Best battery charger?

[adamw2k2]

As the winter weather is having a drastic effect on the bikes starting abilities I wanted to try giving it a good charge before deciding on buying a new battery or not.

I'm looking for one of these 'smart' chargers, have heard the names Oximiser and Optimate floating around, has anybody got experience with these or any other chargers?

[the_lone_wolf]

Optimate is by far the most popular


But then lots of people bought the McElderry Xmas single...

[Alpinestarhero]

lol @ TLW

I use an optimate; its robust and reliable :) you can attach a lead to the battery and have a permanent adaptor fitted aswell, this way you dont have to keep removing the seat to get to the battery, just plug the optimate in via the block connector :)

[the_lone_wolf]

Yep, Optimate is a good bit of kit, mine goes through the 1/4 size DIN socket on the dash, on the RHS of the photo:

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/KTM%20990%20Adventure%20S/DSCF8360.jpg

[madcockney]

I use a maximiser 360T and also recovered what appeared to be a completely had it quad bike battery with it. It also comes with a connector to permanently fit to your bike which you can then connect to the Maximiser to externally. This is a similar arrangement to the Optimate.

[Alpinestarhero]

Yep, Optimate is a good bit of kit, mine goes through the 1/4 size DIN socket on the dash, on the RHS of the photo:

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr243/ktm_wolf/KTM%20990%20Adventure%20S/DSCF8360.jpg

where is the kitchen sink on your KTM:smt041

[the_lone_wolf]

where is the kitchen sink on your KTM:smt041
No sink unfortunately...:(

The panniers are twin walled so you can fill the between bit with water and fit a tap should you be traversing the desert without a ready water supply though...

;)

[Nostrils]

Having had the Maximiser which either broke or was useless I cannot tell, I opted for the Optimate 4 and it definitely is a superior model imo

[timwilky]

Had two Oxford oximisers. unreliable rubbish that went kapput when needed. Lesson learned bought an Optimate

[Biker Biggles]

Had my Optimate 8 or 9 years now.Cost a tad more than others but well worth it.

[Spiderman]

another optimate owner who is pleased with his.

[daved407]

I also have an optimate. Had it at least 9 years. The connecting plug is better now, but mine is fine. Bought additional connecters for my bikes and fitted them to those where the battery is tucked away. I just plug in every now and again and its the business. Does exactly what its meant to do.

[adamw2k2]

Hi thanks for all the replies, I was tempted by the oximiser as I found it for just £19.99, but after hearing a few bad reviews I think I will go for the Optimate 4.

The best I can find it for is £43.99 on ebay - anyone know of any better offers?

[Durbs]

Google shop search shows: http://www.intobikes.co.uk/products/002648/TecMate_Optimate_4_Battery_Charger?src=fro at 38.99.

Never used them though so don't know if any good or not.