Battery Tender or Battery Tender Jr.

My 2 year old battery seems to be getting weaker. Any thoughts on whether a battery tender or a battery tender jr. would keep if charged ...or should I replace the battery. Also...the best place to buy a battery tender/jr. charger. thanks...billc.

I think the Jr. should be just fine - I've had the waterproof version ( http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-022-0150-DL-WH-Waterproof-Charger/dp/B000CITKCE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1289254241&sr=8-6 ) for a few years now and have been very pleased with it. Amazon seems to have pretty good prices (that's where I got mine), I don't remember how much I shopped around.

If you're driving it on a regular basis and the battery still needs to be charged, then it could be getting near the end of it's life. You can do some checks with a voltmeter - I think the service manual describes them, but generally if you're getting less than a true 12.6v from the battery, then it may be on it's way out.

x

billc. wrote:

My 2 year old battery seems to be getting weaker. Any thoughts on whether a battery tender or a battery tender jr. would keep if charged

Both will work. It depends on what, when or where you want to charge.

I read http://batterytender.com/resources/selection-guide.htm to understand the difference.

I chose the Battery Tender Plus, because I do have some gel batteries.

billc. wrote:

...or should I replace the battery.

The lights from the Batter Tender Plus helped me to identify a rectifier problem. The Honda service was surprised I detected it before it also burned out the regulator.

billc. wrote:

Also...the best place to buy a battery tender/jr. charger

I purchased from here
http://www.pacificbattery.com/batterytender0128.html

Amazon also has free shipping.

THANK YOU ALL for the information. I will look into your excellent suggestions and let you know what I find/decide....billc.

If you ride everyday and have added no electrial junk, battery is getting weak, maybe colder temps bring it down. Since there is no kick starter or bump starts cannot be done, get new battery.

Since I ride everyday, I have never needed charger.....and of course no junk added...and my runs are usually more than 3 or 4 miles, battery stays up.

Long parked periods, disconnect battery. Add staybul is gas.


John Grinsel

x

I have decided to get the Battery Tender Jr., as I think it will be more than adequate for my needs. I may also have my battery checked (the Honda Dealer said bring it in and he would check it for free!!). That way I will know I am keeping a "good" battery completely charged, or I will replace the battery. In that case I will ask for battery recommendations as to the best "value" for the price....billc.

When I purchased my Silverwing it came with a CTEK US800 charger. The CTEK has a LED battery charge % indicator that attackes to the battery and stays in my underseat storage. I can always see what % charge my battery has. This automated charger is for long term charging maintenance as well as overnight charging. You can purchase a cigarette lighter power outlet from CTEK. The unit seems to work well and is high quality. $40
I have not used the Battery Tender Jr. but I really like the CTEK. http://www.ctek.com/EN-US/home/default.aspx

Just got a battery tender junior (sale $29.99 cdn). It came with two clamp options, 1-hardwire to battery terminals, 2-regular booster style clamps. I opted for the hardwire option. I removed the battery cover and the left side tupperware and slid the wire from the battery box thru the existing hole where the positive wire runs. It was tight but no cutting of the battery box was required to get the quick connect thru. I zip tied the little extra wire harness to existing wiring but left just enough to allow the quick connect to be slightly visible under the tupperware after it was reinstalled. The quick connect came with an attached rubber weather cap so no worries about dirt/water plugging it.
The wire was a little difficult to install on the battery because there is no room to spare with the battery cover, but with a little coaxing and nashing of teeth it can be done. There is an inline fuse on the wiring harness that can tuck into the small space inside the battery box.
Happy with the end result and not having to put my regular car charger on it every so often being the bike sits idle for 6 months of the year

I picked up one of these a couple of years ago for $19.00 USD on sale. It still goes on sale sometimes:

http://www.sears.com/diehard-battery-charger-maintainer/p-02871219000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

I have hardwire cord on my SWing already (removed from my KLR). I don't remember any problems installing the cord on my SWing... Used the hardwire included on my wife's Metropolitan.

I have used this on cars and motorcycles both with great results. Even works on 6 volt so can put on my Trail 90s as needed.