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bobgeorge
08-04-2015, 01:45 PM
Hello all,

Question, do you all only use a battery tender when you go extended times without riding? Like a week or two?

What type of battery tender do you recommend?

Thank you!

Jamesmozz
08-04-2015, 01:51 PM
I use an optimate 4 that keeps it all topped up and has an inbuilt diagnostic. Really good product used them with all my two wheels before

mxz600
08-04-2015, 01:51 PM
I do and I use the Deltran Battery Tender junior. I still have the original battery, it is over 6 years old.

For the bigger battery in the RT the junior is not big enough. Get the full size version.

http://www.amazon.com/Deltran-Battery-Tender-021-0128-Charger/dp/B00068XCQU/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1438714171&sr=1-2&keywords=battery+tender

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=112965&stc=1

ARtraveler
08-04-2015, 01:52 PM
The jury is out whether to plug the :spyder2: in when not being used regularly.

Akspyderlady's sits for 4 days out of seven not being used. It is always ready to start up instantly.

Once I determine I am done riding for the season, (black ice on the roads), I plug them both in until spring. Usually October - March.

The rest of the time, I do not use the Tenders. Have been gone due to vacation up to 10 days with no ill effects on the battery.

Electrical items that are not shut off or drawing power can have an effect on start up.

Both of my :spyder2:'s are in a heated garage, so there are no cold weather effects on my batteries.

happyspyder2039
08-04-2015, 01:53 PM
Hello all,

Question, do you all only use a battery tender when you go extended times without riding? Like a week or two?

What type of battery tender do you recommend?

Thank you!nope! I use 1 maybe once a month on a Saturday when I'm not ryding. Use a extreme motorcycle charger.

jonnysevel
08-04-2015, 01:59 PM
I use the Battery Tender Plus and I really only plug it in at the end of the ryding season... so it will sit all week, sometimes 2 weeks if the weather sucks... and she starts right up everytime!!
Jonny

STELLING MAN
08-04-2015, 03:20 PM
I also use the Battery Tender Plus on my RT-S, It works great, but I only use It from Nov. to March..

Chupaca
08-04-2015, 03:27 PM
extended periods of time are measured in months. If your battery will not hold for several weeks to a month or more it being drained or dying anyway....:dontknow:

4 MARIE
08-04-2015, 03:33 PM
A week or two ???

That's not an "extended" time. Now, if you're talking about bedding it
down for winter... a matter of 2 or more months, certainly
hook 'er up. An ounce of prevention and such.

coz
08-04-2015, 03:50 PM
All the time.

hdlongrod
08-04-2015, 04:17 PM
Always plug our bikes in when at home.

900Dave
08-04-2015, 04:31 PM
Battery Tender Jr. if it is going to sit more than a month. I have not had it plugged in since early April.

MEP
08-04-2015, 04:41 PM
I use the Battery Tender Junior and keep my RT plugged in when I'm not riding it. That's been my practice for years with other bikes as well, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

Mazo EMS2
08-04-2015, 04:42 PM
I do and I use the Deltran Battery Tender junior. I still have the original battery, it is over 6 years old.

For the bigger battery in the RT the junior is not big enough. Get the full size version.

http://www.amazon.com/Deltran-Battery-Tender-021-0128-Charger/dp/B00068XCQU/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1438714171&sr=1-2&keywords=battery+tender

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=112965&stc=1

I've got several of these around the house for the off-season periods of the toys.

Raknid
08-04-2015, 04:48 PM
Have a BatteryTender Plus and a couple Juniors for the bikes. I plug the RT into whatever is free if not ridden for few days. The RT seems to have a very large vampire draw compared to our other bikes.

bobgeorge
08-04-2015, 05:16 PM
Thanks for all the wonderful info.

Question. Where does the Tender get its power? Does it plus in?

coz
08-04-2015, 05:28 PM
Wall outlet.

bobgeorge
08-04-2015, 05:31 PM
Wall outlet.

Thanks, I thought so. That might be an issue. I live in a townhouse without a garage. Right now I just have the unit parked outside in one of my parking spots.

happyspyder2039
08-04-2015, 05:39 PM
Thanks, I thought so. That might be an issue. I live in a townhouse without a garage. Right now I just have the unit parked outside in one of my parking spots.
Ditto on townhouse. I just run extension cord out the front door.

bobgeorge
08-04-2015, 05:53 PM
Ditto on townhouse. I just run extension cord out the front door.

And leave it out all night??

Sccar
08-04-2015, 06:04 PM
I plug it in anytime I am not riding. I do the same thing for my car. Have done it on all my bikes

Deanna777
08-04-2015, 06:30 PM
I don't use the battery tender jr. during the riding season( April to Oct.) because I am usually riding. My spyder starts right up. I have a 2014RTS-SE6.

I do use the Deltran battery tender jr. (12Volt switches automatically from charge to float!) when I put the :spyder2: in for it long winters nap ( from Oct. to April @ the dealership) the winters here in the NE are long.
Deanna

Vt. Rider
08-05-2015, 06:39 AM
If you always use a battery tender, you can extend your battery life far beyond it's normal (untended) life expectancy. I used one on my Goldwing faithfully, and my battery lasted a bit more than six years.
With today's electronics and computerized systems on our machines, there is a constant drain on the battery. If you have an AGM battery, it's extremely difficult if not impossible to recharge it if it's totally dead. For the $39.00 or so, I think that the battery tender is great insurance.

Jbiancolli
08-05-2015, 06:51 AM
Thanks, I thought so. That might be an issue. I live in a townhouse without a garage. Right now I just have the unit parked outside in one of my parking spots.


Do a google search. I believe I have seen solar powered units that are used on RV's

Bob Denman
08-05-2015, 07:49 AM
A week or two ???

That's not an "extended" time. Now, if you're talking about bedding it
down for winter... a matter of 2 or more months, certainly
hook 'er up. An ounce of prevention and such.

:agree: The 1200 watt alternator on the 1330s does a bang-up job of keeping the battery charged.
Example: When I had my 998; anytime that I plugged it into my Deltran 800, It'd show a yellow light for at least 20 minutes.
My 1330 never showed yellow; only green.

As an experiment this past Winter; I left it unplugged for two Months... :yikes:
I had a half-hour of yellow, and then right back to green. :thumbup:

Pampurrs
08-05-2015, 08:27 AM
Hello all,

Question, do you all only use a battery tender when you go extended times without riding? Like a week or two?

What type of battery tender do you recommend?

Thank you!

I ride every day and plug my Battery Tender in just about every night. I just unplug it the next day and I'm on my way. The Battery Tender conditions the battery and extends it's life.

Pam

trikermutha
08-05-2015, 08:31 AM
Been using a battery tender since I got one with my Harley at the time..It does help in the off season for extended non run times.

I don't use it during the riding season:thumbup:

CanAmChris
08-05-2015, 05:47 PM
If it is parked at my house, it's on the tender. (both bikes)

ricford
08-06-2015, 08:35 AM
The Internet University has lots of lessons. One is on batteries. This link will provide just about everything you need to know. There are other sites with good information so do a good search. These folks are selling their product but despite that, provide some good information on how batteries live and die. http://www.batteryequaliser.com/products/product_battery_maintenance.htm

ThreeFeet
08-06-2015, 09:32 AM
I plug mine every time I leave it in the garage the battery is 5 years old and still going. ( now that I said that the darn thing will quit on me!!!):yikes:

SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN
08-06-2015, 04:19 PM
I will be getting my battery tender junior HE in october to use during winter time when i don't ride. my next battery will be a lithium ion.