Author Topic: Battery charger/tender connection fot G5  (Read 2202 times)

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GA-DK

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on: December 01, 2012, 12:18:01 am
When my G5 was in the shop last spring for a new wiring harness, the battery was weak and the dealer put in a new gel battery.  It may be slightly taller than the original, but the positive terminal is very close to the frame.  Yesterday the battery seemed weak and I tried to attach a charger.  I could not connect to that terminal without loosening the mounting strap and tilting the battery out of position.  While I was at it, I connected lengths of heavy wire to the terminals and put an insulated quick disconnect below and slightly forward of the battery.  Today I made up a small block of wood with two brass terminals on it, each connected to a wire with a spade terminal on the other end.  This can be connected to the bike without opening the side panel covering the battery, and the charger can then be connected to the brass terminals.  The charger is unmodified and free for use with other vehicles, garden tractors, etc.  The charger is a small unit with both 6V and 12V options and 2A, 4A, and 6A charging rates, and does an automatic battery condition check when first connected.  I have never used a charger or conditioner on the bike in the two years I have had it.  Lately, however, I have used the bike less as my wife has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and numerous other complications.  I am not able to leave the house much and when I do, I usually have to use a car.   A good time to have a battery tender.  GA-DK


mattsz

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Reply #1 on: December 01, 2012, 12:31:15 am
GA-DK...

Sorry to hear about your wife.  I know what you mean - my wife has occasional complications with Parkinsons, but I do like to take a ride now and again when I can... it helps clear me head a wee bit.  Good luck to you!

Speaking of battery tenders, I tried to buy a Deltran Battery Tender Jr (the 750 mA version), and I somehow managed to buy two.  If anyone is interested in a good deal on a new, unused one, PM me...


motorat

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Reply #2 on: December 01, 2012, 12:42:45 am
that is what i use also. as soon as i park the bike on the charger it goes.
Joe
08 dl650abs
 c5 military


mattsz

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Reply #3 on: December 01, 2012, 12:54:44 am
So far, it appears I haven't needed the BTjr for regular battery maintenance.  When I plug it in, it goes from indicating charging to almost charged to fully charged in just minutes.  I'll use it to keep the battery over the winter, though...


GA-DK

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Reply #4 on: December 01, 2012, 01:02:08 am
Thanks MATTSZ.  My wife is doing as well as can be expected, or maybe a bit better.  When we go in to see one of the specialists, they look at her, then at the chart, then back at her, and say "You sure look better than your paperwork."  In the past 3 months her kidney function has gone from 0% to about 50%, about normal for someone of our age, and has been through both radiation and chemotherapy.  Things are looking up.  We have a friend in the Morgan club who has Parkinson's disease.  He bought a Morgan and has never driven it.  His wife brings him to meetings in the Morgan with his wheelchair on the luggage rack.  GA-DK


Ducati Scotty

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Reply #5 on: December 01, 2012, 01:18:11 am
The BTJr comes with a lead that you can connect to  the battery and leave on the bike.  It's also designed not to overcharge a small Moto battery like some larger chargers can do and keeps the positive line well insulated.

Sorry to hear about you wife. Keep the bike charging, then you can take care of her when you need to but grab a ride whenever the opportunity arises.  Got to take care of yourself too, caregiving ain't easy.

Scott
« Last Edit: December 01, 2012, 02:07:36 am by Ducati Scotty »