It seems that whenever an electrical question/problem pops up on this forum, at least some blokes will mention they trickle charge their bike battery.
Why?
Obviously if it's flat, or run down (which for me, isn't often), it'll need a charge, but otherwise I never trickle charge mine. Mostly if it ever gets too low to give a decent kick over, I just jump start with the car or whatever, then let the alternator do it's work when I'm out riding....
Just curious... Is it something to do with the late model bikes? Mines a '94..
The newer bikes with immobilisers and alarms will drain a battery while they sit in the shed .
Ha ha. +1 Bluey. I've never used a trickle charger on any of the bikes i've owned. And only ever had to replace a couple of batterys when old after about 5 years.
Longest i went without a ride was on my 07 fatty for 3 months. When i did get back on it she fired up first go no probs.
I suppose they do have there place for climates that have to "winterise" their machines.
I use one as with 3 bikes registered (and a company car) they dont all get ridden enough. I have two chargers using the same clips and interchange between the three bikes dependant on what I am riding most often. My 62 Trumpy Chop is kick only and starts easily if left on trickle charge between rides. The boyer ignition I am running likes a fully charged battery. The Bonnie and the lowrider probably dont need it but I like the security of knowing if I jump on any of em they will fire up no problems. I have the trickle chargers running through a timer so only can top up/charge for about three hours per night (Off peak for what its worth although the draw is very low). Wouldn't be without one these days. Ride Safe All Nigel
Keeping the battery in a state of full charge prolongs it's life.
Hitting the starter with a fully charged battery creates less heat and load on both the battery and starter motor.
Hitting the starter with a battery that is a bit low may still fire the engine up, but the added heat factor is more liable to promote battery plate distortion, or buckling. The more ya load a battery up that's not fully charged the sooner it will crap out.
On the later machines, some tuners will not operate properly unless the battery voltage is fully charged.
(selected function failed -- battery voltage too low)
After a couple of starts or cranks, the fully charged state is knocked off the battery and unless the charging system has had a long enough run above idle speed the battery may not hold sufficient charge to satisfy the requiements of the ECM and tuner.
Also take into account that unless you isolate the headlight / tail light / accessories, they draw a fair bit of current with the ignition turned on and charging system not running.
Voltage drop when hitting the starter with a less than fully charged battery reduces the voltage supplied to the ECM while cranking, they can be funny little fuckers and do strange things if they're not getting what they need.
