Triumphrat

Lifer · 11-05-2009, 01:28 PM

It gets a bit cold here in Germany and I was thinking that perhaps I ought to use a trickle charger on my Legend. I keep it in a garage... but it isn't heated.

Do people use trickle chargers all the time... or do you put it on and then take it off after a while?

Does the charger hook direct to the battery or is there a different way

Yeah... I know - Newbie questions from a tenderfoot

At least I make you laugh!

ssevy · 11-05-2009, 02:36 PM

The trickle charger is connected any time the bike is parked in the garage. Basically, there is a short harness that gets hooked under the battery cables at the battery, and this has a quick disconnect for the power wire from the charger. Very easy to use. There are lots of brands available, and they come in a range of prices. I selected a more expensive model for my bike, only because it is supposed to also prevent the coating of the plates which can happen over time. Actually, if it lets me get a few more years out of my battery, it will pay for itself in just a few years. Look around on the web, and you'll see some reviews.

thekeyman · 11-05-2009, 03:23 PM

l have been using Oxford chargers for years and always connect up if l am leaving a bike for over a week. Also if l have not been on any long runs l'll connect it up overnight. they do improve battery life and are cheaper than using gas just to keep the batteries stoked up. l am not sure if perment hook up costs much in electric , l doubt it as it turns off when the batteries fully charged.

Legend JJ · 11-05-2009, 05:53 PM

like the rest of the guys say, i'd highly suggest hooking one up to your bike when you plan on parking it for a few days or even overnight. i was pretty rough on my old Nighthawk and chewed up a battery in one winter. i had it deep charged and hooked up a Battery Tender Jr which made it last two more years until i recently sold it!

i kept the BTJ when i got the Legend and hook it up every night just in case. i actually contacted their customer service once to make sure i wouldn't short a circuit or fuse if i started the bike while it was still plugged in. they said it was fine, and to let them know if i had any issues since they had never heard of it before

http://www.batterytender.com/battery...-at-0-75a.html

MarkBartels · 11-06-2009, 08:00 AM

A true trickle charger does not manage the battery state of charge like a battery tender will as it will continue to add voltage regardless.

The unit like the one Mienzigo posted works very well and you can "plug and play" and essentially forget about the battery unless the battery is a wet cell and then only check the electrolyte level occasionally.

braindead0 · 11-06-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkBartels

A true trickle charger does not manage the battery state of charge like a battery tender will as it will continue to add voltage regardless.

Indeed, you DO NOT WANT A TRICKLE CHARGER. What you need is a float charger which will stop charging when the battery is full. A trickle charger will destroy your battery if left on for a long period of time.

I've used several brands over the years and the worst I've ever had were those that are branded with a 'big name' like black and decker but of course made by some cheap company. I've got 3 schumacker (I think that's how it's spelt) cheapos from Walmart (probably not an option in Germany) that have been working for me for years. Battery Tender should be good, although I'd heard some horror stories. Generally these items are fairly inexpensive anyway.

RickN · 11-06-2009, 01:07 PM

When I bought my new AGM battery (Interstate Cycle Tron II) this spring the dealer told me not to use a Battery Tender on it because the charging rate is too low.

I didn't really believe him, but sure enough, when I got home and had time to read the battery maintenance information there is a minimum charging rate which is higher than the maximum mA output of my Battery Tender.

I don't know what I'm going to do this winter, but their advice was to just hit it with a larger automotive charger for a short time every month and it should be good.

Anybody else hear of this complication?

Proffa66 · 11-06-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi Lifer
I have used Ctek charger (XS3600) last winter and happy with that. Winters here in Finland are cold and long and I have cold garage for my bikes. I'll try to change the charger from bike to bike every two weeks.

ssevy · 11-06-2009, 03:24 PM

This one has worked great on my AGM battery, and it seems very well made. I expect it to last the rest of my life. Also, I don't like the wall wart style, as they can come loose from the outlet because of their weight. This one has a true power cord.
http://www.xtremechargers.com/

Lifer · 11-06-2009, 03:24 PM

Thanks for all the good information.

I can get a CTEK here since it appears to be made in Germany. But I'm pretty sure the instructions are in German and my German is not good so I'll keep this choice as option 2. It is also more expensive than a Battery Tender.

I was able to locate a shop in Germany that is the distributor for the Battery Tender - which is what I really wanted... but their order processing is a bit screwy. I'll have to call them and confirm my order tomorrow.

In any event - I really appreciate the information!

btw Proffa66 - I was in Turku and Kouvola last March. I'm the guy that delivered all the pretty weather!