Battery tender - green light
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
On my previous bike, I was going thru a battery once a year...then I would put it on the Tender when I wasn't riding it, and the last one lasted six years when I got rid of the bike...is still working on the same bike, new owner does the same drill. Yes, I know, riding it every week SHOULD not require use of the tender, but just like with many other electrical things, linear logic doesn't work too well...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 53
From: Myrtle Beach,SC
On my previous bike, I was going thru a battery once a year...then I would put it on the Tender when I wasn't riding it, and the last one lasted six years when I got rid of the bike...is still working on the same bike, new owner does the same drill. Yes, I know, riding it every week SHOULD not require use of the tender, but just like with many other electrical things, linear logic doesn't work too well...
Doesn't hurt anything. The Harley pig tail even has a red light that indicates if it needs to be tendered. I never see it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
To each his own, but why do you feel the need to do that?
I keep mine on the charger during the winter when it won't get started for several months but after the first ride of the season, no more battery tender and it is fine for the whole riding season. Been doing it this way for 30 years of riding without a problem.
I could understand if you go several months at a time between rides but definitely not needed if you ride weekly or even bi-weekly.
I keep mine on the charger during the winter when it won't get started for several months but after the first ride of the season, no more battery tender and it is fine for the whole riding season. Been doing it this way for 30 years of riding without a problem.
I could understand if you go several months at a time between rides but definitely not needed if you ride weekly or even bi-weekly.
That's why we plug them in after every ride. Sulfation starts the moment the battery starts to discharge. Bikes with electronics that run even when shut down (clocks, alarms, etc.) are the most susceptible.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Apr 13, 2014 at 02:25 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
I have a small volt meter on my HD Smart Charger, and it is a little different than others. Even on a good hot battery, it will blink green for a few minutes as it outputs up to 14.2 volts (Like a vehicle charging system would) then gradually drops down to 12.4 - 12.8 volts as it goes to steady green.
Different makes will respond differently. Clip a meter on your charger, you will learn the particular characteristics.
YMMV.
Different makes will respond differently. Clip a meter on your charger, you will learn the particular characteristics.
YMMV.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
I saw this post back in April, now that I am riding almost daily, I thought I would monitor the behavior of my Deltran Tender yellow/green lights - so I could respond based on experience. I plug in after every ride - almost immediately after the bike is parked. about 8-10 seconds and the flashing green light then about 30 seconds after that, the solid green. If I wait a while before plugging in the tender (let the bike cool down and wash it first). It will take a little longer to get to solid green - about 2-3 minutes. Battery is starting its second season.
Last edited by Weavr99FLHT; May 11, 2014 at 05:22 PM.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Anyone ever have a problem with a false charge?? I had my bike plugged in for the last couple days and it gave me a green light. Then as soon as I took it off my bike wouldn't start. The starter wouldn't even turn over.
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Thanks! That puts my mind at ease a little. I tried to start my bike this morning and it seemed so dead that the starter wouldn't even turn over. I was so confused because my tender gave me a solid green light. Hopefully thats the problem.