Battery Tender Jr.--How to Use It

[danX]

I ride year round, so I purchased a Battery Tender Jr at the beginning of this winter. I plug my bike in, and leave it plugged in all the time when I'm not riding. On a daily basis, I ride to and from work, and, usually, when I plug the Tender in, I see the red light for a minute or two, and then the light switches to green signalling that the battery is at full charge. If I go on a longer ride, like last Sunday's 150 mile ride, then the Tender's charge light immediately turns green when I plug the bike in. The bike always starts immediately, with full-choke (in cold weather). My questions are these: 1) does the battery appear to be in good condition [2003 VTX 1300S--3,500 miles-original battery]); and 2) should I continue to use the Tender during the non-winter months as I've used it during the winter months or, if I should continue to use it, should I change the way I'm using it ? Thanks for any input, folks.

[LIVEWIRE]

I would use it only when you plan on leaving to bike sit for extended periods. the tender is not a charger. it is a "maintainer". it will not charge a dead battery, if it would it will take a very,very long time. your battery sound fine. i have an 03 with 12000 miles. plugging it in for short periods i don't think will help. if it is going to set for at least a month they i would. batteries with a charge on them if sitting on a shelf, should be refreshed at about 3 months. it is all preference. i think you wil be fine. just my two cents...

[VTXMAN 02]

if your riding everyday there should be no need to plug it in everyday unless your charging system isn't working properly. I live in Beautiful Colorado when you can ride most of the year without thinking of winterizing. I ride as much as I can, but even when forced to leave set in the garage for a week or a little more I have found I don't need to plug into my Battery Tender.

[danX]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the advice.

[Stever]

Same here, only plug it in when I know I won't be riding for a week or so
Just my $.02