Topic: Battery tender and running question

[SKTP]

I use one of these on my bike...I plug it in everytime its in the garage (or I did on the Ducati and I plan to on the Honda)

Question:

Can I run the bike with the tender plugged in or it that a bad idea?

I plan on starting my bike for the first time since the rebuild began this weekend and I might just let it idle through a tank of gas, then change the oil (is this a dumb idea to begin with?)...I'm under the impression that just idling will not really charge the battery is why I ask



http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/71/965/950/ITEM/Battery-Tender-Junior-Charger.aspx

[Old Scrambler]

No,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and NO!

Assuming you have a new battery........or at least fully charged in good condition.........start the bike and ride it.  Putting the motor under a load is the best and only way to break-in a fresh motor.  The routine...........warm it for a minute or so........ride a few blocks and return to check the oil and be sure all lines are intact. Then go for a ride of a few miles at various speeds and hopefully a few stop signs.  Check the bike over for anything that may need attention.  If you have the time, go for a nice ride with hills to load the motor and set the rings........don't exceed 5,000 rpm.  Otherwise park it and wait for a good opportunity for that longer ride.  Try to stay out of traffic to avoid overheating.......and by all means........NEVER LET THE MOTOR IDLE longer than a traffic light interval.

If you have a good battery, it should not require the TENDER unless parked for more than a few weeks. The TENDER cannot save or restore a weak battery.

[bollingball]

I use one of these on my bike...I plug it in everytime its in the garage (or I did on the Ducati and I plan to on the Honda)

Question:

Can I run the bike with the tender plugged in or it that a bad idea?

I plan on starting my bike for the first time since the rebuild began this weekend and I might just let it idle through a tank of gas, then change the oil (is this a dumb idea to begin with?)...I'm under the impression that just idling will not really charge the battery is why I ask



http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/14/71/965/950/ITEM/Battery-Tender-Junior-Charger.aspx

Yes it is a dumb idea. Even with a fan I would not let it idle a whole tank. Hell that might take 24-36 hours
Ken

[iron_worker]

First of all, I don't think I'd run the bike and have the battery tender plugged in. I'm sure there is protection against back feeding through the charger but ... I still wouldn't do it.

Secondly, if you just rebuilt your engine then letting it idle is the last thing you want to do. This is assuming you changed rings and/or honed/bored the cylinders. I've read that you want to go out and ride your bike and get varying loads on the bike in order to seat the rings in properly.

I've been breaking my engine now for 200 miles. I have been trying to run it mostly between 4k and not over 6k. I don't let it idle more than it has to. I also don't lug it down low in the RPM range. This is all from the advice of Dave500 and some reading I've done around here and other places on the interwebs.

Why would you want to let it idle through a whole tank of gas? That would take a long time btw! lol

*edit* I see I was beaten to the punch.  *edit*

IW

[Powderman]

There is a lengthy list of warnings with the Tender. No where does it say to not use it with engine running or that it may damage the unit. I doubt it matters. It has a shut down mode once fullly charged and I doubt putting 14 volts to it will cause harm.

[SKTP]

WOW! I'm happy I asked!

HAHA...first engine rebuild ever.

Thanks guys...I really hope it works

[Vinhead1957]

Normally those tenders are used in situations where the bike is not used for long periods of time.  Over winter months when it is cold or if you are away from the vehicle for more than a couple weeks. I only use mine for winter. If your battery doesn't stay up after a couple weeks you have another problem .  I do use a solar charger for the bike I use once a  week!  It will not over charge and the bike is covered outside! Free sun. This is the first time I have used it.  New battery already. Kinda testing it out.