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[dazza]

Hi guys I have put my royal enfield 350 classic 2007 model in the garage over the winter but I'm woundering do I need to place a trickle charger on the battery if so do I take it off the bike to charge or leave it on the bike I do have a optimate charger but not sure about the battery on a enfield

[Leon Novello]

It is safer to remove a wet-cell battery as they give off corrosive fumes when being charged which could cause damage to nearby paintwork and the battery carrier. Usually visible in bad cases by a white powder eating at the paint and metal. Sealed batteries like an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)are filled with a kind of paste which is not prone to this problem. Typical damage can be seen on Morris Minors where the battery carrier is nearly always partially eaten away by the fumes.

[papasmurf]

Use the Optimate charger at least once a month, don't leave it connected permanently.
Also check the liquid level in the battery from time to time.

[stinkwheel]

If the bike is being laid up for the winter, take the battery off, wipe the top with distilled water (removes any salt that could cause a very slow discharge across the surface), fully charge it then put it away somewhere in the house/warm dry garage.



Remember to park it on compression.



It's also worth brimming the fuel tank to prevent corrosion or water build up through condensation. Some people will also add fuel stabiliser and drain the float bowl.

[papasmurf]

It is essential to store lead acid batteries fully charges which means as they lose charge over time they need top up charging at regular intervals depending on the size of the battery.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arti ... _batteries

[dazza]

Thanks guys