New Battery Charging

[mrbluesbox]

Hi

I just got a new battery for my derbi and am going to get it fitted tonight.
But the guy in the shop said i should fit the battery let & it settle in the bike for an hour then charge it up or else i could end up killing the life of the battery.
I just like to know why i need to do this (figured it would be something to do with the electrolites settling etc) and if ill be ok charging the battery in the house then fitting to the bike (obviously a bit easier )or will this discharge / break it in any way as the leaflet i got with the battery doesnt really mention anything like this?
Also the charge times are pretty vague too - as in 3 to 8 hours. There a bit of a difference so any view on how long i should keep it plugged in for too?

Thanks

Gaz.
____________________
I seem to have misplaced my pants...................

[finpos]

When you first fill it, it'll be flat as feh. After sitting a couple of hours, the chemical pixies will have made it go to about three quarters charged. I don't see why that can't be done on or off the bike.

Then the contraversial bit:

Whatever you do, don't let it sit at 75% charge for a long time, it will do it no good at all.

So either put it into use straight away (i.e. ride the bike), or charge it very carefully, because batteries don't like being charged fast from 75%. You'll need something like a low current trickle charger as opposed to a charge-your-dead-battery-quick charger, which might do it harm in that state. I suspect the 3 to 8 hours is something to do with the rating the charger you intend to use.

FWIW, I usually just run the bike, never had any problems.

EDIT: Out of curiosity, what exactly does your leaflet say to do with it? The advice on them seems to vary enormously.

finpos.

[stinkwheel]

They're usually dry charged. I usually fill them, let them sit for a couple of hours then fit them to the bike and go for a spin.

If you do chemistry at school or have access to a lab, see if you can get some EDTA (dissodium salt). It's a white powder, one pinch in each cell of the battery makes them last a lot longer.

[mrbluesbox]

The leaflet i got with it was a bit useless really, and just basically said that you need to let the battery rest before charging for 3 to 8 hours,.
It was already filled when i got it so couldnt really see the need to let it settle.
Fitted it before anyway, but didnt get chance to let it rest before connecting it as my alarm kept going off
It seemed to start the engine first time though so ive just left it on a trickle charge for a few hours - think it should be ok with that.

Gaz.
____________________
I seem to have misplaced my pants...................