I'm new to Big Dogs but I have seen a lot of post indicating that a battery tender is a necessity. I have a 2005 Ridge Back and after riding and leaving the bike setup for a week or so always find a weak battery and need to charge the battery before it will fire up. After firing the bike up , checked the voltage output and found 14 plus with the bike running. With the bike shut down and the key off and out, I see a slight voltage drain, is this normal?? The drain comes from a wire from a plug right in front the battery that is connected directly to the battery. There are two plugs right in front of the battery, I don't know what either does, again new to the BigDogs. Any info. would be greatly appreciated.
Battery tender or not
- Thread starter redhog
- Start date
barhopper
Another round please
I agree. Your battery will last years with a tender on it.
BadBrad
2005 Pitbull
Hey Lena, What's different about the Extreme Charger compared to the cheapo at Autozone? I have a Braille battery that should be waiting for me on the doorstep today and want to get the most from it. I also have the Wire Plus on both our dogs. Do they eliminate the slow drain of a battery that the stock EHC causes?
BigDogBro1
Made in the USA
Whatever FLOAT maintenance charge you buy make sure it's AGM (absorbed glass mat), battery type compatible.
The XtremeChargers look great and are a bit pricey but have all the features you'll need.
XtremeChargers.com | Xtreme Charge 12v Battery Charger
I would pass on the Battery Tender Jr. I have two and neither work well on my bike.
I think this is my charger. I've used it for years and feel it's of good quality!
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/brands/soneil/Son1206S.html
The XtremeChargers look great and are a bit pricey but have all the features you'll need.
XtremeChargers.com | Xtreme Charge 12v Battery Charger
I would pass on the Battery Tender Jr. I have two and neither work well on my bike.
I think this is my charger. I've used it for years and feel it's of good quality!
http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/brands/soneil/Son1206S.html
Last edited:
PA Chopper
Active Member
What if I disconnect the terminals or take the battery out of the bike over winter? Any harm to the EHC being unplugged for about four months? Sucks living in snow country.
BigDogBro1
Made in the USA
If your engine is fuel injected it will loose the learned FI map changes and revert back to factory default when reconnected to the battery. Will take about 500 miles to relearn the FI map changes again so I've been told.
My battery is removed for storage for less risk and the FI still runs fine after reconnecting in the spring.
My battery is removed for storage for less risk and the FI still runs fine after reconnecting in the spring.
RRRUFF
Well-Known Member
redhog, if you are having to re-charge your battery everytime you take the dog out it maybe time to get a new battery. I put the HD battery in my 05 chopper this time and it really spins it over well. I also you the Battery Tender Jr. and has worked fine for me. Sometimes you have to make sure the connection is good. I only use it if the bike will be sitting for 3 days or more.
My bike is the same way. If it sits more then 4 days the battery is week. I invested in a tender myself.
Fairless
Active Member
the xtreme charger repairs your battery. intelligent circuitry immediatly tests and evaluates the condition of you battery then sets the optimum charge rate its able to accept. it also willl not over charge the battery so your battery is back to its full potential quickly and safely. as long as the xtreme charger is connected, it continually tests your battery to maintain optimal bulk or float charge rate. the xtreme charger has the ability to extend the life of your battery by 5 times the normal life! the pattened PULSE technology minimizes the size of the lead sulfate crystals and allows the battery to accept as much charge as possible. the longer you leave your charger connected to the battery the pulsing continues to clean and repair!Hey Lena, What's different about the Extreme Charger compared to the cheapo at Autozone? I have a Braille battery that should be waiting for me on the doorstep today and want to get the most from it. I also have the Wire Plus on both our dogs. Do they eliminate the slow drain of a battery that the stock EHC causes?
Fairless
Active Member
the singe charger is $100 (retail) $89.99 (for BDB members) and charges one thing at a time or you can get the double carger that charges 2 things at once - $189.99 (retail) $170.99 (BDB members)