Battery Maintenance Charging Issue

I would not recommend leaving the battery on charger....here's some guidance from experts...

"The battery must be removed from the motorcycle when it is in storage."

"Battery charging should be performed at least every two weeks using a charger that has an output of 10% of the battery ampere hour rating. For example if the battery has an AH rating of 12 (e.g. 12N12A-4A-1 where the 12A is 12 amp hours), then the charge rate of that battery should not exceed 1.2 amps. A higher charge will cause the battery to overheat. Charge the battery away from open flame or sparks as the gas (hydrogen) given off a battery can be explosive. Elevate the battery and keep it from freezing. "

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/motorcyclewinterstorage.htm

I don't think the battery has to be removed from the bike, unless it is stored outside in the elements.

Technically I would agree....If the bike is in a heated garage and the battery is disconnected from the electrical system....but it usually is a lot easier to deal with in hand....

As I happen to use the bike once or twice a week, It stays outside the house in an open garage, only exposed to some elements of the periodic table . Temperature of these elements is at the freezing point during the night

If you are riding the bike weekly and the bikes electrical system is OK there should be no need for supplemental battery charging, just replace it when it go's bad.

What, the freezing point of helium?

In my experience motorcycle batteries only last 3 to 4 years. Do not leave the battery connected to a charger, it is alright to leave a "maintainer", or "tender" connected.

Ride safely.

You are right! the late battery was original BMW and lasted only 2 years! Yuasa may not be a "fancy" brand... but certainly will last a bit longer... I have just bought a 1 amp tender and will plug it to the batt this evening. Thank you!

I think you should protect that bike from the elements. Bring that thing right in the house. You don't have to ride it in, just walk it in and allow it the same comforts as any other family member.

It can also function as a heater if needed. Just connect the exhaust to a long length of coiled flexible exhaust tubing, leading outside. If it is running to provide heat, you will be able to save on electricity by using the headlight instead of the power company for lighting.

The handlebars work well to dry towels on also. Such a multi functional device should never be left unused outside in the cold. Good luck.

Well, to be honest I would like to get her into my bed .... a beautiful bike wit hot exhaust tubes is probably the best companion for the long, cold winter nights we are having right now in the southern hemisphere....