Charging Gel Batteries.

[teejay]

I bought a new gel battery but , because I have not ridden the bike for twelve months it became dead, as you can imagine! I need to get the bike to the dealers for it's third clutch(31,800 miles) and wonder what type of charger I need for a gel battery? I have read somewhere that gel batteries do not take kindly to being left to go flat. Should I get another new one?

Thanks in anticipation,
Terry

[grahamw]

Terry

have a look in your local Lidl or Aldi's as they have had charges suitable for Gel batteries in the past. I have read on here that if you use a normal charger for a few hours to give it a kick, that can revive a flat battery. You could also try a Model shop as they use gel batteries.

Regards

[highroamer]

Terry,

Don't try an ordinary car charger as it will more than likely damage the battery, especially as it's totally flat. If you don't buy a gel cell charger, take the battery to your local gliding club. They've been dealing with gel cells for years.

Kevin.

[gglove]

Terry I know that the BMW battery charger / tender would keep your future battery good as new :) I also found out at the yearly motorcycle show that the charger is a battery tender with a BMW logo on it, would be a cheeper option.

As for your current situation I would defer to those with much more knowledge on this because I know these little gems are very sensitive when it come to electrical.
Good luck, you could always push start it ;)

[dshealey]

Of you replace the battery, get an AGM unit, like the Odyssey or Westco. Those do not need a special charger, and will typically outlast a Gel unit. I would much rather spend the money on a better battery than a different charger.

[ranks]

Older BMW Battery Tenders were just Battery Tenders with a BMW logo and the BMW power plug.

The newer ones handle lead acid, AGM, and Gel.

[stevie1]

What is an AGM??
Regards
Stevie

[rodneyinmaypearltx]

AGM = absorbed gas mat

[dshealey]

AGM = absorbed gas mat

That should be Absorbed GLASS Mat. There is a mat of fine glass fibers between the plates which holds the electrolyte in suspension (absorbed) like a sponge.