If I take out the bike two three times a week, about 15 miles each trip, do I still need to use the trickle charger? I do not own one yet, and the battery is one year old. Would the trickle charger make my battery stronger and last longer?
Do I need trickle charger?
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Do you absolutely need one, no. Good idea, yes. I use a CTEK unit that is mounted on the work bench next to the bike. A plug is hooked up to the battery. Every time I park the bike, I plug it in. You'll get mixed reviews. Check out their site and others to learn the benefits. For me, I leave the battery in the bike all winter plugged in. That was the main reason I purchased a charger. One of the auto shows I watch sold me on CTEK.
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Don't know whether or not a 15 minute run (total time running) will fully recharge the battery.
I would suppose that if you aren't having a problem, then it is ok. Does it still do well that way in the winter?
If I remember correctly, the MOM says if you leave it still for two months or so, charge it.
You don't need an expensive charger, just one that will trickle charge at 1.5 AMP or so (again, from memory).
I got mine from Wal-Mart. Long name, something like Shaumaker or similar. It works fine.
I would suppose that if you aren't having a problem, then it is ok. Does it still do well that way in the winter?
If I remember correctly, the MOM says if you leave it still for two months or so, charge it.
You don't need an expensive charger, just one that will trickle charge at 1.5 AMP or so (again, from memory).
I got mine from Wal-Mart. Long name, something like Shaumaker or similar. It works fine.
Now that you mentioned Wal-Mart... I have one too somewhere. I bought it for my old car many years ago. It was supposed to be attached on the car's battery, with the short cord with the 110V connector. I remember 1.5Amp label on the case. I wonder if it is going to work for the bike's battery.
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will it make it stronger? no. will it keep it fully charged? of course. Do you need it? no. But i like to keep mine plugged into my battery tender whenever i dont use it. One can be had for only 35-45 bucks which is cheaper than a battery. as was said you'll definitely get mixed reviews but ive used the battery tender for 3 years now on 3 bikes and its great.
Oh, it helped alot when i stupidly left the key turned but removed it. came out the next day and the battery was dead. the charger took like 2 days to fully charge but im alot more careful now.
Oh, it helped alot when i stupidly left the key turned but removed it. came out the next day and the battery was dead. the charger took like 2 days to fully charge but im alot more careful now.
I found my old on-board type battery conditioner (SEARS product and it is labeled as battery conditioner). any suggestion on the connector type? I guess I could find any connector from radio shack or something, buy want to listen to other's experience.
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Make certain the AMP amount complies with your MOM.
By conector type you mean what to use to connect to the battery, mine has both alligator clamps and screws. I imagine either will work-I use the screws. However, I'm not around my bike right now, and I'm pretty sleep deprived, so my memory could be off.
But if you aren't currently having a problem with the battery starting your bike well, you may not need to buy a connector anyway.
rar
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I ride daily, so I've had no need for charger. I do have a quite dusty one, somewhere. 
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Walley World has one for about $17.00 It does all the same things the higher priced models. I can't remember the name brand starts with an S I think. It comes with the quick connect plug and clips. Schumacher I think...
SEM-1562A - 1.5 amp Battery Companion®
SEM-1562A - 1.5 amp Battery Companion®
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