Which Optimate?

Hi all. I'm looking at getting an Optimate for my SV as it is used mainly for short trips at the moment as my commute to work is only a couple of miles each way. I still get the odd longer ride in, but want to keep my battery in tip top condition after my last once bit the dust from being allowed to run flat over winter. My question is which Optimate do I go for as there seem to be a few different models. The 3+ looks pretty good at around the £50 mark, does anyone have any experience with this particular model? Also where is the best place to mount the weatherproof connector? I was thinking under the pillion seat, perhaps cable tied to the rear sub frame, but not sure if the wires are long enough. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

[kaivalagi]

Just get the cheapest "optimate" you can, 3 onwards are the better ones, and mount the connector direct to the battery and hang it out cable tided against any bit of frame that looks right for you. There's no right way here, just get it and fit the lead

I've got an Optimate Accumate 3 and I fitted leads to both my bikes, each bike has the lead hanging out the side of the seat in an place where it can be tucked away easily enough

[Tomor]

3+ unless you have a bike with canbus. 2 is just a trickle charger.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

Thanks for replies. Looks like an Optimate 3+ it is then.

[Kenzie]

I can't speak for the 3, but I picked up a 4 for about £50 a while back. I have the tail running from the battery and under the pillion seat so I can just pop it off to charge.

Originally Posted by Kenzie

I can't speak for the 3, but I picked up a 4 for about £50 a while back. I have the tail running from the battery and under the pillion seat so I can just pop it off to charge.

That's what I'm planning to do with the tail lead. Seems like a neater solution than cable tying to the frame externally. Good to know that the supplied lead is long enough to allow fitting under the seat.

[Tigerrrr.......]

I've got an Optimate 4. It's on 24/7.


Excellent piece of kit. It's on my 2003 pointy and still on the original battery. Not bad for 11 years!


It's easy to connect the short lead to the battery terminals and cable tie the lead so you can plug in the main lead under the passenger seat. The best option, in my opinion.

[aesmith]

In case people aren't aware, the connector used by the Optimate battery chargers is available from model suppliers under the name "Tamiya Connector". Suppliers sometimes a bit unsure whether to call the connector male or female, the one you want for the bike has a female housing, male terminals .. for example ..

"Two for £1.30 from Ebay"
"50p Each Here"