Motorcycle batteries are expensive, and every rider wants to extend their lifespan as much as possible. In this guide, I’ll walk you through some trusted battery tenders and maintainers that I personally use on all my motorcycles. These products are not only reliable but also available in the Law Abiding Biker™ Store. Let’s dive into the details to help you make the best choice for your bike's battery care. (see video below)
Why Battery Maintenance Matters
Battery maintenance isn’t just a winter task. Even during riding season, motorcycles can sit idle for weeks at a time, draining their batteries. Consistently using a quality battery tender ensures your battery stays healthy year-round, saving you money and preventing inconvenient breakdowns.
SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE
Types of Battery Tenders and Maintainers
1. Deltran Battery Tender Junior
- Overview: The Deltran Battery Tender Junior is a basic, entry-level charger.
- Key Features:
- Affordable and reliable for lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
- Requires manual selection between battery types.
- Drawbacks:
- Limited smart features.
- Risk of user error when switching between lead-acid and lithium batteries.
Ideal for riders looking for a no-frills, cost-effective option.
CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE!
2. OptiMate Battery Chargers
OptiMate chargers are smarter, more versatile, and slightly more expensive than the Deltran Battery Tender Junior. Here’s a breakdown:
OptiMate 1 Duo
- Key Features:
- Charges both lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries automatically.
- Compact design plugs directly into the wall.
- Maintains your battery without overcharging.
- Charges at 0.6 amps (slow charge rate).
- What’s in the Box:
- Charger unit.
- Pigtail for direct battery connection.
- Standard battery terminal clamps.
Great for basic motorcycle battery maintenance.
OptiMate 2 Duo Series
- Key Features:
- Charges at a faster rate (2 amps) for quicker battery recovery.
- Can diagnose issues like bad battery cells or low voltage.
- Supports recovery of deeply discharged batteries (as low as 4 volts).
- Additional Options:
- Available in 1-bank, 2-bank, and 4-bank configurations to charge multiple batteries simultaneously.
- What’s in the Box:
- Main charger unit with a longer cord.
- Pigtail for direct battery connection.
- Standard battery terminal clamps.
Perfect for riders with multiple bikes or those needing faster charging.
LISTEN TO THE LAW ABIDING BIKER PODCAST!
Why Choose OptiMate Over Basic Chargers?
- Smarter Charging: Automatically detects battery type and adjusts settings accordingly.
- Versatility: Suitable for motorcycles, cars, boats, and more.
- Advanced Features: Includes diagnostics, bad cell detection, and recovery for deeply discharged batteries.
- Convenience: Minimizes manual input and reduces the risk of user error.
For just a few dollars more, the OptiMate offers better performance, more features, and less hassle.
Pro Tips for Battery Maintenance
- Always Use a Tender: Keep your bike on a battery tender year-round, not just in winter.
- Multiple Bikes?: Equip each bike with a dedicated pigtail to make switching between chargers effortless.
- Expand Beyond Motorcycles: Use battery tenders for lawn tractors, cars, boats, or any other vehicles with batteries.
BECOME A PATRON MEMBER AND GET BENEFITS!
Supporting the Law Abiding Biker™ Community
At Law Abiding Biker™ Media, we’re bikers helping bikers. Every product featured in this article has been rigorously tested in our shop. When you shop with us, you support a community-driven company dedicated to serving riders worldwide.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality battery tender is a small expense that pays off in the long run by extending your battery’s lifespan and keeping your bike ready to ride. Whether you go for the Deltran Battery Tender Junior or upgrade to an OptiMate Duo charger, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your battery is in good hands.
Check out the Law Abiding Biker™ Store for these products and more.
Join the Free Email Club!
If you appreciate this free information make sure to join the thousands of law abiding bikers that have already joined the free Email Club! You will be notified of new useful motorcycle content and techniques as we put them out. Join the Community now!