Battery Tender "Not a Charger"

[alanmcorcoran]

Well good news. Apparently the charger IS charging and I didn't blow any of fuses. I followed Easy's advice and, after the first hour at 2A I bumped it up to 6A for two hours. (I turned the key after one hour at 2A and zippadeedoodah.) After going to the higher charge, it started right up. I only let it run for about three minutes. I'm put the charger back down to 2A and I'll let it charge all night.

ALso, I bought a Battery Tender Plus from Amazon earlier in the day - didn't realize how widely distributed they are (they had all three models at Pep boys, could have saved $20 shipping. Did I mention I am a slow learner?)

Anyway, it looks like I am possibly back in business. I won't know for sure until I do a ride. My first ride is going to have to begin and end in the garage, that's for sure. I think I will put the charger in my saddlebag JIC.

Thanks Easy, JWR and the rest of youse. Another GZ250bike.com success story!!!

[JWR]

It's just learning from a bunch of old BTDT folks.

[alanmcorcoran]

Wrap-up: Left the Charger on the slow charge (2A) overnight. Amps dropped to near zero, so I guess that works but is not properly described in the charge owner manual. Bike fired right up. Gas gauge needle didn't move - thought maybe I had shorted it or snapped it when I hooked up the charger. Went to gas station - was legitimately low. Naturally, had to turn off the engine to get gas, so had a second battery test right away. Gas gauge works fine. Stalled on the steep ramp out of the station (The Strat has a less forgiving "friction zone" than the GZ, I'm still dialing in how much throttle I need to give it when setting out on a hill.) So, I had to start it a THIRD time. No problemo.

(I put the charger in my saddlebag JIC.) I think I'm back in business. I have a Tender Plus on the way. Probably overkill, but I figure between the two bikes, I'll probably have a use for it.

Thanks again for all of the advice. Saved me at minimum a trip to the dealer service department. And got me back on the bike quicker.

[JWR]

Glad everything worked out for you.

With the Tender and charger you should be set for life.

Ride on...have fun

Jerry

[Moedad]

You should go a for a good ride tomorrow, just to let the battery know who's boss..

[alanmcorcoran]

Moe, you up for something?

[Moedad]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

Moe, you up for something?

Yes, as long as it's only a couple or three hours. Got company coming tomorrow night at 5:00 and there's stuff to do.

[alanmcorcoran]

I could meet up with you at Jamboree and Santiago Canyon at 7:30 or 8:00 for a run down to Cook's and maybe further - unless you have a better idea. I could also head over closer to your end of things and maybe we could do PCH or San Diego.

OC Hoosier - you got your ears on? Busy web?

I have a rehearsal at my house in the afternoon so I can't be out all day either.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I'll probably have a use for it.

Use, yes; need, probably not.

The Tender will be useful if you run it part way down and want to charge it back up while you leave on vacation for a week or so. Otherwise the other one will do everything you need.

P.S. So, how old do you figure the battery IS ?? This recent drama probably has weakened it some.

[alanmcorcoran]

Hard to say. It's an '07 Strat, but it was sold brand new off the floor (basically .5 miles on it.) I think it was actually built in '06. So, technically, I guess the battery could be three years old. Do the dealers leave them in the bikes on the showroom floor? Maybe they don't even charge them up until they sell it. Bottom line, I have no idea.

Hey, speaking of which... Is it possible to push start a Strat? (with Fuel injection?)