POLL: Battery Tender selection

[r_ciao]

I need help in selecting a Battery Tender, or something similar.  Not only do I see different varieties, but I see each one made in different voltages: 12 v and 6 v.  I ride for pleasure.  Currently, I ride 3-4 times a week for 30+ minutes at a time.  This will change as the weather cools and the rains start.  M696 is garaged.

Thanks for the input.

[CDawg]

I have a Battery Tender and it works fine.  If it dies or I had to do it again I would buy this instead:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motorcycle-battery-charger/optimate-3/

Heck, want to tbuy my tender so I can by the Optimate?

[Bill in OKC]

I've had a Yuasa Smart Shot for 4 or 5 years now.  It probably does the same thing as the Tender.  I've used it on cars, trucks and two bikes.
http://www.yuasabatteries.com/chargers.asp

[hypurone]

Well first and foremost, you don't want anything that is 6v! That said, I have the full size battery tenders, yes that is plural. I have 2 bikes (one is a 2002 with the original battery still in it!), 1 car (driven sparingly) and an ATV all on Battery Tenders. Great product.

[Langanobob]

I'm hopelessly unqualified to participate in a  battery maintenance thread, being the Manny Ramirez of battery destroyers.  Over the years I've had an Optimate and other similar "pulse" type chargers that are supposed to be able to rejuvenate my collection of sulphated batteries.  I've never been able to save a single battery with one.  Just wondering if anyone else has had any luck rejuvenating a sulphated battery?

I now have several Battery Tender Plus chargers that seem to work just fine keeping a charge on batteries, if I remember to hook them up.

Bob

[DuciD03]

I've read somewhere ... that the ducati batteries are best charges with a tender that charges then goes to a 1.5 trickle current as opposed to a 2.0 trickle; the 2.0 does the battery in quicker ... Jr tender gives a 1.5 charge .... so that what i use and like the little pigtale attachment (that you'll have to install, connects to the battery)... just my 2 cent's [moto]

[Howie]

You want a Battery Tender Plus or equivalent, 12 V since your bike is equipped with a 12V system.  The plus is a "smart charger" that slows to a lower charge as the battery charges, then a "float" (maintenance) charge when fully charged.  The pig tail is needed for convenient charging with the tank in place.  Look first, some dealers install them before delivery.  Some claim only specific chargers for AGM batteries will work due to the higher open cell voltage of an AGM battery, but I have not found that to be true.

[TobyDanger]

The Battery Tender Jr charges at 0.75A, the Plus charges at 1.5A.  I've always been told that for smaller batteries less amps = slower charging = cooler temps = more gentle to the battery so I bought the Jr.

Toby

[IdZer0]

I have the Optimate and am very happy with it. I was able to save the battery the first year after (not) winterizing my bike. Never had a problem since. I only hook it up in winter since the rest of the year I tend to ride it at least once a week or so.

[Mr Earl]

I voted "Other" which is this:

http://store.schumachermart.com/sem-1562a.html  $18 or $19 at Walmart.

My 2003 M800 is still using its original battery.

[yak52pilot]

They are going for $20 at http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/60/950/ITEM/Battery-Tender-Junior.aspx?WT.i_e_dcsvid=1459204101

[Capo]

Optimate, still on the same battery after 5 years.

[vwboomer]

I picked up 2 Optimates. 1 for  my Gasgas, 1 for my S4R. Both batteries are weak. The Duc doesn't want to start below 50degrees, the Gasgas below 40. Both are 05 bikes with original batteries.

Despite the fact that I could barely crank over the S4R, the Optimate just charged it, then indicated there was a problem, then the light was green, then charging....I think perhaps the immobilizer throws off the Optimate a bit with the constant draw? Same with the Gasgas - the LCD screen never turns off.

I've been off all week, but monday I aim to take the gasgas to work so we'll see if it leaves me stranded at 1050pm in subfreezing temps 

FWIW I got both on Amazon for 88 shipped or something like that.

[CMDRDAVE]

Currently, I ride 3-4 times a week for 30+ minutes at a time.  This will change as the weather cools and the rains start.  M696 is garaged.

Do you really need to put it on a tender if your are riding it periodically?  I try to get in one ride a week (20+ minutes at speed), though sometimes it slides to once every two weeks.  Never used a tender under those conditions and never had a problem.  Maybe this isn't the best plan and I'm just lucky.

[Capo]

I put my battery on the tender everytime,

20 minutes a week would be barely adequate to keep the battery in good condition keeping in mind the discharge caused by the start(s), there is also a slight continuous drain from the immobiliser system.
If you've already got a tender it makes no sense not to use it, you will prolong the life of your battery.