battery maintenance

[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?

[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.

[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.

[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

[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!

[CutterBill]

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.