Battery charging and rear shock

[Chris750]

I have some queries if anyone can help me. These questions may seem stupid to some but I'm just not sure so here goes

Firstly:

I have bought a battery charger for my car/bike. The instructions on the charger (to charge the batttery) are to connect the +ve terminal to the battery then the -ve terminal to the vehicle chassis.
When I do this the charge light doesn't come on.

However when I connect the battery to both terminals in order to start the bike direct from the charger, the charge light comes and it gives the battery charge.

Now is it ok just to charge the battery by connecting to both terminals, I have never heard of having one of the terminal connected to the chassis before?

Incidentally when the instructions tell you to connect the -ve termial to the chassis the picure appears to show it being connected to the battery.

Secondly:

The rear shock is connected by a tube to a metal cylinder fixed to the frame under the rear seat. What is this called (and whats its function)?

Thanks

Chris
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Current Rides: GSXR-750 WS, GSXR-1000 K5, KTM EXC 300

[iooi]

When you connect the charger to the chassis, do you still have the -ve wire connected to the battery ?

Personally I take the battery out when charging and simply use the terminals on the battery.
Helps to keep things cool.
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[Chris750]

[CaNsA]

there does have to be a clean metal surface for the electricity to pass from the terminal to the frame.

[Serendipity]

[Vincent]

It's compressed nitrogen in the reservoir, it's there to help stop the oil inside the shock from foaming under pressure. If you loosen the hose to move the position of the reservoir or the direction that the hose goes, you'll need to get it topped up.