Chargers for motorcycles

Content

All information

All information

By definition, a charger allows you to charge a battery. The most sophisticated models allow them to be serviced or even repaired in the event of sulfation. This is why charger prices can range from € 20 to € 300.

The motorcycle charger provides a low current and long lasting charge by taking better care of the battery in the knowledge that the charger should never deliver more than 10% of the battery capacity (in Ah).

The newest chargers are called "smart" because they can not only test the battery, but also automatically charge it according to its type, or even automatically adapt to the corresponding vehicle: car, motorcycle, ATV, caravan. They can often recharge quickly with a different flavor - 1AH for normal motorcycle charging - or even more amps for the boost needed to start the car. Sometimes they include an electronic ill-wisher preventing any connection error (+ and -) and thus allowing anyone to use them. They can also protect against sparks.

Model Maximiser 360T from Oxford includes 7 modes: test, analysis, recovery, quick charge, check, consultation, maintenance. Some models are waterproof (IP65, like the Ctek), so they can be used while the motorcycle is outside. There are also solar chargers.

What is the price for the charger?

The price of chargers varies on average from 30 to 150 euros, depending on the services provided. If Tecmate's famous Optimate and Accumate are mentioned most often, the CTEK models are just as powerful or even more efficient. There are many brands that offer them: Baas (59), battery tender (43 to 155) euros, Ctek (55 to 299 euros), Excel (41 euros), Facom (150 euros), France Hardware (48 euros) ), Oxford (up to 89 euros), Techno Globe (50 euros) * ...

* prices may vary between website or supplier

Charge the battery

If you want to remove the battery from the motorcycle, seal the negative (black) pod first, then the positive (red) pod to avoid juice. We will go back in the opposite direction, i.e. start with positive and then negative.

It is possible to leave the battery on the motorcycle to charge it. You just need to take precautions by putting in a circuit breaker (you know the big red button, usually on the right side of the steering wheel).

Some chargers offer several voltages (6V, 9V, 12V, and sometimes 15V), you need to check BEFORE charging the battery accordingly: 12V in general.

Each motorcycle / battery has a standard charging rate: for example 0,9 A x 5 hours with a maximum rate of 4,0 A x 1 hour. It is important to never exceed the maximum download speed. The so-called "smart" charger is able to automatically adapt to the required load or even provide a very slow load of 0,2 Ah, while directly undergoing maintenance.