Is a trickle charger necessary?

Hi Guys!

I'm a newbie here, but have browsed anonymous for a long time.

I have 1 quick, but major question that would sway me for / against a 2003-2005 tuono.

Does it have to be on a trickle charger?

Reasoning: I don't have a garage. It would be left on my street, under a cover, chained.

I'm aware of pretty much all of the weak points on these bikes... I've wanted one for a while. I'd replace the solenoid / cables / battery if the bike hadn't had it done already... But is this enough for it to be healthy with no trickle charger? The bike would be used regularly, all year round (I know that makes some people shiver, but don't worry It'd be looked after) so I'd need to be able to rely on it.

Any input would be great!

How much do they not like the cold?..

But that's a shout. I only work part time as I'm at uni, but that would be a once/twice a week battery top up if needs be. However it's not an ideal solution if it could be avoided.

Just done some quick googling, Halfords have a Smart Motorcycle Battery Charger (4A) which seems like it's battery operated, and could just sit under the seat... Could be an option.

I very rarely go that long without riding so that's good to hear

That's great to hear. Bikes are my primary transport, so it would be used consistently. I'd plan to buy one in the new year, just as it starts to warm up again, so hopefully I can get it all set up and enjoy it in our warmer months before worrying about the cold Smile

Yep I've seen those too, seeing them reminded me of the value for money of these bikes and why I wanted one in the first place.

Only problem is I'd need to sell my current bike to raise the funds, but I need my current bike to get around.

It's gunna have to be a new year toy

What he said Wink

My take on your question is an emphatic NO,it's not necessary as long as you have a decent battery and charge circuit and the bike is started every 3 to 4 weeks.

I except that technology moves on but I've heard too many stories of people cooking their batteries in the past.

I used to regularly leave my Mille for 3 - 4 weeks without pulling fuses or the battery and it would still start immediately like turning on a light in the house.

This was kept in an unheated lockup though not actually out in the elements so that could influence things.

My gen2 Tuono gets the same treatment although I do try and remember to fire it up at least every month and so far the big Lithium battery has done it's job perfectly. Although it I always give the bike a short burst of headlight full beam to wake the battery up first before hitting the starter,it then does it's light switch trick without fail.

Just make sure your battery (of whatever type) is as powerful Cca wise as will fit in the bike and that your wiring and battery leads are the best ( John Walkers Wink

) and you should be good to go.

www.apworkshops.co.uk
www.apriliaforum.co.uk
www.apriliaownersclub.co.uk

Looking forward to the next track day

IanG wrote:

What he said Wink

My take on your question is an emphatic NO,it's not necessary as long as you have a decent battery and charge circuit and the bike is started every 3 to 4 weeks.

Just make sure your battery (of whatever type) is as powerful Cca wise as will fit in the bike and that your wiring and battery leads are the best ( John Walkers Wink

) and you should be good to go.

I think everyone pretty much agrees that unless you are leaving it layed up for a significant amount of time without using the bike (Months on end) constant charging isn't necessary but make sure the starting system is tip top as Ian says (And you have already indicated you know about and will be doing).

The only clarification I would add to Ian's comment is that I think it needs a run every few weeks not just starting as all a quick start then stop will do is part drain the battery without putting anything back in.

I'm really glad to hear this! I rarely go a week without riding, so to hear they can go the best part of a month is great. I'll buy the electronic upgrade package from AP so then I don't need to worry about anything.

Thanks for all the replies!