Want to buy a battery tender/charger, trickle charger. Also, winterizing questio

[twocool]

Below is reason you need to charge at least periodically during storage:


Self-Discharge
    The self-discharge rate is a measure of how much batteries discharge on their own. The Self-Discharge rate is governed by the construction of the battery and the metallurgy of the lead used inside.

    For instance, flooded cells typically use lead alloyed with Antimony to increase their mechanical strength. However, the Antimony also increases the self-discharge rate to 8-40% per month. This is why flooded lead-acid batteries should be in use often or left on a trickle-charger.

    The lead found in Gel and AGM batteries does not require a lot of mechanical strength since it is immobilized by the gel or fiberglass. Thus, it is typically alloyed with Calcium to reduce Gassing and Self-Discharge. The self-discharge of Gel and AGM batteries is only 2-10% per month and thus these batteries need less maintenance to keep them happy.

Above somebody mentioned charging up a battery after the winter storage....No good.....best to store a batter with a full charge...charge fully, then store.....storing a battery which is low on charge can lead to damage...especially if exposed to freezing temperatures....

It would be assumed, if the bike is being ridden, then the battery is fully charged before winter storage.

Battery businesses, walmart, gas stations with service mechanics on hand, etc.,  all store batteries without hooking them up all the time to a charger each night.

But hey, if getting yourself a battery tender makes you all warm and fuzzy and can suits your needs, then get one of those. Simple really.

Michael