ACC can go fuck themselves
Just wondering how people find these? I make sure I ride my bike regularly so the battery doesn't go flat from sitting. But lately I've heard of 3 bikes that have had the battery give out while riding and then needed trailering home. I haven't got a battery minder because I heard that they're not actually that good for your battery. Does anyone know if this is true?
Originally Posted by Swampdonkey
Hardcore Biker
If you're getting one, I think it's worth getting a good one. I have three Optimate 3 battery tenders. I've used them for years. It's good to always have a full charge in the battery and if it prolongs the life of, for example, the bloody expensive gel battery in my Guzzi it's got to be worth it.
Aside from when I first bought the Guzzi with a duff battery I've never had to buy any other one.
P.S. Just had a look and notice they're up to the Optimate 4. http://www.optimate-chargers.co.uk/?...FRBbagodRkHZaQ They do more than just charge the battery by the way.
Hardcore Biker
Can't comment on whether that is true or not,but i can say i have an oxford battery minder/trickle charger,and have used it several times over the last year with nothing but good feedback to report.
Well worth it in my books,and you can't overcharge with it,as it gets to a full charge status,then switches into maintain mode for as long as you like.Supposedly indefinitely.(Can't comment on that,as i use my bike heaps.)
Smarty pants... since ages ago
Most battery's are guarenteed for 12 months ... after that it is in the lap of the gods. Good quality batterys are worth the money. Buy cheap and they will bite you in the wallet.
Regular use helps, but nothing man made lasts forever ... sadly.
A battery charger on trickle charge does the same thing. A few bucks at a second hand shop if you can find one for sale. New ... Wharehouse ???
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
Toxteth O'Grady
They're worth getting if your bike is laid up for winter or something. But if the battery fails whilst riding it you have a problem with the battery or the charging system.
I rigged up my own battery minder with a normal battery charger and a plug in household timer switch set to come on for 15 mins twice a day - it worked a treat through several long cold winters in the UK - the bike had an alarm fitted which would otherwise drain the battery in a couple of weeks.
ACC can go fuck themselves
I never had any problems with my older bikes or this one - touch wood. The bikes I have heard that this happened to were newish ones. Mine has a factory alarm. i don't use it but I guess it's still draining the battery. Also have jump started my older bikes. Does anyone know if you can jumpstart the new harleys i.e. twin cam, fuel injected.
Hardcore Biker
Don't think they recommend it but I'm sure people do. That wasn't much help was it....
Did you get the owner's manual with your bike by the way?
ACC can go fuck themselves
No, no owners manual or service record. Just a totally bald rear tyre and a fractured riser.
Loving life in the Bay
I have one and it works well. I used a Merit plug for a tidy finish. Available from Jaycar
Hardcore Biker
Should be able to find the manual in PDF form. Look at http://www.harleytechtalk.org/htt/index.php and the section 'Files that have been found' which contains lots of links to service information etc. that you can download.
The riser's an easy fix but it's lucky you noticed! Have you fixed it yet? What sort of risers are they?
ACC can go fuck themselves
Yeah, had to fix it b4 I could ride it. Bars were on such an angle I was getting seasick. It had 41/2 inch pullbacks. Now has 51/2 inch chubby pullbacks. Also changed bars. Was wide westerns, now drag bars.
Hardcore Biker
Had wide westerns on both of my Road Kings. Reall like them. Bought a set of HD bars with risers on TradeMe a few days ago but they're not really what I'm after. In the end I went into Street & Sport and they ordered me copies of the Triumph America bars from a company in Nelson.
I'd better get some bits listed online so the wife doesn't moan about the extra expense... Shifting garages shortly so I'm sure that'll unearth some bits. Haven't forgotten about your brake cover thingy by the way. Got to be there somewhere.
Smarty pants... since ages ago
I can't imagine why not, unless it has a computerised ignition system. And would have stickers saying ... do not jump-start.
An auto electrician would be able to test for current drain and battery condition in a matter of minutes. Usually little or no charge.
When life throws you a curve ... Lean into it ...
Double shot!!
An automatic battery charger is a very good thing for your battery. Keeps it topped right up - batteries can be damaged by being left part-charged. Don't use an older non-automatic charger.
I cannot imagine why you cannot bump/push start a modern fuel injected bike of any type. The big vee twins are a little reluctant - they can drag the back wheel if you dont slam your arse down hard on the seat the same instant you dump the clutch. Even my little 650 usually takes a few tries to get it going.
A flat battery should not force you to trailer a bike home.
Steve
"I am a licenced motorcycle instructor, I agree with dangerousbastard, no point in repeating what he said."
"read what Steve says. He's right."
"What Steve said pretty much summed it up."
"I did axactly as you said and it worked...!!"
"Wow, Great advise there DB."
WTB: Hyosung bikes or going or not.
Cyborg Biker
They are worth getting for a big v-twin...as it does take bit to turn them over... You probably don't need one for the smaller v-twin (250-650) but would hurt... also if you don't ride the bike regularly you batter will slowly lose its charge... which the trickle battery tender will recharge for you
I plug the duke in most of the time and wish I hade one for the VTR
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