Battery Chargers

[David.]

From the "Charging" thread, how about a poll to identify the most popular battery charger used by RT owners.

I think I know what the answer is likely to be, it's just a bit of fun, but has some value for anyone looking for a recommendation to purchase.

If you have got one not listed in the poll, post it here and it can be added, then you can vote for it.

[emlevy]

None of the above. I’ve been using a 1.25A Deltran Battery Tender since 1996 and also have a fleet of 0.75A Deltran Battery Tender Jr.’s. Direct connection to the battery and no issues.

[BoB21]

BMW Motorrad one that came fitted on the bike. RIDE IT.

[David.]

I’ve been using a 1.25A Deltran Battery Tender since 1996 and also have a fleet of 0.75A Deltran Battery Tender Jr.’s.

Both added to the poll, unfortunately, you can only vote for one.

[David.]

BMW Motorrad one that came fitted on the bike. RIDE IT.

BMW Motorrad - Ride Out, added to the poll.

[burridge01]

I reckon I'll be on me own but i use an Optimate DC-DC straight to thd bike

[David.]

I reckon I'll be on me own but I use an Optimate DC-DC straight to the bike.

That is certainly unusual, I'll add it to the poll so that you won't feel left out.

[PeteM]

Both added to the poll, unfortunately, you can only vote for one.

Problem for me, I've have BMW, Optimate 4, Optimate 3 and Accumate

[David.]

Problem for me, I've have BMW, Optimate 4, Optimate 3 and Accumate.

Agreed, sorry but the poll will only allow you to vote once. If you had to choose one of four, which would you go for and why.

[PeteM]

Agreed, sorry but the poll will only allow you to vote once. If you had to choose one of four, which would you go for and why.

I've voted for the BMW because it is on the bike. The two optimates are currently not in use and the Accumate is on my car

[Levisp]

Anyone using a solar battery charger ? A quick Google search shows up quite a few different ones. I would imagine a good idea if your garage does not have power. Oxford do one that gets reasonable reviews but I see it's not waterproof, which could be a problem.


Or more expensive but waterproof


https://www.optimate.co.uk/products/optimate-solar

[David.]

I bought some Tamiya (TM) connectors from Howes Models, Tamiya Connectors Pair (with wire) | Howes Models and made two extension leads. The result being that I can charge a car and two motorcycles by just switching one Datatool (2004) charger between them. Don't even have to go in the garage, just open the rear access door and swap the leads around.

[PeteM]

Anyone using a solar battery charger ?

I couple of guys in my old car club used them but were not impressed

[Stu]

I bought some Tamiya (TM) connectors from Howes Models, Tamiya Connectors Pair (with wire) | Howes Models and made two extension leads. The result being that I can charge a car and two motorcycles by just switching one Datatool (2004) charger between them. Don't even have to go in the garage, just open the rear access door and swap the leads around.

I did similar when I had two bikes but I bought the loose connectors and crimped them myself Tamiya crimp connectors


But I also made adaptors for chargers and air compressors for when I go touring etc


Because my leads are connected straight to the battery I run my tyre inflator off it rather than the DIN plug so not to trip the electronics on the bike which I have seen done on a few occasions


I also made leads to connect to other batteries with either eyelet connectors or crocodile clamps I have a connector for most situations

[David.]

Because my leads are connected straight to the battery I run my tyre inflator off it rather than the DIN plug so not to trip the electronics on the bike which I have seen done on a few occasions.

Ditto here, another good reason to use a fused pigtail lead bolted directly to the battery for charging too.