Activating a Battery

[Skudd]

Just got my battery from Hunts in Manchester and before they let it go they insisted on "Activating" it. Basically giving it it's first big charge to full. They have only started doing this recently (the last year or so) and since then haven't had any "faulty" batteries back. Basically saying that they charge it to 100% capacity where an optimate or a good long ride will only give the battery a first charge of 70-80% and so the battery thinks it is full when it is only 80% of it's capacity.
Now I knew this for R/C vehicles, but never thought of it for bike batteries. It is probably why mine died on me over the BBQ weekend. It was getting a good charge, but could only take 70% of what was needed.
Just a thought for anyone getting a new battery who has had issues in the past.
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Famous last words of Humpty Dumpty. " Stop pushing me "
Petty Anarchists look at "1984".............. The Visionary looks at "Animal Farm".

[G]

Alternators generally aren't amazing at charging a battery fully I believe, but generally not an issue because you're riding it lots, so it gets there eventually.

An Optimate left on should do exactly that, however.

Most batteries say charge before use; I rarely bother any difference when I have.

With sealed batteries bikes often use, you actually should be careful not to charge them too 'hard' as this can damage them I believe. [edit - not an issue with the sealing caps off, however.]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Pull up a box of tissues and enjoy

BTW, at the BBQ I didn't get the chance to ask if it held charge. Thanks to this thread I now know.
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[Skudd]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Big twins like ours need a good strong battery (Yes G, another failing of twins )
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[misscrabstick]

Everybody has their own theories, I was on a Peugeot scooter course some years back and pre pdi they recommended adding acid to the dry charged batteries letting them stand for a while then at least 10 hours on a optimate before fitting to the scooter.

That said though the last few years battery chargers have become way more complex and clever, and I believe hunts make their batteries? so I would assume they know the product better than anyone else.

[G]

Ah; if his was an actual 'adventure' bike I'd quite accept the twin; they have their uses and being narrow is one of them. However, until you're doing 70+ on gravel, that's a moot point .

Actually, my moans about twins are usually in regards to sports (sic) ones. If the setup is right, they seem to be less out of place in other bikes, where the low end doesn't have to be so compromised for top end.

[Bezzer]

[Skudd]

[Timmeh]

[Bezzer]