Hello,
I recon this might be a dumb question (and a search didn't really yield any good results), but here goes...
I want to hook up a battery tender to my Monster 620 for winter storage, now do the monsters have tender connectors as a standard? where would i find those (I think you can't access the battery without removing the tank, which is a MAJOR hassle? is that correct?)
also what would be a good choice for a battery tender (keep in mind I am in europe, I have a european 2002 monster 620 dark...) so I can't import or use any US made appliances without major hassle
many thanks
Claude
I have a European Monster also (it's italian) [thumbsup]
you don't have to remove the tank, just flip it up to access the battery. Ducati engineers are guilty of doing many stupid things, but removing the tank to get to the battery isn't one of them.
Ducatis don't come from the factory with battery tender leads. the dealer adds them to make it easier to prep the bike for delivery.
flip up the tank and see if there are extra wires coming out of your battery and follow them. then you'll see if you have one or not.
Quote from: Bones on October 09, 2009, 05:27:21 AM
I have a European Monster also (it's italian) [thumbsup]
you don't have to remove the tank, just flip it up to access the battery. Ducati engineers are guilty of doing many stupid things, but removing the tank to get to the battery isn't one of them.
Ducatis don't come from the factory with battery tender leads. the dealer adds them to make it easier to prep the bike for delivery.
flip up the tank and see if there are extra wires coming out of your battery and follow them. then you'll see if you have one or not.
you to! I got one of them European Ducatis also....come to think about it i even have one of them British Triumphs!!!!
well I might have explained that a bit weird ;D
actually what I meant is that there could be diffrences in the models/connectors etc between US and europe legislations... also i will not be able to import any US battery tenders easily... ah never mind :)
You can buy any charger capable of going into float mode and maintaining a 13.4 volt output in float mode. Most come with a harness to attach to your battery so you don't have to lift the tank. Accumate sells chargers that meet these needs in Europe. I'm sure other companies do also.
we know what you meant, just having some fun.
the leads on the battery tender are an SAE standard connector, however I have no idea whether that standard is recognized in Europe.
For years I've been using what has been regarded as the defacto standard battery maintenance charger called "Battery Tender" - however it died a while back and my dirt bike gets infrequent use so I was in the market for another "tender' but came across a much better product as it not only trickle charges your batter but can also condition it by pulsing the charge to address "sulphated" plates.
Check it out here -> http://www.pacificbattery.com/batteryminder.html (http://www.pacificbattery.com/batteryminder.html)
As Bones mentioned, it's the easiest thing to do. Just flip the tank up (better to have less gas than more when doing this) to access the battery. I installed the battery tender cable on both my old 620 and 696 and the 620 was a breeze compared to the 696. I too have what's called the "Battery Tender". I would think it would work for bikes sold in EU as well.
Battery Tender makes a world wide edition
http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_14&osCsid=8b944aeec52b5eedf8262c8b4e888c2b (http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_14&osCsid=8b944aeec52b5eedf8262c8b4e888c2b)
Problem solved. Enjoy and have a [drink]
As already noted, just pop off the seat, flip up the tank, and you can get access. Be gentle especially if the tank is full. If you stress the hinge you can end up with the dreaded tank hinge leak.
If your bike has extra leads on the battery, great. If not, most chargers come with a set or they are readily available for a modest price. Easy to install, just undo the battery bolts and attach.
Another idea, I take the battery out for the winter and put it on the shelf. It lets me clean the battery compartment of any acid and/or dirt and I don't have to worry about the charger overcharging, exploding the battery, and cleaning up the mess/damage that can result. It's rare but happens sometimes. Just a thought.
Scott
thanks to all of you guys!
the bike doesn't have tender connectors installed, but there are some included with my battery tender/charger (bought a Acumen Platinum, new off eBay for cheap), so I'll put them in and not worry anymore!
anyway, thanks for your help!