Battery Condition

[Crazy of Cookham]

Does anyone connect their battery to a charger over winter. I have one of these new small batteries in the Canam. Does it require a special type of charger and can these be left plugged in for a long time without damage.

[steve_D]

If it's the new Odysie(SP) type then you do need a special charger or a regulated power supply to charge them. The special chargers (From Knight Batteries) can be left on all the time.

Having said that if you look up the spec. it implies they can just be left alone without charging.

You will need to charge because your imobiliser will be running. If it's not then your insurance will be invalid.
Steve

[ultimacz]

I have bought in a DIY shop a small (and relatively cheap) charger from Banner, if I remember correctly the name is "Accuguard". This thing is electronically controlled and keeps the voltage in the battery at an optimal level. You can keep it connected permanently without any danger, it is designed for that. It is also suitable for the small batteries, which does not apply to all types of chargers. It comes also with a set of cables which you can connect permanently to your battery, so that you can just plug in the charger very quickly. I am doing this after every ride in the Ultima so that the battery is always fully loaded.
Peter

[Viper]

I've got a couple of Optimate's (from a bike shop), they work the battery, not only charging it up but also running it down as well. Left one connected for 5 months once, no problems

[Stig]

I just leave my electrical cutoff, off. No problem for me as I don't have an alarm/stereo etc. which gives slow drain.