Optimate 4

[Kidjal]

Total noob to battery charging anything above an RC stick.

I've got an optimate 4, can I hook it up and charge it whilst still connected to the bike in future, or will this cause damage? I'm guessing not but can't hurt to ask.

Original Triumph battery is a pile of poop so I've bought a new Yuasa.
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Still going strong - Triumph Street Triple '08

[Islander]

Yes you can. The Optimate should come with a lead specifically designed to remain attached to the battery while it's on the bike - fit it and just plug the Optimate into it.

[Raffles]

[MCN]

Just a thought.

I normally disconnect chargers before starting the engine to save any 'chance' of overload on the charger.

They may well be protected from pushing out too much current if that is considered when designed but who knows?
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[J4mes]

I don' think hes on about starting the bike with the charger attached, just leaving the battery installed in the bike.

Yes you can, I do it with my Optimate 4 all the time.

I also made up a longer lead with some two core, tamiya connectors and then one fitting for the bike and one I can plug in to the tow electrics on my car too

[Kidjal]

Thanks guys. I have the connectors above just wanted a last check against common sense before I did it.
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Still going strong - Triumph Street Triple '08

[MCN]

[Fizzer Thou]

[kramdra]

Shows how shit they are... it should have short/over current protection... its only designed to be pertiminently connected to a high value bike... does not matter if theres some fire... might have cost an extra 5 pence.

Buy an RC charger, use only when needed, once a month or so if your not able to ride it

[weasley]

[Islander]

[rubyhorse2]

i've used these for years, always fit the cable as shown above and connect every night.

i have also managed to start a bike with a dead battery with one of these plugged in, probably not sensible but it worked. Just left it plugged in for 10 mins and boom started up.

[davebike]

Well I say that blowing one by starting the bike with it connected was really Rare ! I must have in the past 15 years I had Optimate chargers started Hundreds if not Thousands of bikes on the bench with the charger connected never had one fail yet One died outside where it mounted to charge bike outside the workshop took a few years mind !
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Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[MCN]

[Mark65]

I have a CTEK model, plug it in every night via a similar lead attached to battery with no problems.

Mark
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07 Yamaha YBR125, 07 Honda CG125 , 15 CBR300R (Chocolate Crank, Deaded), 16 CB500FA, 19 Honda Forza 300, 70 Suzuki SV650

[Ed Case]

I've had a couple of these devices over the years, currently (no pun) an Optimate 4, During the winter I connect it a couple of times a month until it shows the battery's 'up' then disconnect. I don't trust 'em completely.

[Kidjal]

Wow, didn't think my sanity check question would turn into a debate.

It's worked fine batteries all charged and I have a new spare to fill and charge too
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Still going strong - Triumph Street Triple '08

[reckless_b]

I know a few people who have cooked batteries when these have been left connected over long periods, at least one boiled a battery dry and one battery exploded, it was being used to keep a car battery topped up long term at the time though. I always use these chargers but rearly leave them connected more than 24 hours, usually a couple of hours is all thats needed to top my batteries up summer or winter, and they all get done at least once a month.
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40 years on the road on and sometimes off bikes with a very recent OFF