What is the recommended trickle charger

[GSSteve]

I have a 2004 GS ADV and a 2008 1200 RT (my wife's) parked in the garage as I wait for the winter to go away. I have to admit I do little winter prep on the bikes. The garage is semi heated. I do fire them up every couple of weeks (rightly or wrongly) but clearly the battery juice is low. What would you recommend for a charger that I could leave on and rotate between the two bikes or possibly purchase 2.

[PAULBACH]

Battery Tender makes great products. They make one model that will service two bikes. But, for flexibility, would get two separate tenders.

Check out their web page here.

[GSSteve]

Thanks! Will follow your suggestion and get one for each bike. It's about time that I do

[PAULBACH]

Generally you will find the trickle charger will pay for itself by extending the life of the battery. A slowly charged, fully charged battery can last up to twice as long.

[kbasa]

Thanks! Will follow your suggestion and get one for each bike. It's about time that I do

They make one that can support 5 bikes for only a little more than buying two regular battery tenders.

[PAULBACH]

5 Bank Charger - 12V @ 2A $587.95
Click Here

Battery Tender Plus 12V @ 1.25A $64.95
Click here

Battery Tender Junior 12V @ 0.75A $39.95
Click Here

[PHMARVIN]

Hi,
Battery Tenders have the reputation for working and have been around for a number of years. I went to Harbor Freight and, for less than $10, bought a float charger. That's what I use on my bikes (I have 2 bikes and 2 float chargers) to keep the batteries charged.

[BRADFORDBENN]

Also make sure you check Gel versus "old school" battery

[GRANTMACEACHERN]

This might be an option too:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/pr...romSearch=true

I bought one of these a 2 years ago and it has worked fine. I honestly don't know if there is any difference between this one, a Battery Tender or a BMW battery minder but I've never had a dead battery.

Follow the advice from the poster above and make sure you select the right switch for your style of battery before charging.

I noticed that this charger goes on sale about every three months at Cdn Tire. It might be too late to catch a sale this season but there's the info.

But here is my question to the group: The Battery Tender website notes that their chargers are for LEAD ACID batteries. Does that mean wet only? Are they intended for Gel batteries (i.e. my BMW Gelbatterie)

G

[PAULBACH]

*Note: All Deltran battery chargers will charge all types of lead acid batteries: either flooded (standard STD), sealed maintenance free Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), or sealed maintenance free gelled electrolyte (GEL) batteries. However, for optimum battery performance in deep cycle applications (for example, running a trolling motor), it is best to chose the Deltran charger that has the charging software specifically designed for the battery type. Fortunately, since the technical staff at Deltran has developed charging software that works equally well for both STD & AGM batteries, the only choice to be made is between 2 models: either STD & AGM or GEL software.

Source

[BUBBAZANETTI]

Also make sure you check Gel versus "old school" battery

battery tender jr (the cheap little one) will tend all batteries just fine.


also, don't start your bikes if you're not going to ride them. change the oil before you put it away and you're fine.