Triumphrat

PA-guy · 12-17-2005, 04:16 AM

I did a search but, as usual, I came up with little information. Is it me or is the search feature on this site not too easy to use??? All I found was info on Battery Tender Plus. Is this the best one to get? Best bang for your buck or a little overkill like many things we use on our bikes? I have a battery tender "junior" I use on my other bike and it does a fine job.

1- I have an 2005 T100. Will it mate up with most new chargers or will I need a special adaptor like I need metric tools?

2- what "if any" is the advantage of the Battery Tender PLUS vs the Junior or non-plus model?

thanks
Chuck

77T140V · 12-17-2005, 04:49 AM

I just bought a Black and Decker charger at Wally-World (Walmart) for about $18 out the door. It comes with mutliple adapters (standard clamps, ring, and DC Cig-Lighter). I have an '05 America which entailed removing the side and battery covers to get at the positive lead. Other end is grounded to the bike of course. So far, I'm happy with it.

Regards,

Tom

PAAS · 12-17-2005, 05:16 AM

I use one of these.

They're intended for semi-permanent attachment to relatively small batteries such as those used in bikes. I.e. it's safe to leave it attached over winter and it will keep your battery in good condition for when the spring arrives. They come with a fly-lead that you attach to your battery so you don't keep having to take off the panels or seat to attach the charger. I've had mine over three years and it does a good job. They go by the name "Accumate" in some markets and will cost a bit more than $18 unfortunately, but it is a proper battery tender with diagnostic features.

Paul.

schwartzkm · 12-17-2005, 12:23 PM

I have had this exact model for around 8 years and two bikes with no issues at all. The biggest advantage I know of getting one is my batteries last MUCH longer than my friends who choose not to use one.

http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1...em=TUC_21-2102

ssjones · 12-17-2005, 02:12 PM

Charlie:
I bought the Battery Tender Plus model from Chaparral Motorsports, $35. I've had it since 02 and I'm on my original battery. Not sure about the differences, daughters boyfriend (motorcycle mechanic) told me to get the Plus model.
Battery Tender Plus - Chaprral

raproe · 12-17-2005, 02:28 PM

I have a Harbor Freight float charger (Item 42292). They only cost about $8. I haven't used it on the bike yet, but it seems to work OK on the lawn tractor.

Bhakti-rider · 12-17-2005, 08:00 PM

I've also got an Optimate, but mine is a II, not a III. It's been totally reliable and does exactly what it's supposed to.

I've also got a BMW gel charger (two, actually), and it too works perfectly. The added benefit to using it is that it comes with exactly the same connector as is on the bike ('05 T100), so I didn't have to do any cutting and soldering.

banjobart · 12-17-2005, 09:26 PM

The Battery Tender Jr. is all you need and if you get more bikes you can get extra leads for the battery terminals and alternate the charger from bike to bike weekly or monthly.

PA-guy · 12-18-2005, 06:20 AM

Where is the hook up to charge the battery and what kind of leads will I need on the charger? Alligator type? I have an 05 T100 and have not gotten a manuel yet.

Thanks
Charlie

ssjones · 12-18-2005, 07:07 AM

Quote:

On 2005-12-18 05:20, PA-guy wrote:
Where is the hook up to charge the battery and what kind of leads will I need on the charger? Alligator type? I have an 05 T100 and have not gotten a manuel yet.

Thanks
Charlie

The Battery Tender line comes with an alligator clip, not useful for bikes. They also include a two-prong, insulated connector that mounts to each battery post. It tucks out of sight and never comes off the bike. When December rolls around, I pull my plug out and connect. Some of the Battery Tender line have mutiple plugs, might fit your two-bike needs. I use the Alligator clip on my stored '96 Impala SS about once a week to keep that battery in good shape.