Using a Battery Tender with FI

[dougster]

Hey all,

I was skimming through the shop manual on the fuel injection system, and something I read sparked a question in my mind.

The manual said: "When charging, remove the battery from the motorcycle. This is to prevent ECU damage by excessive voltage."

I am new to FI bikes. My previous have all been carbureted. I also think I know the answer to my own question, but here it is:

Will it cause damage to the ECU or the FI system if I connect a Battery Tender to the battery without removing it from the bike? (i.e. connect it while the bike sits in teh garage during winter)

BD, Mac, etc. What do you think? Thanks a lot for your insights!

Doug

[ringadingh]

I know of a few guys that use them on FI bikes with no problems. Its a very small current that just maintains the battery and it shuts off when the battery is fully charged.

I've been using one for almost 2 years on mine with no problems. Its plugged in whenever I'm not riding it.

[blowndodge]

Most of us are using trickle chargers with 1/2 to 1 amp and auto shutoff. Shouldn't be an issue with the ECU

[rooster1]

:)I use a battery tender on my 05 F.I. Nomad. No problems. I would reccomend using for longer battery life.

[ells]

You guys with battery tenders need to ride more :)

[formikec]

Originally Posted by Ells

You guys with battery tenders need to ride more :)

+1

[radco]

I can ride more if I can find studded tires for Winter :0

[skyhookman]

Had mine on for 3yrs, so for so good.

[dougster]

Hey, thanks everyone. That is what I thought, also. Just wanted to get some feedback.

Doug

[moenko]

I think this problem may only arise if you do not use a charger specifically designed for motorcycle batteries. The battery tender and battery tender junior will only charge very slowly at under or around 1 Amp (way less than car battery chargers, they trickle-charge at around 2 Amp) - never heard of anyone having a problem. I do submit, however, that if you would do a winter storage, take the battery out; not because of ECU problems, but simply because batteries and freezing weather don't gel too well!

[BandC]

I used a battery tender on my '05 Nomad last winter. It was on constantly from Nov. 'til sometime in March in my unheated gararge in Northern Minn.. I had no problems at all and I didn't take the battery out of the bike.

[macmac]

dougster, You want to use a battery tender or a Shumaker any time you are not riding, or parked at work.

Both chargers are auto float, which means will come on an go off on battery demand to prevent sulfation to death.

ALL the time you are not riding or parked at work.

The tenders cost 50 bucks or so, while the shumakers cost 17. They both do the same thing, the difference being in the numbers of led's to tell you some thing.

[dougster]

Originally Posted by BandC

I used a battery tender on my '05 Nomad last winter. It was on constantly from Nov. 'til sometime in March in my unheated garage in Northern Minn.. I had no problems at all and I didn't take the battery out of the bike.

That is what I did with my Suzuki as well. But it was not fuel injected.

Doug

[dougster]

Mac,
Thanks. That is what I thought. But I am curious, why would you need to connect them "anytime your are not riding or parked at work"? I always thought you primarily wanted to connect it when it was either colder weather or going to sit for a while?

Doug