optimate 3

[RichieS]

Chaps and chapesses!

My battery sems to be a bit suspect at the moment. ABS fails to set even after a bit of a run, and when starting, clock ressts to zero.

Before buying a new battery, is the Optimate 3 a worthwhile bet and financial sense or shall i get a new one. if the latter, gel battery of original wet cell type

Cheers

Richie

 

[Tarka]

Defo yes to Optimate.
Whenever your bike is not in use,keep it hooked up to the Optimate.

P.S. If you have a lead acid battery,check your electrolyte level in case it has dropped.

Also bear in mind that three to four years is a typical working life of a lead acid battery,anything over that is 'borrowed time'.

 

[ferguscawley]

RichieS

New battery first then optimate to keep it at its peak.
From what you have said, your battery is fcuked already. An optimate will only extend the agony.
For the sake of a few quid, splash the cash and look after the new battery !

Ferg

 

[Roge]

Try your local mobility Centre for a wheel chair battery, Gel same size etc

 

[Steptoe]

Sorry , sold out of my £33 optimates and BM plug - i might be getting some more in, but its not something everyone wants - and i didn't want to be stuck with a lorry load once the 1st lot had been sold .

 

[Neil W]

Had an optimate with a new standard battery and it was ok if left on charge all of the time but once left for a couple of days it would not start the bike.
The answer is a Hawker battery and a Del Tran Battery Tender (they are the recommended charger by Hawker). Apparently according to a contact in the trade the Optimates/Accumates struggle to overcome the internal resistance in the Hawker battery. Once fitted the above combination is excellent with better starting

 

[adamski49]

Had an optimate with a new standard battery and it was ok if left on charge all of the time but once left for a couple of days it would not start the bike.
The answer is a Hawker battery and a Del Tran Battery Tender (they are the recommended charger by Hawker). Apparently according to a contact in the trade the Optimates/Accumates struggle to overcome the internal resistance in the Hawker battery. Once fitted the above combination is excellent with better starting

Before I start searching, where might I get a Del Tran battery tender? I've just got a Hawker battery for the S (at the right price ) and would like to keep it happy rather than struggle with the optimate.

Adam

 

[Bob]

Battery charger - connection advice needed

Sorry , sold out of my £33 optimates and BM plug - i might be getting some more in, but its not something everyone wants - and i didn't want to be stuck with a lorry load once the 1st lot had been sold .

I have bought an optimate battery charger; it comes with the crocodile clips and a separate connector for fitting to the battery terminals - trails under the seat permanent for easy connection.

Steptoe, you mention the BMW plug. Does this fit into the external power socket and how much are you ripping us off for one - when you get some?

Regards

Bob

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Hey Bob

Good choice with the Optimate. I've had one for a good time now - no problems.

As for the BM plug, it plugs straight into the auxilliary power socket, and is simply swapped with the optimate supplied lead where the Male/female plastic connector is halfway down the lead.....

If Steptoe seems not to have them, they are widely available on ebay (optimate search) or no doubt at motobins, motorworks etc...

Just plug & play !!

 

[Dick Dastardly]

p.s Does anyone have a wall bracket for above? Is it worth it, and is it for sale?

 

[zeus2534]

i use an optimate on my gs adv gel battery - seems to do what is says on the box - reckon its a good investment

 

[schnauzer]

I've got an optimate wall bracket that came free with the optimate. Its fixed to the wall and the optimate sits in it.....
Its ideal if like me you don't have a convenient bench etc to stick the optimate on, otherwise I wouldn't bother.....

 

[alpmeister]

Had the same drama and yes it was the battery. I use a Varta wet cell battery and a BMW tickle charger, keeps me right.

 

[Steptoe]

Thanks to Sharon at Park Lane - i now have a small number of Optimate/datatool chargers for sale -

Brand new - £33 ( same price as previously)

I'll put a post and some pictures in the vendors thread .