Battery charger for my 850GS

[Jeannot]

Try to start the 850GS this afternoon, and surprise (not) it did not start, flat battery after a couple of months off (I know shame on me). Lidl is advertising for next Monday (http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home_ni.nsf/pages/c.o.20100308.index) a charger for £7.99, would this do the job? I know you get what you pay for but can't really buy right now a charger for £40. Also if the Lidl charger is ok, how could I use one of those accessories plug to recharge the battery to save me to remove seat + and maybe tank. I don't have a garage unfortunately so using the accessorie plug would be great. Thanks for any insight.
JC

 

[Colban]

As long as the charger delivers around 13.8V you are OK.No need to worry too much about current draw with a bike battery.Yes,you can use the accessory socket to charge the battery but given your circumstances,i would remove the battery for checking (electrolyte level if lead acid) and charging.

 

[Jeannot]

As long as the charger delivers around 13.8V you are OK.No need to worry too much about current draw with a bike battery.Yes,you can use the accessory socket to charge the battery but given your circumstances,i would remove the battery for checking (electrolyte level if lead acid) and charging.

Hmmm, no mention on the Lidl site of voltage. This are the only details they have got
2/6/12V Battery Charger
For 2, 6 or 12V rechargeable batteries (lead/acid, max. 12Ah)
Also charges remote control cars, etc.
Easy to charge via mains socket
Price per item
Just wanted to avoid removing the tank that's all, hence the question about using the accessories plug.
JC

 

[Colban]

Hmmm, no mention on the Lidl site of voltage.
Just wanted to avoid removing the tank that's all, hence the question about using the accessories plug.
JC

The voltage will probably be OK,but i thought that since your battery has gone flat,you may want to check the cell levels and clean/tighten the terminals.Charging thru socket,not a problem-i use an optimate thru it.

 

[Chopper]

Nippy Norman is doing a CTEK Charger for £25... Normally 35!

 

[Jeannot]

The voltage will probably be OK,but i thought that since your battery has gone flat,you may want to check the cell levels and clean/tighten the terminals.Charging thru socket,not a problem-i use an optimate thru it.

Thanks Colban for the info, I guess you are right will have to get it check properly.
To the other input thanks guys

JC

 

[Beak Freak]

You don't actually need to remove the tank to remove the battery, simply undo the bolt at the rear of the tank and with a small bit of movement you should be able to slide the battery out (being careful that the terminals don't touch the tank).

+1 for the citek

 

[Jeannot]

You don't actually need to remove the tank to remove the battery, simply undo the bolt at the rear of the tank and with a small bit of movement you should be able to slide the battery out (being careful that the terminals don't touch the tank).

+1 for the citek

thanks Beak Freak, job planned for next week (24 hours a day is not enough lately)

 

[Jeannot]

Nippy Norman is doing a CTEK Charger for £25... Normally 35!

Chopper I have listened to you and just ordered a charger from NN. Shame about the P&P but it still came the cheapest I could find. Let's hope now that it does the job.
JC

 

[Greg Masters]

The Lidl charger will be fine for simply charging the battery - but don't leave it permanently connected.

Buy an Optimate. These are intelligent float chargers and pay for themselves several times over during the life of your bike.

If you can, connect an Optimate to your bike every moment that you are not riding. They keep the battery topped up and your battery life will be massively extended.

Greg