• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Battery Tenders - should you use them or not?

No matter what was said above...

All batteries work, until they don't.

(I have 2 classic cars, 2 spyders, a riding mower, a electric start generator, and a boat all on maintainers all the time unless in use)
 
Battery Minder Plus on all my batteries. 10 yrs on a HD battery, changed due to age. Same on one of my snowmobiles with no recoil, 10 yr change due to age.
Just doubling the life of a battery pays for the maintainer. I only use the desulfating models with temperature compensation.
Currently have 8 doing their job on toys and equipment with 3 seeing routine subzero storage temperatures.
 
This same discussion is going on at a motorcycle forum I am on.
One person who is a dealer says he sells about 100 batteries a year, and half come back due to maintainer issues.
All I know is that I have had the sane Battery Tender Jr. for 18 years.
It has been used on three bikes in that time with no problems.
My Harley XR1200 has been on it for the last year and is fine.
 
Living in south Texas and riding year round, I very seldom use the tender. Only plugged my CTX1300 in once in 4-1/2 years. Have had my wife’s F3-S on it a couple times, but she doesn’t ride as often (or as far) as I do. My “quick rides” are usually around 25-30 miles. But ... I do have a Battery Tender. Just not used much. :doorag:
 
Can I use this plug for a battery tender? If so where can I find an adapter for it?

If the Spyder is wired like mine, it is only connected when the key is on. I use the Electrical Connection Power Portm which is relay switched. Have a standard SAE maintainer connector on the key-off connection and heated gear coaxial connector on the key-on buss.
 
Living in south Texas and riding year round, I very seldom use the tender. Only plugged my CTX1300 in once in 4-1/2 years. Have had my wife’s F3-S on it a couple times, but she doesn’t ride as often (or as far) as I do. My “quick rides” are usually around 25-30 miles. But ... I do have a Battery Tender. Just not used much. :doorag:

Yes, that’s my attitude too, BC. I only plug in if the Spyder is going to sit for a while. If I’m about to head out on a multi day trip, I don’t want to disconnect the tender, get 300 miles from home and find my battery is flat the next morning as the tender has been hiding the fact that it was failing.

I had my first new F3 battery on a tender constantly, and my battery caught me out after 8 months after an overnight stop. I did not connect my 2nd battery to a tender (except for longer sitting periods) and it was still going strong after 4 years. I have adopted the same practise with my new RT.
There are so many variables, and no single correct answer as to whether a permanently connected tender is indeed necessary:thumbup:

Pete
 
Back
Top