Hi guys My 2011 speedy needed a full battery charge after 3 months on an optimate - I took the optimate off expecting immediate start .... a couple of cranks and then nothing! I'm at 12.6v unloaded at the mo. Anyone out there let me know what the unloaded / ignition on / running voltage should be pls? I don't mind getting a new battery but just wanted an idea of what my bike should be running at voltage Thanks
Leave the meter connected and crank it over. Anything less than 11.0 volts under load is time for a new one.
As above plus consider the age of the battery. Triumph supplied batteries don't usually last five years. In fact any battery that old must be suspect.
In my experience Optimates and alike kill batteries if left on for a long time. Better to take off the bike and just give it a charge occasionally over winter.
Hi all Looks all good - keeps at 12.6 unloaded and well over 11cranked. Will keep an eye on it over next week or so. Cheers for the help all
Come to same conclusion on the optimate. Next winter I'll take off the battery then fully charge it in spring
Apologies but I cannot agree with you guys about Optimates being battery killers. In 2010 the OE battery on my Ducati became unfit for future use. It had been on an Optimate since I bought the bike new in 2001, so an acceptable lifespan. My replacement battery, after some relocation of components under the tank, allowed me to install a physically larger battery. I also chose to use one of the Odyssey AGM batteries which are built to military specs. This battery, like the OE one before, is connected 24/7 to an Optimate (the first one lasted 19 years). The Odyssey battery is still providing sterling service, as is my Optimate 4. So not only has it lasted 12 ½ years so far, it’s larger size allowed me to go from 11 to 18 amp/hours. I said my first Optimate lasted 19 years. As it turns out it was only one of the LEDs that ceased to function. One of my sons now uses it to service one of his bikes. Finally, I saw mention above of running the Optimate off of a timeswitch. I now have two bikes that are on the road but only one Optimate. I have devised a cunning plan to automatically share the Optimate between the two bikes using two plugin timers and a double pole, double throw mains relay. Total cost should be under £20, less than half the price of the cheapest Optimate. If anyone is interested PM me an email address and I will happily provide the details.
