Battery charging over winter

[moonwalker]

OK So I'm not using my GS500F over winter and have it stored in a semi-enclosed garage (roof over its head but exposed at one side). I had thought that you could keep the battery in a reasonable condition just by running the engine in neutral for about 15 minutes every 2 weeks or so.

Ive since been told that in order for the battery to charge, the bike needs to be moving! Is this the case?

The bike was brand new last fall so the battery should be in a good state really. I have only done 250 miles since then though, and there is an alarm that will take some of the current. Also noticed that despite looking after the bike - covering it and lubing chain etc - the chain has got rust on it as have the disc brake pad holders...

thanks for any responses.

Andrew

[RedShift]

The point being is that at idle, the voltage may be barely matching the battery voltage (12v - 12.6v).  But if you bump the choke a bit and let the engine idle between 2000-2500 RPM for 10-15 minutes, I think you'll keep the battery up to voltage.

There's a link you should browse; CAR AND DEEP CYCLE BATTERY FAQ.  Will help you make the right decisions on battery care.

[scottpA_GS]

You are better off removing the battery and getting a small trickle charger. I hook mine up to the charger about once a month for 2 days over the winter.

Starting your bike for a few mins a few times a month is not the best idea. It can cause more harm than good...

Go with a charger, I got mine at a local flea market for $15.00 

[ballyhoo]

The best bet is invest in a Battery Tender. You can leave the battery in the bike or remove it, but essentlially the 'tender' keeps a "maintenance charge" on it so you don't need to do anything over the winter. The kit includes a wiring haness so you can quickly connect and disconnect if you leave it on the bike. Check it out at batterytender.com, then find the cheapest price on the internet.

It's probably not a good idea to run the bike stationary for a few minutes, repeatedly, it'll never warm up and you'll generate acids and crap that aren't good for metal parts.

[annguyen1981]

Definitely remove battery from the bike.

[Wrecent_Wryder]

f24

[scottpA_GS]

Thats why I dont leave mine pluged in.. I keep it in the basement, and plug it in once evey 2 weeks or so for about 12-24hrs 

[boosdad]

I pull my battery out and put it in the basement on a Battery Tender on my workbench.  When the weather warms up (like yesterday) I take it off the tender and away I go.  I have had no issues with the tender plugged in all winter in my basement.   If it sees the charge drop, it automatically charges the battery. (over and Over)

At the end of the regular charger cycle, every Battery Tender battery charger automatically switches its output voltage to a safe, storage or float level that eliminates the need to constantly check on the conditions of the battery.  (Taken from batterytender.com) 

[Wrecent_Wryder]

tr6

[annguyen1981]

I've kept the battery inside and charged it up once a month.  No harm at all.  But ever since I started riding during the better winter days, I'm too lazy to keep taking the battery out, so it's still inside the bike.

[mp183]

I have a Battery Tender and it works great.
It comes with a lead that you can wire to the battery
so you don't have to take the seat off.
I put that on my KLR250.  On the GS and VStrom I just
pop the seat off and put the clips onto the battery.
It's extending the life of my GS battery.  Last one died after 1 1/2 years and it was used constantly.  Sat no more than two weeks even in the coldest days of winter.