Re: New to forum/CB650 and my first question!

Posted by sgtslag on Oct 07, 2011; 10:00pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/New-to-forum-CB650-and-my-first-question-tp3381249p3404232.html

Just an FYI:  I gave you the very short version of how to prepare a Lead-Acid Battery...  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as working with Acid and Batteries, is actually quite dangerous when done wrong!

AGM's, and Gell Cells, are not the same for charging requirements as Lead-Acid Batteries.  Again, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to prepare them, as well as how to recharge them.  Gell Cells cannot handle a fast, high-amperage, charge like a Lead-Acid Battery can -- hooking a Gell Cell to a high amperage automotive battery charger (typically supplying 10 Amps charging current, or more), can destroy them.

A smart charger, like the Battery Tender Jr. (designed for small engines, and motorcycles; frequently on sale for around $28 from various sellers), will only push around 0.75 Amps; the regular Battery Tender will push more than 1 Amp, but it is intended more for cars, than motorcycles.  A smart charger (regardless of brand), will have several charging modes, which are microprocessor controlled:  bulk charge to 80%, trickle charge to 100%, then float mode where it monitors the battery's charge, applying charging current, as needed.  All smart chargers are spark-proof, so they won't generate a spark when you clip the leads on (a spark can cause gasoline vapors to explode, if present; it can cause hydrogen gas to explode, if present from the charging process of a Lead-Acid Battery -- hydrogen gas, and oxygen, are released, during the charging process, through the Battery's vent).

A smart charger can be left connected to the Battery for months at a time.  It will charge a Lead-Acid Battery slowly enough so as not to boil off its electrolyte.  Leave a Lead-Acid Battery connected to a 10-Amp automotive charger, and it will boil off its electrolyte within days, to a couple of weeks, at most.  Common practice with smart chargers, is to install a permanent connector to the Battery, with a plug on the end, which connects to the smart charger (they are included with the smart charger, no extra cost, unless you buy extra).  Plug your bike in, after each ride, and the Battery will always be fully charged; this practice will also minimize the sulphation process, which eventually shorts out the cells within the Battery, killing it -- you can double, or even triple, the life of a Lead-Acid Battery by doing this.  Cheers!