Float Battery Charger

[Bob_Roller]

I think the key to battery longevity, is to keep it on a float charger, no matter what type of battery you have .

If you have a serviceable type battery, checking the electrolyte level regularly (at least once a month, until you see a pattern of how frequently the level goes down), so you don't expose the plates of the battery .

My last Odyssey battery gave me plenty of warning of it's condition .

I had it installed in the oilhead, last January the starter didn't sound quite right after sitting out at work .

I swapped the Odyssey battery for one that I had in the '81 R65, a generic AGM type from Staab

Battery .http://www.staabbattery.com/product/UB12220-V.html

I installed the Odyssey in the '81 R65, around September of this year, even with a float charger attached to the battery when the bike was not in use, after sitting at work for 18-20 hours, I started having  slow starter operation, I knew the battery was gone and if I let it go any longer, I'd be sitting somewhere with a dead battery .

[Barry]

I think the key to battery longevity, is to keep it on a float charger, no matter what type of battery you have .
 

Couldn't agree more.

Some types cost more and can be abused for longer than others but in the end they will all last longer if kept fully charged.

[Crossrodes]

I agree that float charging and maintaining the electrolyte level is most important.  But I had a little experience with a truck battery I'd like to tell you about.  

I had a Mazda pickup that I kept in Florida while I was sailing.  It would sit there for about 10 months each year unused while I was away.  Before I left I would always top up the electrolyte and charge the battery and disconnect it from the vehicle.  I think all of these steps were important.  When I returned I would charge it again before starting the truck.  

I kept that truck for about 8 years after I replaced the battery when I bought the truck (used).  I never had a problem with that battery.  If you don't have a float charger I think the next best thing is to disconnect the battery then fill with electrolyte and charge.  Keeping it disconnected while in storage is key.  

[Bob_Roller]

Not so much an issue with motorcycle batteries, where there is a drain tube to vent the gases out under the bike .

But on 4 wheelers with a standard 'flooded' type battery, the conductive deposits that accumulate on the top of the battery can cause 'leakage' between the battery posts .

Take the negative lead from a voltmeter and place it on the negative terminal of the battery, take the other lead and place it a half inch, 12 mm from the positive terminal, not touching it, if you have conductive deposits on the top of the battery, you will have an indication of a volt or two, the battery is discharging through the conductive deposit .

A quick wash with baking soda will neutralize the conductive deposits .

[Crossrodes]

That's interesting Bob.  I never thought of that.  I just prepped th battery on my wifes car for winter storage...I'll have to give the top a good cleaning.