Which Optimate?

[Valerian95]

Anyone got one of these? What actually is the difference between 3,4,5,6,7?
descriptions are all quite technical so in the practical sense and value for money sense I can't decide.

prices range from 50 to 170 quid across that series...

[Kentol750]

Got one like it from mandp a few years ago...does the job, cost 30quid
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Some bikes.

[johnsmith222]

get none of them. Get yourself a ctek 0.8amp one, or the 5 amp one if you have a car as well.

I had an optimate, and they were no help when it broke.

both cteks i've bought have been great.

https://www.allbatteries.co.uk/ctek-mxs-5-0-t-lead-acid-charger-12v-5a-230v-intelligent-cep1h77.html?utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=comparator&utm_campaign=GPS&gclid=CJCs_JiMjNQCFeQy0wodMp0HBw

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/bulbs-blades-batteries/battery-chargers-jump-starters/ctek-xs0-8-battery-charger?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Bulbs,+Blades+and+Batteries-_-Battery+Chargers+&+Jump+Starters-_-280292&_$ja=tsid:60494%7Ccgn:GoogleShopping%7Ckw:280292&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=wttaxltt&istBid=tztx&_$ja=tsid:35522|cid:344535484|agid:24344213644|tid:pla-277896474913|crid:83789257324|nw:g|rnd:9245249778262825953|dvc:c|adp:1o2&gclid=CILzs6aMjNQCFZEK0wod27QDpQ

It does the job, without having more lights than a puggy.

[Valerian95]

kentol hmm always been cautious of cheap electronics- want it to last for years- wasn't the Oximiser was it?

bluezedd Why were the Optimates no help when it broke?
Also I assume you bought the ctek years ago and it's still going strong?

[Kentol750]

Had it since 2009, used it a lot on my rsv mille....put it away. Used it as a charger on various batteries since. Stuck Mrs k's ttr on it last month and it brought a dying battery back to starting regularly.

So, yes. Worth the less spend.
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Some bikes.

[stevo as b4]

After my blow up of my Motobatt battery last year, I decided to take no chances on any fully automatic permanent connection charger, and seeing as Wemoto were very good and covered 1/2 the cost of the battery plus postage, I ordered a Motobatt trickle charger that has a very low charging rate, but should hopefully be safer. I still remove the battery to charge it though, and it spends cold winter periods in my kitchen instead of in a cold shed.

[Kentol750]

After seeing a battery explode in front of me, I've been very careful that it's safe to connect it.
The battery was on a Bedford 4 tonner, and we all went....'wow! Never seen that before'... and carried on throwing ciggys at petrol to see who could light up a figure 8.
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Some bikes.

[Valerian95]

Not literally explode surely?- that sounds really dangerous... is that when the current gets too high and it gets really hot?
I might get the 0.8 A one and not the 5A to be safe

[Kentol750]

Yep. Went bang. Some numpty had put too much acid in it apparently and gas build up caused it to explode.
(Was a long time ago, batteries have improved since then.) I hope.))
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Some bikes.

[Matt B]

Ignore the Drama Llamas and just buy an Optimate 2 for under £40. It will charge and then maintain. Mine works fine and gets swapped between the 3 bikes. Appears to be better quality and build than the Oximiser.
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[Alpineandy]

[Scythe]

[Enduro Numpty]

I've got 2 Optimate 4's. I keep the bikes plugged in when not in use and have had no problems. The FJR1300 is nearly nine years old and still on the original battery.

I've no idea what's better or worse (if anything) with the newer or older versions.

[Valerian95]

Bcf has decided 0.8 ctek it is thanks all. can't rate posts yet sorry.
The 0.8 will do for any bike right?

[arry]

[andy-b2]

Charger
I have 2 of these and they appear to work great.
Much cheaper than the alternatives.


Andy

[kgm]

I also like the CTEK - solid bit of kit.

[M.C]

Wish I'd seen this thread before buying an oximiser

[Suntan Sid]

[chickenstrip]

[andys675]

got an optimate 3, Honda branded version, the mk2 had vents which the mk3 doesn't, the mk2 overheated and failed

also have a yuasa 6 stage charger, turns out it's a repackaged CTEK
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