Battery charger size

[SMOKEU]

I need a battery charger for my GSXR600. Is a 2.5A charger too big?

[bungbung]

Do you have a normal lead-acid battery?
If so then that's fine. Ideally your new charger will have some intelligence to regulate the charging current, but even if it doesn't you'll be good.

[SMOKEU]

Do you have a normal lead-acid battery?
If so then that's fine. Ideally your new charger will have some intelligence to regulate the charging current, but even if it doesn't you'll be good.

I'm pretty sure it is a normal lead acid battery. The only chargers I can afford are the cheap Arlec models from Bunnings like this (http://www.arlec.com.au/viewProduct.aspx?productcode=BC269&catalogueID=8&parentCatalogueID=6) or this (http://www.arlec.com.au/viewProduct.aspx?productcode=BC581&catalogueID=8&parentCatalogueID=6), I've seen the more expensive ones that can regulate the current but I can't afford those models as they're over $60.

[Akzle]

depends what you want it for..
i'm assuming that charger is unregulated at 2.5A which means your battery will only draw as much current as it needs, up to 2.5A (at something like 13.2V, be my guess)
leaving it on for extended periods of time (days-weeks), unless your charger will thermally/automatically shut down, will damage your battery.
if it does auto shut off, then leaving it in the wall will waste power and wont do it any good.

if you're just re-charging a flat, this will do the trick, leave it on overnight, unplug it tomorow.
if you're going to store your bike - disconnect the battery, charge as above, leave it a month, put it on overnight, leave it a month, etc.

if your battery is poked you'll want a multi-stage charger (get your credit card out. they're not cheap) OR take it to someone who has one, your friendly local mechanic might do it free of charge. (no pun intended)

it would be my recommendation to you not to charge it in the bike.
if the battery is dead flat (less than 8V) i would suggest the multi-stage, and your batt is probably poked anyway.

[SMOKEU]

Thanks guys, I'll go for the 2.5A model and leave it connected only for a few hours at a time.

[Gremlin]

It also depends why you need the battery. If it's constantly going flat you'll need a new battery at some point.

If it's because the bike is constantly sitting, then you're better off buying a tender type, that will cycle the battery and keep it in good condition.

[bsasuper]

2.5 amp charger will do, but put it on for maxium 5 hours.A 1 amp charge is better for our motorcycle batterys.

[BMWST?]

I'm pretty sure it is a normal lead acid battery. The only chargers I can afford are the cheap Arlec models from Bunnings like this (http://www.arlec.com.au/viewProduct.aspx?productcode=BC269&catalogueID=8&parentCatalogueID=6) or this (http://www.arlec.com.au/viewProduct.aspx?productcode=BC581&catalogueID=8&parentCatalogueID=6), I've seen the more expensive ones that can regulate the current but I can't afford those models as they're over $60.


a decent charger can save you from buying new batteries for the car and the bike.....2 amp will be cool