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battery maintenance

Started by Neoday2, November 16, 2015, 03:59:27 PM

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Neoday2

Question to everyone about battery maintenance- when you are going to park your bike for a few months, how do you keep your battery?  I have had the battery tender recommended but I am curious to hear what others use to keep their batteries healthy over longer term storage?
1989 FJ1200

rktmanfj


I have an AGM battery, so it's not an issue.

Back 'er out of the (heated) garage on warm winter days and warm the engine up a bit seems to keep things in good shape.

Randy T
Indy

Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
Psalms 144:1

'89 FJ1200
'90 FJ1200
'78 XT500
'88 XT350


FJmonkey

If you are asking about a standard lead acid battery then don't let it freeze, use a battery tender designed for small batteries when not in use. Check and refill fluids with distilled water. When that battery dies, spend the extra for a sealed battery like an AGM for Li. It is also important to verify that your FJ is not over charging. When I switched to an AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) I found that I no longer needed my battery tender.
The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

Shane4371

I agree with fj monkey.I like adding a 81 MLG aspirin to my battery's at the start of winter.

TexasDave

The MOST important factor in the health of lead acid batteries is keeping them fully charged. The lead plates start to deteriorate when not fully charged. Lead acid batteries lose 1 1/2 % of their charge per day when just sitting so it does not take long for them to discharge. Battery tenders keep them fully charged.  Dave
A pistol is like a parachute, if you need one and don't have one you will never need one again.

Neoday2

Good advice here.  Living in MN, it gets cold and my garage is not insulated.  I was reading about the freezing temps of batteries depends significantly on the charge and health of the battery.  I picked up a Battery Tender Jr. and put the battery in the laundry area of the basement.  I topped off the levels with distilled water. Now the battery is cleaned and fully charged. 

Now about MN being cold... might hit mid 40s here this week/weekend... good thing I'll have a nice and charged battery, ready to ride!
1989 FJ1200

CutterBill

Quote from: Shane4371 on December 06, 2015, 08:02:43 PM
I like adding a 81 MLG aspirin to my battery's at the start of winter.
I thought that Old Wives Tale died with the Model T. 
Never Slow Down, Never Grow Old.

Current Stable:                                                     
FJ1100                                              
FJ1200 (4)
1999 Yamaha WR400 (street-legal)
2015 Super Tenere
2002 Honda Goldwing