Why is it that motorcyclists seem to have more trouble with batteries than their automotive counterparts? Quite simply, there are factors that affect motorcycle batteries more severely than those installed in automobiles. First and foremost, motorcycles are generally used less often than automobiles, especially in the cruel winter months. Because of this, motorcycle batteries experience a much wider spectrum of charge and discharge conditions than batteries in cars and trucks. The fluctuation of a battery’s state of charge is a major factor in its usable lifespan.
Also, since motorcycle batteries must be much smaller and lighter than car batteries, they incorporate materials that are lighter and less resilient than their larger brethren. In the world of lead-acid batteries, size does matter. The battery is made up of plates, lead, and lead oxide. The more mass you add to these components, the more durable they become. Additionally, a battery is filled with electrolyte, which causes a chemical reaction that produces charged electrons. Obviously, the larger capacity of the automotive battery is a benefit in this process.
When you take these factors into consideration, maintaining your motorcycle's battery with a "smart" charger is almost a necessity. The OptiMate III Battery Charger is a solid option for this task. Like most good, modern chargers, the OptiMate III has a diagnostic function that determines the battery’s state of charge and fluctuates the flow of charging power accordingly. This eliminates the possibly of a damaging overcharge. Overcharging causes an excess of heat that damages both the hard and liquid components of a lead-acid battery.
There is an additional feature that sets the OptiMate III apart from most other chargers. It has a “desulfator” function that can bring some neglected batteries back from the brink of death. It should be noted that some batteries are too far gone to be resurrected. Desulfation will not bring batteries with a shorted cell, or worn out plates. However, if the internal neglect of the battery is not too severe, a desulfation cycle can work wonders. The OptiMate actually identifies this battery condition and runs this function automatically.
The OptiMate name is not as recognizable as the Battery Tender brand. However, it will ultimately do just as good a job at maintaining your $100 battery investment. It even offers technology that other smart chargers don't. At a retail price of $60, it is an affordable and feature-rich unit.
