Noob battery charging questions - Which Optimiser?

[bikertomm]

Hi guys,

As I only really ride my bike through the summer, the last time I came to start it up (I had left it 5 weeks - oops!)

It wasn't having it so ran down the road with it in 25 degrees heat..

So moving forward, I need to get an optimiser/optimate.

The thing is I've never really played with battery's so need a BCF helping hand!

1. Can I just take my seat off and plug in these devices onto the + and - on the battery - or does the battery need to come out?

2. Could I just leave it on charge for a week etc or does it need to be left on all the time?

3. Which one should I buy and how much will it cost? From what I've seen they vary from £15 to £50+ !

Any help would be appreciated,

Cheers,
Tom
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[andy_uk]

1) Yes you can and no, the battery doesn't need to come out. (I'd advise fitting a socket so you can connect the charger without faffing about)

2) If you can leave it connected then do that. It just keeps the battery topped up.

3) No idea... I just picked up a cheap optimate off Ebay and it does the job for me.
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Aprilia Classic 125, GS500E, ER5-A1, ER5-C4, ER6 & an XJ6 project frame...

[bikertomm]

[arry]

Optimate 4 is the best as far as in concerned. You just run the lead that comes with it down under the seat or whatever you can access from and plug it in when you go the bike back in garage.

About 50 quid. Normal price rather than discounted. Can be had cheaper.

[andy_uk]

[bikertomm]

Guys, only just got round to sorting this.

I'll probably buy an oxford optimate 900 for £30.

But, what will it do that this won't?

For the sake of a fiver would this be any good? Don't want to fuck the battery.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-12-Volt-Trickle-Battery-Charger-Car-Van-Motorhome-Caravan-Motorbike-Quad-12v-/310509313495?hash=item484bcc1dd7

Thanks
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[delsol]

OP, you might want to look at maximum recommended input for your battery before deciding on a charger.

Info here: https://www.optimate.co.uk/optimate%204%20dual.htm

Optimate is really good but pricey, and the Lidl\Aldi smart motorcycle chargers are pretty good too.
There are better value options than the Oxford if you search the web.


From this thread re Tamiya plug in connectors:
https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=305095&highlight=


Maybe put the money towards an Optimate, you probably do not need the latest aka most expensive model, version 4 does everything I need and I guess version 3 would too.

For the cost of your gizmo you can buy a Lidl or Aldi smart charger and have change left over, I use one of these too and it works just fine.

Fit a quick connector to the bike\charger and plug in without need to connect crocodile clip type attachments, easy and convenient.

I use Tamiya connectors (same as comes with the optimate) on the Aldi\LIdl.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamiya_connector

[MCN]

I have lots of bikes. I have had lots of optimizers.

I still have lots of bikes but NONE of the original optimizers.

I now have lots of Ctek optimizers on my bikes.

Been trickle-ing away now for about 3yrs. Haven't lost a battery yet.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-4-Step-Battery-Charger-Conditioner/dp/B00JMJHZ4E/ref=sr_1_30?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1439076942&sr=1-30&keywords=ctek


Look at the smart lead which has a wee LED which lets you know if the battery voltage has dropped if not on the charger.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002MT8S7E/ref=s9_hps_bw_g263_i1

Amazon is always the cheapest I have found.

I have the 6V version for my Auld British bikes too.

[mentalboy]

Make sure that you can actually charge your battery with a cheaper Optimizer before buying - my Motobatt AGM would not charge off the cheaper version (luckily I also have a later model which it would charge off).

[Islander]

The Oxford ones don't get the best reviews - I'd avoid them. Spend the extra and get an Optimate 4 or one of the Ctek models. Both are good and very reliable.

[stevo as b4]

Echo that TBH!

My Oxford 900 optimiser has packed up and left my KMX's battery to go flat for over a month now.

I've checked the fuse on the battery connection lead, but the problem is with the charger. I'm seeing no volts on the output, despite the unit being all lit up when you switch it on. I don't know what else to check and assume it's not fixable?

It's about 16months old and has always only been used in a dry garage.

Won't buy anything Oxford again now!

[MCN]

1 Optimate
2 Hein Gerricke (Anyone remember that shower?)
1 A N Other brand
Failed

My Cteks are sweet.

I have an auld bike battery I keep in the garage for blowing up tyres.
It's propah facked but the Ctek's been keeping it alive for four years now.
I'll have to turn off the life support soon but what about the relatives/ethics.

[bikertomm]

FFS you lot was just about to buy the Oxford 900 one. I usually avoid Oxford stuff aswell but thought this might be okay as looks alright for the price

I gather optimate/CTEK are the bollocks but that means more pennies.. hmmm! Will get onto ebay later and sort this once and for all lol

Cheers !
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[MCN]

[stirlinggaz]

Hi,
Probably a bit late for the op, but I have a Oxford 900.
had it for a couple of years now & never had any issues with it.
actually, i have successfully recovered a few batteries that had been previously removed from bikes because they were deemed to be f*cked. (showing voltages as low as 4 or 5v, not holding a charge etc)
its probably the only oxford item that I would actually recommend (dunno if its worth the money though as I got mine as a prezzie)

cheers,
GAZ

[bikertomm]

[MCN]

It doesn't reeeealy matter which one first. Just ensure the battery is well ventilated before you connect or disconnect. Hydrogen sulphide gas loves little sparks.
Blow across the top should be all you need to do.
I've always connected the Poz. 1st then the Neg. And disconnect Neg. then Poz.

[arry]

They come with an easy connector. Attach it to battery and leave it dangling out the side of fairing then just plug it in when you get back from your ride.

[stirlinggaz]

Hi,
the oxford 900 comes with 2 leads.
1 with crocodile clips & the other with rings to bolt onto the battery terminals.
both have little plugs to connect to the chargers lead.
the 1 that bolts onto the battery is intended for permanent connection & can be tucked away out of sight somewhere on your bike.
both are fused.

cheers,
GAZ