Battery Tender Recommendations?

[LittleRedRider]

Accessing the negative terminal on the Shadow VLX to connect/disconnect the battery is a huge PITA, (there has been some very colorful language in the garage the couple times we've had to get at it :lol:) so instead of pulling the battery to put it on a tender this winter, I'm thinking of leaving it in and going with another tender just for that bike.
With all the options out there, is there an overwhelming favorite? An absolute stay away from? Feature must haves, etc. Recommendations are appreciated.

[gypsyangel]

We've always used the Battery Tender Jr's and we just keep leads on the bike all the time. They also can be used to power other items while on the road (such as heated gear, powerlets and air pumps) or just to plug the bike in when we're home.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR1HHgnsz0NgfbaNV8wv9DCXSc5Pwzt0 CB_qgd8N4YVmkQcPg4&t=1&usg=__o79iMBdOWbFrOfcPvYKPDcco6O8=

BTW Derby Cycles has em for $20 or if you have a Cycle Gear in town, they always go on sale the day after Thanksgiving for $20.

[BlueLghtning]

As Sarah said, the Battery Tender Jr's seem to work great for us. I've had a few of the walmart and other knock off's and they seem to live a short life. We've yet to have a Battery Tender Jr die, and I think we have about 6 of them now. They pretty much always stay plugged in and we just plug in the bikes when we are parked near them.

Another plus of having the battery tender cable is that you can install the powerlet kit in your tank bag and get power to your tank bag to charge cell phones, power GPS's and other things all from the battery tender plug.

[Astir]

This one is more expensive but what I use on the sailplanes and motorcycles. It will NOT charge from a dead battery, but it works perfectly for bringing them up from a lower voltage and keeping them in great condition after long months of not being used.

Comes with a nice pigtail for no cursing access ease.

http://www.batteryminders.com/batterycharger/catalog/BatteryMINDer-Plus-AGM-OPTIMA-Maintenance-Charger-Desulfator--p-16151.html

http://www.batteryminders.com/batterycharger/images/P/12118_product.jpg

[FJRider]

If you already have a tender you do not have to buy a new one. Jut go to pep boys or the likes and get a couple of SAE. or Similar plugs and splice them in. Just make sure that the exposed lead on the plug that is attached to the battery is the one that is attached to the ground side of the battery. If you have been happy with it in years past just add the plug and you are good to go

[gypsyangel]

+1 Most of the bike shops no carry the pig tails for sale seperate as well.

[LittleRedRider]

Thanks everyone!
Fighting with the negative to put a pigtail on one time rather than what I've dealt with previously sounds like a much more sane option.:lol:
Plus it gives me an excuse to go back to the shop with my 20% off coupon before it expires! Hmmm, those gloves I tried on last week seem to be calling my name.... oh yeah, that's right, I'm going for parts!

[theWolfTamer]

The pig tail should be less than $10, I don't see why you can't get both pigtail and gloves. You have a coupon right? :thumbup:

[LittleRedRider]

The pig tail should be less than $10, I don't see why you can't get both pigtail and gloves. You have a coupon right? :thumbup:

I like your thinking! :D: