Question on battery charging

R

Rkc.

New member
Feel free to flame me if this question has already been asked - I looked in my owner's manual and searched the forums.

Here's the question - does my M50 give the battery a charge by starting and then letting it idle for 10+ minutes?

The reason I ask is that this is what I have been doing since November. I crank her up about once a week and let it idle for 10+ minutes. It cranks right up every time and I assume it has been charging the battery. My bike is only about a year old though so it could just be a strong battery.

A buddy of mine said that his Honda CBR doesn't begin charging until it hits 1800+ RPM's. He said that if he only cranks and let it idles, then the more he cranks it without riding will cause the battery to discharge.:???:
 
I would guess that it doesn't gain much charge considering the drain it takes to start it. Most generators aren't putting out much at idle above what it takes to run the ignition and accessories. I'd use a maintenance charger if you plan on doing that. Honestly, I don't know why you'd start the bike every week, though. Stabilize the fuel and leave it alone.
 
Put a battery tender on it and leave it alone. The tender will top up the charge as needed. When a bike is started for only 10 minutes and shut down, condensation becomes a real issue.
 
Suzuki uses a three-stage charging system, like most manufacturers do. At idle it puts out very little, and peak output is usually around 5000-7000 RPM. So idle for 10 minutes, while it keep the cobwebs away, doesn't really charge up the battery. Either take it for a spin, or put gas stabilizer in it, put a trickle charger on it, and ignore it until spring.
 
+4 :bluethum:

Cold weather does not hurt a healthy battery that is fully charged. What kills an otherwise good battery is leaving it sit in a mostly discharged condition for a long time. You might be approaching that situation right now. :shock:
 
Thanks for the info. Luckily, the weather has been cooperating and I have been able to get 'er out for a spin on the weekends. I'm a wimp though when it comes to weather - I need for it to be above 50F before I can enjoy the ride.
 
Also there's different quality of battery tenders. Pricing isn't much different. This new one I got over at Batteries Plus they told me has a brain. What it really does is after a bit is turn itself off then back on. But over, when parking your bike...yes get a battery tender.

You'll find yes that just idling won't keep you charged. But it is better than nothing.
 
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