Battery Charger/maintainer

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

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  1. Biker Jock

    Biker Jock Senior Member

    Nov 16, 2014
    626
    243
    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.
     
  2. crispey

    crispey crispey creme de la creme

    Nov 6, 2014
    7,227
    1,000
    Uk
    well you will get one set of connectors with the charger so only means buying another for a couple of quid
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. Biker Jock

    Biker Jock Senior Member

    Nov 16, 2014
    626
    243
    Cheers guys. Yeh, I'll take the plunge and get an Optimate 4.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. Callumity

    Callumity Elite Member

    Feb 25, 2017
    3,358
    800
    Nr Biggar
    I have also had good returns of service from Ring and CTek
     
  5. thebiglad

    thebiglad Old fart, still riding !

    Sep 25, 2013
    5,066
    1,000
    Central France
    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
     
  6. Guedovsky

    Guedovsky Well-Known Member

    May 6, 2018
    63
    63
    Portugal
    I use the Optimate 4 and am Happy with it
     
    • Like Like x 1
  7. chuk

    chuk Senior Member
    Subscriber

    Jan 10, 2017
    349
    113
    neilston glasgow
    optimate for years now no problems there is a range of chargers make is GENIUS good price and reviews.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

    Mar 28, 2016
    4,434
    1,000
    Cheshire
    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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    • Funny Funny x 1
  9. dilligaf

    dilligaf Guest

    BANG:eek:
    Shit :( what was that :joy:
     
    • Funny Funny x 1
    • Face Palm Face Palm x 1
  10. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

    Mar 28, 2016
    4,434
    1,000
    Cheshire
    Thats not funny :mad::mad::mad::mad:;):):):):kissing_heart::kissing_heart:
     
    • Like Like x 1
  11. Tiglet

    Tiglet Vintage Member

    Mar 28, 2016
    4,434
    1,000
    Cheshire
    Just because things and people are mature doesn’t mean they’re useless,,,,we do have our usefulness :confounded:
     
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    • Agree Agree x 1
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