Keeping the battery charged over winter

[Rocket]

I have an Oxford Maximiser 360T trickle charger, which is a leading brand of charger used for motorbikes in the UK. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for any type of battery from 1.2Ah to 125Ah. It can detect the type of battery and automatically maintains and optimises battery life. I would like to use this to keep my gel battery (which is just over a year old) in good health over the winter (because I 'm now too nesh to ride the thing in the cold)

HOWEVER, my local BMW dealer recommends I buy the (much more expensive) BMW charger since this is the only one they recommend for the R1200R gel batteries. (something to do with the small amount of trickle charge needed for the type of gel battery used). Can't help feeling the dealer is trying to pull the wool over my eyes on this one. Would appreciate some technical advice.

[mogu83]

I'm sure some battery expert will jump in on this but here's my thoughts. (Please send 2 cents);

On this side of the pond a lot of us use Battery Tenders wired directly to the battery (not through the BMW plug). The Tender is a battery FLOAT device and slowly reduces the charge (to almost zero) as the battery becomes fully charged. It then monitors the battery and if the battery drops off a little it turns on again and brings the battery back to full charge.

Generally (as far as I know) a trickle charged never really turns off, and usually just drops to a lower charge current as the battery reaches full charge. Over weeks even a constant 1.25A charge could cause a problem.

The name of your device Oxford Maximiser seems to indicate it's more than a trickle charger, see if in the paper work it talks about floating the battery. If it does then your in good shape.

BTW: I do know that if you try to use a Battery Tender Jr. to charge a stone dead car battery, you will do irreversible harm to the Battery Tender.

[RT-Mike]

I've always used one of these http://batterytender.com/ when the bike is setting idle.

No problems soo far,and battery is always fresh.

I have four of these hooked up on various batteries through the Winter months.

[Bob Ain't Stoppin']

I also use a battery tender plus. They are not a trickle charger. Have electronics to monitor the battery and not over-charge. That's why they're called tenders. Good product. There are a number of other brands out there that are also good.

[PhilSB]

I used an Optimate charger (they are intended to be left connected to the battery on the bike) for 7 years on my old VFR800 without problems. The battery was probably duff put it didn't cause me any difficulty. I had the same recommendation from a BMW dealer that batteries suffer from these types of charger and I have been reluctant to leave it connected up all the time when the bike isn't in use. I might try it now as the battery is probably getting toward the end of its life (The bike's 07).

Phil

[Ric]

Whatever you do never charge with more current than 10% of your batteries amp/hr rating.
That is, 15 AH battery, do not go over 1.5 amp charge.
I use a battery tender Jr.

And why do you guys not use the BMW plug on the bike ?

[mogu83]

I use a battery tender Jr.
And why do you guys not use the BMW plug on the bike ?

Because the BMW plug isn't hard wired to the battery. The BMW battery tender ($$$) has special wiring to keep the plug turned on. Are you using your Battery Tender Jr. through the BMW plug? If so, you should check to see if the battery tender is really connected to the battery. Maybe something is different on the 2010s.

[Lost Rider]

1) Buy heated gear and just ride all winter, then you don't have to worry about charging your battery.
I don't believe you Brits have that brutal of winters not to be able to ride with the proper gear.

2) never trust someone who's trying to sell you something.

[famousperson]

I have been using the original, stock battery over the past 3 winters, and never used a battery tender of any ilk. Same thing on my Harley Sportster, a wet cell, three winters. The bikes have always started right up after 3 1/2 to 4 months of non-use. I don't know if I will have as good luck with my new BatteriesPlus AGM on the BMW.

[bhope]

Along the same lines, how important is temperature in the maintenance of batteries over the winter? In a garage that drops to temperatures near freezing, should I:

a) remove the battery and trickle charge in the house?
or
b) charge directly to the bike (more convenient) in the colder environment?

Thanks for your advice.

Blair
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

I have an Oxford Maximiser 360T trickle charger, which is a leading brand of charger used for motorbikes in the UK. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for any type of battery from 1.2Ah to 125Ah. It can detect the type of battery and automatically maintains and optimises battery life. I would like to use this to keep my gel battery (which is just over a year old) in good health over the winter (because I 'm now too nesh to ride the thing in the cold)

HOWEVER, my local BMW dealer recommends I buy the (much more expensive) BMW charger since this is the only one they recommend for the R1200R gel batteries. (something to do with the small amount of trickle charge needed for the type of gel battery used). Can't help feeling the dealer is trying to pull the wool over my eyes on this one. Would appreciate some technical advice.

[goomicoo]

The BMW plug is connected to the battery on my '96 RT and on the "03 R. The battery tender indicates when it is connected properly. I leave them on all the time. No worries.

[Anger]

I lived in Michigan up until 3.5 years ago and I never had any luck charging in place. My motorcycle and summer vehicle batteries ALWAYS did better being removed and trickle charged in the house during the winter months.

[bhope]

Thanks Anger. I've followed your advice and pulled the battery. So quick and easy to do anyway

Sincerely,

Blair

I lived in Michigan up until 3.5 years ago and I never had any luck charging in place. My motorcycle and summer vehicle batteries ALWAYS did better being removed and trickle charged in the house during the winter months.