How to charge a new motorcycle battery

[jgradyc]

I just bought a new Yuasa battery for my Kawasaki Versys, but I'm unsure how to charge it. First, I add the acid, seal it, and connect the charger, but then it calls for charging at 1.2 amps for 5-10 hours. I don't have a 1.2 amp charger.  The instructions say, " If you are using an automatic type taper charger, check to make sure the charger amps is equal to or greater than the standard charging method (i.e., 1.2 amps).

 

The reviews of this battery were good EXCEPT some people destroyed the battery by charging it too fast, so I don't want to mess this part up.

 

I have a Black and Decker smart fully automatic battery charger (Model #BC40EB) that charges at 4/10/2040 amps. Will this work?

 

Or I could just buy a 1.5 amp maintenance charger with auto shut off. I could use it for the tractor after this application.

[thundersnow]

One vote for the battery tender... That's more useful after this project for sure.

[Hozzie]

I use the battery tender plus.  I like it because I know it will not overcharge it.  

 

http://smile.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0128-Plus-Charger/dp/B00068XCQU/

 

or you can charge it to start with your current battery charger at its lowest amp setting and go with the Battery Tender Jr. for keeping it topped off.

Edited May 29, 2014 by Hozzie

[peejman]

It's an amp-hours thing.  1.2 amps x 7.5 hrs = 9 amp-hrs.  Using the 4 amp setting on your charger... 9/4 = 2.25 hrs.   

 

Don't let it run on automatic, it'll start with it's 40 amp output and that'll cook the battery in a hurry.  Manually select the 4 amp setting.  Turn it on and leave it for 2 hrs.  Monitor the battery and make sure it's not getting too hot.  Set up a small fan and blow some air across it.  It'll get warm, but if it gets hot to the touch disconnect it.  Once the 2 hrs has passed, disconnect it and let the battery cool off.  Check the battery voltage, it should be 10-14V.  Reconnect the charger in auto float charging mode and let it do it's thing until it's fully charged. 

 

Oh... and put the battery in a bucket or something just it case it cracks open and leaks. 

 

And yes, I also recommend the little battery tenders. I have a battery tender jr. and it works great.

Edited May 29, 2014 by peejman

[Sam1]

Not fond of the trickle chargers.

 

Just use the 4amp setting on the charger you have and it will be fine, those issues about charging it too fast are for situations where like when someone hooks a 20 amp+ quick/jump start setting on a new battery.