Good day to everyone. I have been charging my battery since last night and the highest reading I get from my voltmeter is about 11.54 volts. I tried to start my bike and I got the dead battery sound from the starter. I figured it would start with it being so close to 12volts. What is the proper time period for charging at 1.25A? Oh the fluid in the battery is at the proper level. Maybe I just need a new battery.

Which leads me into my next question. I live in Alaska and I can not find anyone who will ship a battery to me. I have seen these Big Cranks that everyone talks about. What if I wanted to go into Schucks cause that's what I have here and get a Maintenance free battery? What would I get or could I get any 12V battery that would fit into my bikes battery tray? Your thoughts are appreciated.  

a big crank is best (my used bike came with a new maintenance free battery so I left well enough alone - know what I'll replace it with though)

I'd advise a maintenance free one if you can't get a big crank - saves checking fluid again or getting a dead cell through the fluid getting low.

a battery tender (about $50-60 I think) is not a bad idea - like a trickel charger that cannot overcharge a battery - having rigged up pigtail (comes with tender) to battery the plug tucked under seat when not in use to ensure Savage's battery is always fully charged.

I bought a new battery, and it seemed to take a long time to finally get a full charge.  We used a 12 volt, 6 amp. charger, and kept watching the meter to see how charged it was.  I think we were charging it for a few days, though we didn't charge it overnight, when we couldn't check on it.  Took a lot longer than I antipated, but it seems ok(?)

I have used the Battery Tender Jr. for years with no problems.

Hey Mclutter,

I thought I was the only person here from Alaska but I guess not. I was on my way to the Big Crank website to order a batter just now but I would rather not have to pay $40 in shipping to get it up here... Let me know what you find.

Its great weather we're having lately huh? Its supposed to get better later this week too   and if you're ever in Homer stop by.

Thanks for the tip Mclutter. I got the battery from batteries plus and she did exactly as you said.

Thanks again,
           Brian

Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:04:


We have the ones from EMGO.  A good bit cheaper.  Same current rating.  If I'm gonna keep 'em on the charger for a long period, I use a little timer to turn the chargers on and off.  About 30 minutes a day that way.

I do that because I don't trust the regulating abilities of the chargers

I also took the plug in connectors and wired them directly into the harnesses at the starter relay.  Then I just pull the end out from under the side cover and connect to the charger.  Easy to do.  No clips on the battery posts that way.

Okay.  Shipped.  I see that.