Most motorcycle enthusiasts know that keeping a well-maintained motorcycle is about way more than just its looks or performance on the road. It’s also about keeping your motorcycle’s battery in perfect condition.
Whether you own a Harley-Davidson, a Honda, or a Suzuki, charging your motorcycle battery regularly is important. It’s the key to making sure your motorcycle won’t die in the middle of a ride.
Even if you take your bike out pretty often, the battery only recharges while in motion. If it’s left sitting too long, you might find yourself dealing with a dead battery at the worst possible time.
That’s why a reliable motorcycle battery charger is a must-have for every motorcycle enthusiast. This is exactly what we’ll be talking about in this article. In addition, we’ll be reviewing the best motorcycle battery chargers from Battery Tender.
Specific Motorcycle Battery Charging Needs
Unlike cars, which use alternators to continuously recharge their batteries while running, motorcycles rely on stators or smaller alternators that primarily supply power to the most important parts.
These systems don’t function as true battery chargers, meaning that if your battery is only at 50%, it could take hours of riding to bring it back to full charge. Simply idling your bike won’t cut it either. To keep your battery in prime condition, you need a dedicated motorcycle battery charger.
How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Battery Charger
Before picking out a battery charger for your motorcycle, you should check your motorcycle’s battery for three important details. Let’s take a closer look below:
Battery Type
Most motorcycles use either AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) or flooded lead-acid batteries. You’ll want to make sure that your motorcycle’s battery type is compatible with the charger you purchase.
Voltage
The majority of modern motorcycles operate on a 12V system, but some older models and dirt bikes use 6V batteries.
Amp-Hour Rating (Ah)
This tells you the battery’s storage capacity, which determines the appropriate charging amperage.
It’s also worth mentioning that a trickle charger (which is also known as a battery maintainer) is a great option for long-term care. It delivers a slow, steady charge over time, which means the battery will stay at favorable levels without overcharging (which is an issue most people don’t think about).
Most motorcycle batteries range from 10-30Ah, so using a 1 AMP or 2 AMP charger is most ideal.
Do You Need a Special Motorcycle Battery Charger?
Not necessarily. A high-quality 12V car battery charger with AGM compatibility and a low AMP setting (1-2 AMPs) can also work quite well for motorcycles. However, a dedicated motorcycle battery charger (such as the chargers from Battery Tender) is designed specifically for bike batteries.
Usually, these battery chargers come with features that extend battery life, prevent overcharging, and make charging efficiency even better. Smart chargers, in particular, automatically adjust to your battery’s needs—which means they’re an especially convenient, hassle-free choice.
The Best Battery Chargers for Motorcycles
High-quality battery chargers for motorcycles are hard to come by. That’s why Battery Tender is here to help. Check out some of the best options for motorcycle battery chargers from Battery Tender below:
The Battery Tender Junior 750mA 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer
The Junior 750mA 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer is a great investment. This charger provides up to 750mA of power, making it perfect for small motorcycle batteries.
It automatically switches from full charge mode to float mode, ensuring long-term battery health. Compatible with AGM, gel cell, and standard lead-acid batteries, this charger is built for both performance and protection.
This motorcycle battery charger:
- Automatically switches to float charge mode, which will help preserve your motorcycle battery’s lifespan
- Has spark-proof protection and reverse hook-up detection
- Is very ideal for long-term battery storage
The Battery Tender Plus 1.25 AMP Selectable 12V/6V Battery Charger and Maintainer
The Battery Tender Plus 1.25 AMP Selectable 12V/6V Battery Charger and Maintainer is great for charging and maintaining motorcycles.
This charger provides 1.25 AMPs of charging power, which means it’s perfect for motorcycles, dirt bikes, and lawnmowers. Its four-step charging program helps extend battery life by preventing overcharging and discharging.
Some of the best features of this battery charger include:
- Fully automatic with a 4-step charging program
- Advanced safety features, including spark-proof connections and reverse polarity detection—this is more crucial than you might think
The Charge N Start 1100 Battery Charger and Jump Starter
The Charge N Start 1100 Battery Charger and Jump Starter is a unique device, as it is both a battery charger and a jump starter in one. It is designed for powersport vehicles, including motorcycles, so it is a great investment for any motorcycle owner.
This device provides 1 AMP of charging power and 1000 AMP of jump-starting power, so it is perfect for small motorcycle batteries. Additionally, it is compatible with lead-acid, AGM, and lithium (LiFePO4) batteries.
Key features:
- Provides up to 40 jump starts in one charge
- Spark-proof with reverse polarity protection
- Safe for long-term storage
- Smart charging feature allows for optimal charging without overcharging
Why Battery Tender Chargers Are the Best
Battery Tender chargers are designed with motorcycle owners in mind. Unlike generic chargers that may lack precision settings for powersport batteries, Battery Tender models include smart charging algorithms to match the specific needs of AGM, lithium, and lead-acid batteries. These chargers also feature:
Advanced Technology
All Battery Tender chargers are smart chargers, which utilize a fully automatic 4-step charging process.
- Initialization: The charger begins by analyzing the battery’s condition, determining its voltage and state of charge.
- Bulk Charge: The charger delivers a constant current to bring the battery up to approximately 80% of its full charge.
- Absorption Charge: The charger switches to a constant voltage mode, allowing the battery to absorb the remaining charge at a slower rate, ensuring a complete and thorough charge.
- Float/Maintenance: Once the battery is fully charged, the charger enters a float mode, maintaining the battery at its optimal voltage without overcharging.
This ensures that your battery is always ready for use, even after extended periods of inactivity.
Safety Features
Spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection will help keep your bike (and motorcycle battery) safe. Battery Tender chargers come with both of these safety features. You can’t say the same for some other battery chargers on the market.
Long-Term Storage Capabilities
A lot of Battery Tender battery charger models can be left connected indefinitely. This will make it much easier to maintain your motorcycle’s battery health, even if you don’t use it for a long period of time. Your motorcycle’s battery is less likely to die if you store it in your shed for the winter, which is great news for people who live in colder places.
A dead battery can obviously throw a wrench in your riding plans, but with the right charger, you can keep your motorcycle powered up. High-quality battery chargers from Battery Tender make it super easy to maintain your motorcycle’s battery—whether you’re storing it for the winter or just want to keep it in the best possible condition.
Investing in a Battery Tender motorcycle battery charger means you’ll get to spend less time worrying about a dead battery and more time enjoying the open road. Feel free to check out more battery chargers from Battery Tender on our website. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have!
