Battery - Battery tender ?s

[Tx Bohemian]

Just bought a ’99 Kawasaki 2wd 220 4-wheeler that needs a battery.

Where is a good place to get one?  We have an Interstate battery place here but the last time I got a m/c battery from them (over 10 yrs ago) it only lasted about 6 mos. Just out of warranty back then.

Or  would a battery from the dealer, although more expensive, be a better bet? Or one from Wal-mart be sufficient.

On average this 4wheeler will probably get run once a month, maybe longer.

While I’m on the subject of batteries, someone tell me about “Battery Tenders”.  Down here in S. Texas I never had the need for one but might now.  This 4whlr and a couple of riding mowers are kept at my moms place and when we go there to mow we have to jump off the mowers.  What I understand about the tenders is they automatically keep the battery(s) charged to a certain voltage, right?  Can’t you get one to handle multiple batteries?  What’s a good brand?

[Black Dog]

I've got the same situation you do, but in Wisconsin, maintaining batteries is required.

My boys and I have 4 wheelers too (Honda Rubicon 500, Honda 400 EX & Polaris Predator 500).  We use them a few times a month in the summer, with the Rubicon being used for yard chores more often than that.  Never worry too much about the batteries then.  Winter is a different story.

I keep all three, hooked up to a Battery Minder, in the trailer, ready to go running around on a frozen lake, or ice fishing.  I believe this one can charge up to 4 batteries at once, but I've currently got it hooked up to 3.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200332201_200332201

It won't over charge, or 'cook' the batteries, and it actually may make a weak battery stronger, by desulphating it.  I've got another one maintaining my boat battery and the Valk battery. 

The 4 wheelers used to need new batteries almost every 2 years, but I've been using the battery minder now for 5 years, and have not needed a new battery in any of them.

Price is right at $50, and I've been very happy with how well it works.

Black Dog

[Bob E.]

I've always had best luck with batteries from dealers.  I don't know why.

As for battery tenders, I have 2 Deltran Battery Tender Jr's.  They only do 1 battery each, but they are relatively cheap at around $20 or so.  They do make Battery Tenders that will do multiple batteries, but I don't know about the cords...what if you have a 4-bay garage with a battery in each vehicle per bay...Will the cords reach to all 4 vehicles??  Or will you have to pull all the batteries and place on a bench?  To me, that would be a pain.

I do believe they increase the life of a battery.  I've been riding street bikes since about 1991 and never had a battery last more than about 3 years.  My dad has had similar experience...riding bikes with batteries since the late 70's.  Keep in mind, I live in PA and my bikes always sit in an unheated garage/shed so they do go below freezing for extended periods.  When I bought my last new battery for the Valk in 2002, it was expensive, so I bought 2 battery tenders (one for my Valk and one for my ATV which is a 2000 Honda 400EX) to try and see if they work.  My battery in my ATV is now 10 years old and the battery in the Valk is 8 years old and still going strong.  I check them with volt meters occasionally to make sure they are not drawing on the charging system too much and they seem to be fine.  Meanwhile, my dad's Goldwing with no Battery Tender had the battery replaced about 3 years ago and it should probably be replaced again because it needs to go on a charger if it sits more than a couple weeks.  So I am sold on the fact that they do work.

[R J]

I have this one & it is fool proof for an old timer.

Attach to battery, plug it in, & make your choices & press the button...

http://www.ctek.com/EN-US/Buy-US-Charger.aspx

I have the US 800's, like 3 of them.

My Battery Tenders went into the crusher at the salvage yard..

I fried too firkin many batteries with them..

[Ricky-D]

There is definitely a difference between a trickle charger and a battery tender and confusion between the use of either will and can lead to destroying a battery: if thinking that a trickle charger is a substitute for a battery tender.

I employ a cheapy tender I bought from WallMart and use it to keep five batteries up to charge, and it does the job very well. Very easily I might also add.
Keeping a fully charged battery, fully charged, takes very little current, very little!

An amp or an amp and a half,  trickle charger will cook a battery over time,  all the time.
It will keep flowing charging current to a battery though it be fully charged nevertheless.

Just sayin'

***

[Hef]

I have used the "Battery Tender" for at least 15 years and it has done a great job for me. I have never had a problem with ir or my batteries.

[asfltdncr]

I have used "BatteryTender" and cheapos from Harbor Freight and I haven't had any failures on my three bikes in four winters, or is it five-gotta get out of here.

[Tx Bohemian]

I have used "BatteryTender" and cheapos from Harbor Freight... 

Are these the battery "float" chargers I see there?

[John U.]

In answer to your question on what kind of battery and where to get it, I don't think you can do better than Yuasa batteries. I have had Yuasa batteries go for 8 or 9 years. Go to Yuasa.com to find out which one will fit then check out  http://www.shopmotorcycleonlinestore.com/productdetail.htm?browse=-19812&productId=-136143&shopBy=-2178&catalogId=-534

[Earl in Pensacola]

Buy a "Yuasa" but make sure that it is one that was made either in Japan or the USA!!!!  Not Taiwan!!
My OEM battery (made in Japan) was about 6 years old when I changed it because of age, not failure.  The second battery was WalMart "EverStart" battery, made by Yuasa-Taiwan.  It lasted 18 months!!  The price between it and an OEM Yuasa from Japan was about $8. or $10., so I went back to an OEM Yuasa.

As for "battery tenders",  I've had mine for at least 10 years and never had a problem.  Having said that, I'll add that I NEVER leave it connected to the battery for longer than it takes to turn the red light to a steady green!  Then, if I don't get to ride it, I'll reconnect it in about a week.