Battery Charger/maintainer

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Biker Jock, May 27, 2018.

  1. Biker Jock

    Biker Jock Senior Member

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    My trusty old Optimate III died on me the other day after years of good service (fortunately, it charged the battery before handing in its notice). I have the old TM style connector with corresponding fly leads permanently connected to both my bikes.

    But I'm "@&£* if I can find a simple replacement for the charger that doesn't mean I'll also have to replace the fly leads. They all seem to have SAE / Canbus connectors (is that the same thing - SAE and Canbus?).

    The choice of charger, even from Optimate, is baffling, and we also now have a range of battery technologies to choose from it seems. So, before I splash out £50 - £60+ on the wrong thing, any advice on a charger that will top up my lead-acid batteries if the bikes have been sitting unused for a few week? I don't have a garage, so can't leave a maintainer connected 24x7. Just an occasional top-up with a green light to say it's good to go.
     
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  2. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

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    well you will get one set of connectors with the charger so only means buying another for a couple of quid
     
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  3. Biker Jock

    Biker Jock Senior Member

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    Cheers guys. Yeh, I'll take the plunge and get an Optimate 4.
     
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  4. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

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    I have also had good returns of service from Ring and CTek
     
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  5. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

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    I bought one from Aldi £12.99 and has been first class for the last 2-3 years and shows no sign of stopping.

    On a more general point, I use an auxilliary socket to charge my batteries. So I fit an appropriate plug onto the charger output lead then all I need to do is 'plug 'er in' after each ride. And I've got an auxilliary socket for phone/GPS/heated clothing etc while I'm riding.

    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
     
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  6. Guedovsky

    Guedovsky Well-Known Member

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    I use the Optimate 4 and am Happy with it
     
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  7. chuk

    chuk Senior Member
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    optimate for years now no problems there is a range of chargers make is GENIUS good price and reviews.
     
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  8. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

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    Got an Optimate III here which is in constant use on one bike or another.

    Tempting fate I know, I’ve had it for 18 years if I’m not mistaken and it’s still going strong he said touching wood :)

    If it fails now I’ll blame you lot:mad:
     
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  9. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    BANG:eek:
    Shit :( what was that :joy:
     
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  10. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

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    Thats not funny :mad::mad::mad::mad:;):):):):kissing_heart::kissing_heart:
     
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  11. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

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    Just because things and people are mature doesn’t mean they’re useless,,,,we do have our usefulness :confounded:
     
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