Battery Tender Question

Constrictor · 06-17-2005

Warning, Noob question!!!!

I just bought a Battery Tender Jr, and I have it permanently mounted to my battery terminals with the quick disconnect plug tied to my frame. That way, I can easily hook the bike up to the charger without having to keep removing my seat.

My question is, should I hook it up everytime I park the bike? Is it good to keep that thing on all the time, even in the summer? Or is it only recommended when I know the bike wont get ridden for long periods of time?

I dont want to cause a safety issue, or decrease the life of my battery by keeping it working unnecessarily.

bross · 06-17-2005

They're designed to be run all the time, so no you won't hurt your battery, actually make it last longer. They just keep it "topped" up, but don't overcharge.

cudaosix · 06-17-2005

There was a thread on this the other day.

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...360#post103360

Couldn't hurt to keep it on the tender, will keep it at full charge.

In my opinion if you ride often or at least twice a week, you dont need to put it on the tender. Maintenance free battery is always a good idea too, doesnt change anything as far as keeping charge goes, but just for the fact that you wont have any messy spills.

BamaBob · 06-17-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Constrictor

My question is, should I hook it up everytime I park the bike? Is it good to keep that thing on all the time, even in the summer? Or is it only recommended when I know the bike wont get ridden for long periods of time?

I dont want to cause a safety issue, or decrease the life of my battery by keeping it working unnecessarily.

It won't hurt to hook it up every time you park it. In fact the manufacturer says it will lengthen the life of your battery if you do. However, since I am riding my bike at least every other day this time of year, I don't always plug mine in. But in the fall & winter, I do keep it plugged up.

Constrictor · 06-17-2005

Thanks for the comments everyone. Since its not a "MUST" to do, I'll do it when I think of it. I park the bike in the back of the garage so its not exactly near an outlet, but I'll try and get an extension cord or something. I will say this though, those EZ quick connectors rule!

T-man · 06-17-2005

Shouldn't need to hook it up every time you park it. I'd use it if the bike is going to set for 2 or more weeks. Just IMO.

meanie · 06-17-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-man

Shouldn't need to hook it up every time you park it. I'd use it if the bike is going to set for 2 or more weeks. Just IMO.

Agreed. A few weeks without a charge does not alter the plates nor the life of a battery. The "it'll make the battery last longer" statement is not totally true. It applies to a battery which will not be used for a longer period of time.

06-17-2005	#1 (permalink)
Constrictor Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Steger, IL Posts: 1,023	Battery Tender Question Warning, Noob question!!!! I just bought a Battery Tender Jr, and I have it permanently mounted to my battery terminals with the quick disconnect plug tied to my frame. That way, I can easily hook the bike up to the charger without having to keep removing my seat. My question is, should I hook it up everytime I park the bike? Is it good to keep that thing on all the time, even in the summer? Or is it only recommended when I know the bike wont get ridden for long periods of time? I dont want to cause a safety issue, or decrease the life of my battery by keeping it working unnecessarily. __________________ 2005 Magma Red Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600 1998 Bright Red Pontiac Trans Am 405.5 RWHP 385.1 RWTQ 2004 Nighthawk Black Honda Accord EX 6-speed

06-17-2005	#2 (permalink)
bross Let's Ride! Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Osoyoos, BC Canada Posts: 6,516	They're designed to be run all the time, so no you won't hurt your battery, actually make it last longer. They just keep it "topped" up, but don't overcharge. __________________ 08 CBF1000 07 DR650 Pic 06 Triumph Scrambler

06-17-2005	#3 (permalink)
cudaosix Guitar nerd BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 3,542	There was a thread on this the other day. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...360#post103360 Couldn't hurt to keep it on the tender, will keep it at full charge. In my opinion if you ride often or at least twice a week, you dont need to put it on the tender. Maintenance free battery is always a good idea too, doesnt change anything as far as keeping charge goes, but just for the fact that you wont have any messy spills. __________________ Over 40 MegaFonzies and rising 1980 KZ1000 Last edited by cudaosix : 06-17-2005 at 01:01 PM.

06-17-2005	#5 (permalink)
Constrictor Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Steger, IL Posts: 1,023	Thanks for the comments everyone. Since its not a "MUST" to do, I'll do it when I think of it. I park the bike in the back of the garage so its not exactly near an outlet, but I'll try and get an extension cord or something. I will say this though, those EZ quick connectors rule! __________________ 2005 Magma Red Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600 1998 Bright Red Pontiac Trans Am 405.5 RWHP 385.1 RWTQ 2004 Nighthawk Black Honda Accord EX 6-speed

06-17-2005	#6 (permalink)
T-man Deerslayer & BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 1,266	Shouldn't need to hook it up every time you park it. I'd use it if the bike is going to set for 2 or more weeks. Just IMO. __________________ T-man VROC #12333 2005 V2K Ltd 2001 1500 Classic FI http://www.geocities.com/tensman_99/mcpics.html

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)