to think about a place to put this, but its a great idea.

 

PowerLet has a chrome bracket for Harleys that attaches near the horn. It looks odd to me but check it out. Let me know if you come across something better. I want to lose the pig tail on my Street Glide. I don't like the sight of a connector hangin' in the wind.

http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-vehi...resent/332/251

 

Mine tucks away where you would have to look hard to find it.
As an option, you could use a small peel and stick nylon fuse holder (single) and click the end of the pigtail in to it toward the rear of the bike from the dipstick.
Pop it out when you need it...