Conditioning New Batteries

[herulach]

The battery in the YBR is starting to act up, and since it's getting cold I reckon it's worth investing in a new one (It's still on the 5 year old OEM one)

I have a cheap 12V trickle charger, are these suitable for conditioning the first charge? I can kind of see why this might not be a great idea, but ultimately it's no different that what it will be seeing when the things on the bike.

If it's going to bugger it up I don't mind paying for a decent one, so can anyone recommend a cheap half decent charger?
____________________
YBR 125>FZS600

[motobiker]

If you can get a GEL battery for your particular bike then do so. these arrive fully charged and need nothing doing after fitting. they're also a lot better at maintaining their charge in the winter and need no maintenance. no messing around checking levels and topping up. no need to replace your charger either.
____________________
1999 R1100GS + 2006 F800S
(Nottingham)
Sooner or later opinions fade and the name on the tank matters not. I think that happens somewhere between 3rd and 4th gear. Enjoy the ride... everything else takes care of itself.

[herulach]

[stinkwheel]

I see no reason why trickle charging should be a problem. In fact, it's probably better. A slow, small charge is better than a big, forceful charge (more charging, less gassing).

If you know someone who is studying chemistry. Get them to steal you some EDTA (Disodium salt) from the lab. It's a white powder. Put a pinch in each cell of the battery. This will make the battery last a lot longer (as in shelf life, not charge time). It's to do with metal impurities electroplating themselves onto the lead plates, the EDTA prevents this.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Walloper]