Ctek xs 0.8

[DomP]

I was going to get an optimate 4 for overwintering my bike but I'm trying to budget. What would be wrong with a ctek xs0.8? It does the same job doesn't it and I can't see that the optimate 4 offers me many more features. Your thoughts?

[Craig380]

If you really want to budget, last winter I got a "Dr Bike" smart charger from JS Accessories for £20 delivered. Comes complete with push-fit connector for semi-permanent connecting, as well as crocodile clips. Works great.

Personally, I don't like to leave the battery permanently hooked up to any charger, no matter how 'smart', so I just connect the charger for 24 hours once a week to keep things topped up.

[Blapper]

+1 to what Craig380 said about leaving it connected although other members will tell you to connect and forget. I would feel happier if I could interrogate the charger via my phone to see its history of charge cycles.

[Craig380]

FWIW I've checked the voltage across the battery terminals after 48 hours on charge with my 'Dr Bike' unit and it reads bang on 14V (ignition off).

This is supposed to be fine for AGM batteries, so it's not going to overcharge the battery ...

[DomP]

Can't decide now, id rather plug and forget as charging every few weeks will get forgotten. Certainly don't want to be taking the battery out and storing it in a warm place as I've read about, never know when I might fancy a dry winter ride.

[Craig380]

I'd def get a smart charger, most have a male / female connector with ring terminals for connection to the battery, so you can stick it with the fuses under the pillion seat and at worst you just unlock the seat to plug it in.

Batteries actually discharge faster in warmth rather than cold, so providing the battery is well charged when you put the bike away (either after a ride or from being on charge) it will hold the charge for several weeks anyway.

If the weather looks like it's gonna be decent on an upcoming winter weekend I just hook up the charger overnight on Friday and the bike's fully charged and ready to go Saturday morning.