Battery Optimizers/Chargers

[HungusMaximist]

Yo, I am in the market for a smart battery charger/optimizer. Preferably those 4 step ones where it eliminates sulphur build up.

I looked around here and there, the rough estimate is around the hundred dollar mark.

I would like to get one that's the best value for money so naturally, I would like some opinions, suggestions and places to purchase some! :banana:

[HungusMaximist]

I'll just add quickly that I got recommended a CTEK smart chargers by Battery World. They've got a variety of chargers but the motorcycle ones retails around $90 bucks and it's a 3 step type charger.

If you're willing to splash out $500 bucks you can get yourself a 8 step CTEK charger. I am not so sure if it makes a big difference having a 3 step or a 8 step.

The website is here for their products - http://www.cteknz.co.nz/chargers.htm

Other recommendation is an oxford maximizer - about $135 bucks, don't have a clue how many 'steps' or how 'smart' is.

[vagrant]

I have the XS800. IIRC it cost me $70.00.
It's perfect for looking after the battery when the bike is going to be parked up for a couple of weeks. (and the odd time I have left the car lights on:doh:)
The eight step ones appear to be more for trying to recover older or neglected batteries.
If a battery got to that state, most people would be buying a new one, rather than an expensive charger to try and recover it.

[Luckylegs]

I got one of these from Supercheap (for around $100) about a year ago.

http://www.amiles.com.au/batteries/battery%20fighter.htm

I chuck the bike on this anytime I know it wont be ridden for a couple of days or longer, it obvioulsy gets, and keeps it charged (float) for that period.

Im not an expert with these things but it seems to work well and I certainly havnt had any problems with it. This despite being considerably cheaper than a "name brand" ones.

[HungusMaximist]

Any more experiences?

[FROSTY]

Yup a $20 charger and a prortable radio works fine for me-
The radio uses the battery and the charger charges it up

[vfxdog]

The Optimate is probably the best-known charger for offering a desulphate mode- seems to work OK but the rejuvenated battery is nothing like a fresh one. Yuasa do a couple of different chargers in the Hotshot range- these are excellent, particularly the larger size. I have a CTEK but am somewhat underwhelmed by it. If you have bikes with 6 volt batteries then the Accumate, very similar to the Optimate and made by the same company, switches between 6 and 12 volts. Battery Tender are overated. I have at least one of each of the above but if I was going to buy a new charger tomorrow, I'd buy a Yuasa Hotshot.

[geoffm]

One way is a time clock and a standard charger - set it to do 10 mins every day or so - or power it off the garage door opener light. Everytime you operate the garage door, it gets a few mins charge.
I have a battery Tender automatic charger I have had for years and seems to work ok.
Geoff

[AllanB]

K-Mart sell several including a motorcycle suitable one.