Motorcycle battery: which charger to beat the cold and winter?

Winter is knocking on the door ... and often the first victim of the cold is your motorcycle's battery. How to protect it? Here are our tips for maintaining, charging, and choosing a motorcycle battery charger.

Due to the first very cold weather conditions, due to the threat of snow and ice, many people prefer to store the motorcycle or scooter temporarily or for a longer period of time in the garage while the temperature rises. In this case, it is necessary at least disconnect the battery from the motorcycle or scooter (they themselves are stored in a safe place), it is better to disassemble so that store in a dry and normally heated place... Then on no account let it run out for too long.

For old batteries:

Otherwise, and even more so if the liquid (electrolyte) level is too low, lead sulfate crystals penetrate the surface of the electrodes, then flip them. This sulfation appears quickly and can then “at best” reduce the capacity of your battery, at worst, cause a short circuit and irrevocably destroy it. Yet another reason to tackle the problem in an upstream direction.

Choose a smart charger that also supports charging.

Where is it “smart” chargers intervene... In fact, we have observed the emergence over the course of several years of these devices, which are no longer capable of only charge an accurately discharged battery, but also to maintain a charge batteries that have not been used for a long time on various vehicles: motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, jet skis, snowmobiles, garden tractors, cars, caravans, camper vans, etc.

Among the most common two-wheeled vehicle models, example of Tecmate Optimate chargers (type 3, 4 or 5) is one of the brightest... These chargers come with two cables, one of which attaches directly to the motorcycle and connects to the battery terminals. In this case, the battery can be connected to the Optimate 3 very quickly, without removing anything, through a connector protected from moisture by a small cover.

This charger also comes with a standard cable equipped with two clips (red for plus +, black for minus -) that attach to the terminals, allowing it to be connected to the motorcycle with access to the battery. cleared. (sometimes tedious) or much easier on a disassembled battery.

From now on, it is then that the advantages of this type of “intelligent” charger are evaluated, since the Optimate is primarily analyze the condition of the battery, carry out a series of tests before determining the amperage and charging cycles specifically in order to maintain or restore the original potential of the battery.

Car or motorcycle charger, be careful ...

Overall, we believe that the current supplied by the charger should not exceed 1 tenth of the battery capacity.... In other words, a 10 Ah battery (ampere / hour) should not draw more than 1 A. For this reason car chargers rarely fit a motorcycle, scooters, ATVs and other light recreational vehicles, excessive amperage will quickly reduce battery capacity at low amperage.

For example, a motorcycle battery can provide 3 Ah for a Honda 125 CG to 8 Ah for a Kawasaki Z750 and up to 16 Ah for Yamaha V Max, To learn more. By comparison, a car battery such as a diesel Golf provides 80 Ah. Therefore, it is clear that the capacity of chargers is individual for everyone, and rarely for everyone.

For its part, in recovery mode, that is, in the first phase before a clean recharge, Tecmate Optimate 3 can generate up to 16 V and current limited to 0,2 A. for highly discharged and / or sulphated batteries (within reasonable limits), or even 22 V in "Turbo" mode or in pulses of 0,8 A. Next, actual charging starts from 1A constant current to 14,5V maximum voltage.... Therefore, this is a slow charge lasting several hours, most effective for fully recharging without damaging the motorcycle battery.

As we can see, this type of charger can "Recover" a recently fully discharged battery or old batteries provided they are not too damaged or sulfated. In this case, it is necessary check if the battery is heating abnormally during charging, there are bubbles, even liquid leaks, or even hissing (!) signals indicating the battery is running low. Depending on the case, different LEDs light up on the charger, showing the actual battery status, charge and actions being performed.

Charge and maintain your motorcycle battery

The second very useful feature of Tecmate Optimate 3 is able to maintain the battery of an immobilized motorcycle or scooter for an extended period of time... To do this, it must be permanently connected to the battery and working, checking its ability to withstand voltage and applying it regularly. one-time replenishment. The shape of the case allows it to be mounted on a wall or workbench. In this case, it is still highly recommended that you regularly (twice a month) check the battery, fluid level and connections. Otherwise, Optimate will handle it.

Tecmate offers a variety of battery chargers / "floats" for motorcycle / scooter batteries. The Optimate 3 is suitable for conventional lead acid, sealed AGM and sealed gel batteries from 2,5 to 50 Ah..

Please note that lithium-ion batteries require dedicated chargers. But there are other models in this line with more advanced features and performance. Count approx. 50? for Optimate 3 is almost the same price as BS 15 from BS Battery (Bir). Other motorcycle battery chargers are offered by BS (Bihr), ProCharger (Louis), TecnoGlobe, Cteck, Gys, Black & Decker, Facom, Oxford, etc.

In conclusion, a smart charger is an almost essential purchase, especially if you use your motorcycle or scooter occasionally and/or seasonally.