2Wheeltips

David Hough, the author of the Proficient Motorcycling books, sent us this advice regarding charging batteries on motorcycles.  We felt it was excellent information for all to read, so here it is:
 
"I don't know if you have covered battery charging, or intend to. In a nutshell, VRLA batteries (Gel and AGM) require higher voltage and amperage to properly charge. That means that your "old" charger (Yuasa, Battery Doc, Deltran, etc.) made a few years ago for vented "wet" lead/acid batteries won't keep your new AGM or Gel battery happy. Further, with today's exotic electrical systems, (CAN bus, etc.) there can be parasitic draws on the battery even with the key off.
 
I've been working my way through this because I have an Odyssey VRLA battery in Sparky.
 
I recently ran upon an excellent chart of the algorithms for different battery types. It's from Optimate, but is useful for any battery type. http://www.optimatepro.com/4x4/ click on the charging algorithm under the picture of the charger for the pdf file.
 
DLH"

Earlier this week I spent over an hour attempting to remove the battery from the battery box under the seat. I could not get the battery to budge because I was not able get a good grip on it. I thought maybe some water had gotten in the battery box and froze causing the battery to stick.  I called Mr TwoWheelTips and he suggested that I attach zip ties to the battery terminals to pull the battery up. Well it worked. The battery came out very easily and I was able to replace the battery within 5 minutes. Thanks again Two Wheel Tips.

The weather here in NJ got above 40 degrees a couple weeks ago and I took the bike out. I disconnected the battery tender and the bike started right up. I did a quick pre-ride inspection and hit the road. Everything was fine until I stopped at the store and the bike would not start. I was parked on a slight incline and decided to push start the bike by rolling down the incline and popping the clutch. After 3-4 failed attempts, and an aching back from pushing the 500+ pound bike up the incline multiple times, I called my friend Tony (Mr TwoWheelTips) to see if he could help me. He came over to help and the first thing he asked was "What gear were you using?"  I told him that I had read somewhere about using second gear. He smiled and said that the engine would turn over faster and easier if I used first gear.  I thought about it and it made a lot of sense.  The bike  started right away on the first attempt in first gear. We went for a short ride and stopped to buy gas and of course the bike did not start. Fortunately I was able to roll the bike on flat ground (by myself) and start the bike in first gear.  I ended up replacing my six year old battery because it would not hold a charge. Thanks again Two Wheel Tips.
Oh yeah, thanks for the tip on removing the battery out of the battery box.

A question that often comes up is can you jump start a bike with a drained battery the way you can a car.

The short answer is yes. I had after market lights installed on my bike (by my dealer no less) which constantly drained my battery.....even when the bike and lights were off. I finally figured it out, but on one occasion my towing service had to come out and jump my bike. The jumper cables had needle nosed clasps specifically for attaching to motorcycle batteries.

The long answer is "it is not recommended" and may void your warranty. Most motorcycle manuals will advise against it mainly because the charging system and battery in a car can fry the entire electrical system on a bike. So not only will you have a dead battery but also a dead bike.

After reading the above, you will probably say..."well, I'm not going to leave my nice bike parked somewhere for it to get stolen." You can "bump start" the bike by putting it in 2nd gear, rolling it down an incline and releasing the clutch. The bike should start after 1 - 2 tries. If you have a fuel injected bike, bump starting will not work. The fuel injectors need power to operate and since you don't have any, you are out of luck.

If you are in a bind and must get a jump, here are a few things to remember:

    •    Keep the car turned off. A car battery has more than enough power to start a bike without it being on.

    •    Make sure the connections are correct. Positive to positive...

    •    Turn the bike on and start it only after the connections are made.

    •    Remove the connections immediately after the bike starts and keep the bike running until you make it to your destination.