Batteries

[M3EVO]

Does anyone use a battery optimiser for their stored beast? If so which one is ideal, and can you leave it connected for prolonged periods?

[rsvnigel]

Optimate seems quite popular, I don't leave mine plugged in all the time though, just for topping the battery up if the bike has stood for more than a couple of weeks over the winter months.

Most bike shops will sell it, I got mine from Hein Gerricke for about £30 IIRC.

[s2ooz]

the optimate III is ideal for long periods (months)

it can recover damaged batteries, boost charge and the keep topped up, automatically.

there £45 from a man I know.

[cazzo]

Optimates are good, I have fitted a 'discreet' socket in my seat unit so that it can be plugged/unplugged easily, if the bikes standing for a long time will plug it in.

Also comes in useful on kid's ride on toys and particularly ride-on mower, as this stands for months in the winter and battery is always sweet for the first start up.

BTW have fitted the same kind of socket to mower and kids toys - saves pi55ing about with fairings, covers, guards and bulldog clips.

As a bonus the socket acts as a plug-in to the battery and so gives a convenient point to charge your mobile phone - useful if you're away on the bike for a while!