gel battery and charging

babyz · Post by **babyz** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:48 pm

ok. so i bought this bike in June. The battery is new-a gel battery, installed by the dealer (BMW of course - jeez). anyway. do i have to treat this battery any different than more traditional/oler batteries. As you know the battery is located under the gas tank. i don't currently have one of those BMW adapters to just plug it in. i don't want to remove the battery because it's such a hassle. Now. kgood mechanincs around here (Chicago) tell me to charge this battery on a tender as I would with my other bikes (2amps-24 hrs-once a month). I want to keep the battery charged through this cold winter. However, the dealer (of course) tells me NOT to use a regular charger, but to use a BMW one ($65). Also, other BMW type guys around here tell me the same. What could possible make sucha big dirfferance? is this a case of "Harley Davidsonism" thanks. BTW i'm a long time airhead rider, this is my first oilhead bike. I like the performance of this bike, it is state of the art. However, many of the qualities that drew me to BMWs 14 years ago are not apperant in this bike. 3 things really:
1. simplicity (over engineered)
2. ease of working on by one self. (see above)
3. because of above 2, i would not take this bike say, through Mexico, I would take my airheads though. seems to go against BMW's marketing on these machines.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:21 pm

mechanincs around here (Chicago) tell me to charge this battery on a tender as I would with my other bikes (2amps-24 hrs-once a month). I want to keep the battery charged through this cold winter. However, the dealer (of course) tells me NOT to use a regular charger, but to use a BMW one ($65). Also, other BMW type guys around here tell me the same. What could possible make sucha big dirfferance?

IMO..Yes.

I would suggest that you have the BMW accessory socket fitted..and get yourself a new Gel battery charger.

You will look back and think it was worth it for sure.

BTW..I just had a new Gel battery put in my 02 RR and was pissed that I can't use my old battery charger..

It was explained to me why..but it all went a bit over my head..if you know what I mean..

I haven't bought my charger yet..

..and don't need it because I ride every day.. http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... 981e2810ed

..sorry about boasting again..

DJ

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:50 pm

I just ordered a Deltran Battery Tender Jr. off ebay for around $30 shipped. It supposedly works with GEL and AGM batteries. I did not buy the adapter for the accessory port though. I'll just mount the remote connector somewhere I can easily get to it.

I would say that the gel/agm batts don't discharge nearly as quickly in cold temps as a standard wet cell does. But since your in Chicago, you probably need a trickle charger...

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:52 am

I did not buy the adapter for the accessory port though. I'll just mount the remote connector somewhere I can easily get to it.

Just letting you know that if you do buy the BMW accessory port the plug for the wiring is already there behind the starter motor cover..

..and only takes a few seconds to fit...so I've been told.

It may even be easier than having a remote plug from the battery..and you can also use the accessory socket for other things.

Just a thought.

DJ

Post by **owldaddy** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 9:14 am

outoe;
It may even be easier than having a remote plug from the battery..and you can also use the accessory socket for other things.

Just a thought.

Your right again DJ, I use my port this time of year to plug in my electric vest. Burrrrr it's cold outside!!
Don

babyz · Post by **babyz** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 10:54 am

so i can charge the battery with terminal that are behind the starter cover? i don't have book for it yet, but i heard from someone that i can do that. i have a 1amp charger and will use that. thanks.

Post by **mick Hoff** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:09 am

I second the Deltran Battery Tender Jr.
it works fine for the gel batteries.
just get the BMW adapter & it plugs into the accessory port.
Been using it for 3yrs on mine.

geothepencil · Post by **geothepencil** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 11:54 am

I have the Battery Tender Plus for Gels but it appears they don't make it anymore and the regular Battery Tender Plus model is now recommended for gels. I think the difference is that the gel model charged to a slightly lower voltage than the regular model. I've been very happy with the way Deltran's products work.

geo

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 4:29 pm

DJ Downunder wrote:...
Just letting you know that if you do buy the BMW accessory port the plug for the wiring is already there behind the starter motor cover..
...
DJ

DJ, I do have the accessory port fitted already. I was just feeling cheap and didn't want to spend another $20 on a cable.

Thanks for the tip though

I think Geo's spot on with difference between the charger for gels/agm's and regular batteries. And I think that's what caused factory gel battery in my bike to die early. The battery was bulging slightly when I pilled it out. Which indicates lots of heat/overcharging...

geothepencil · Post by **geothepencil** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 6:40 pm

BigC wrote:
DJ Downunder wrote:...
Just letting you know that if you do buy the BMW accessory port the plug for the wiring is already there behind the starter motor cover..
...
DJ
DJ, I do have the accessory port fitted already. I was just feeling cheap and didn't want to spend another $20 on a cable. Thanks for the tip though

I think Geo's spot on with difference between the charger for gels/agm's and regular batteries. And I think that's what caused factory gel battery in my bike to die early. The battery was bulging slightly when I pilled it out. Which indicates lots of heat/overcharging...

C:

Most likely a BIG charger was used on the gel, not a little Battery Tender to cause the early demise of the gel. I know some dealers didn't know the difference early on in the gel introductions and blasted them with full sized chargers during set up and delivery causing a short life for the new batteries. As the alternator in the bike puts out at least as much as a regular battery tender in the way of voltage, I think you are OK with the regular Battery Tender Plus. Just don't use, say a 10 amp or higher regular charger on the gel. Good luck !

There was also a batch of bad gels that got out. They didn't last too long either, even when treated nicely.

geo

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Fri Feb 02, 2007 8:55 pm

Ahhh, that's good info geo and definitely explains what I observed. Thanks!

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:58 am

Deltran make two types of battery tender for our bikes. One for the Gel and one for a standard battery. If you call them to order a tender just tell them what type of battery you have. They also make the BMW tender.

Deltran's customer service has bee outstanding in the 10-15 years that I have been in contact with their products.

BigC · Post by **BigC** » Wed Feb 07, 2007 11:15 pm

Just to follow up...I installed the Deltran battery tender JR. yesterday and ran the remote connector to the front so that it's just accessible under the gas tank front right side. I don't have ABS so running it through there worked fine. This thing works like a charm. I bought the 750mA model which is meant to work with AGM and GEL batteries just fine.

The only downside to this was that when I dinked around with my fuel disconnects to remove the tank, I developed the oh so common fuel leak. It doesn't look like it's leaking at the disconnects but rather at one of the crimps. I purchased some fuel injection clamps tonight and I'll install those shortly.

It was nice to get out an ride it though for a change. I haven't had it out since late December as there's been so much frozen moisture lying about

I raised hell for a good 20 minutes before the 25 degree temps sent me home